Parish Hikes

   

Hike #14: Snoqualmie Mt. Trail to East Peak

People who are familiar with the trail to Rattlesnake Ledge, will know how to reach the Snoqualmie Mountain Trail to East Peak since the Rattlesnake Ledge trail is actually the first half of the hike to East Peak featured here. Snoqualmie Mountain Trail is a long, 10.5 mile trail that runs the entire length of Rattlesnake Ridge. Who knows why it isn't named the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail? Anyway, the long trail has two starting points, one at each end of Rattlesnake Ridge. Some people leave a car at one trailhead and then drive to the other so that they have a long, one way hike. Since our hike is a "round trip", we will go as far as the panoramic vistas afforded by the "summit" of East Peak. The peak, itself, sports a tall communication towers.

Soft, upward trail
The total elevation gain on the hike is over 3,000 feet — 1,200 to Rattlesnake Ledge, and another 1,100 feet or so to East Peak. The forest that hikers walk through on the first half of the hike is very interesting because it looks more like a garden than a rugged forest. The forest floor is a symphony of ferns while the fine third growth trees have a manicured look to them. This makes for very pleasant hiking. Folks who have never been to Rattlesnake Ledge will want to take a short water break there. It is well worth the time. The views from Rattlesnake Ledge are truly unusual. During the last glacial period, three large glaciers came together at the foot of the Ledge. Hikers will have splendid views up three long valleys. The Ledge, however, is quite dangerous since a fall from the cliff is sure death! Parents should not let young children wander alone on the Ledge. Take some photos, drink some water and then hit the trails again, unless you have decided that the Ledge is far enough. In that case, enjoy your lunch as well.

Onward hikers should take a look at their watch. If it took you an hour to reach the Ledge, then you need to figure at least another hour and ten minutes to get to East Peak.

Onward trail to East Peak

Much of the trail to the final destination of East Peak has been reworked. The trail is well marked with signs that say "Rattlesnake Lake" and "Snoqualmie Point". These are the names of the two trailheads. The only sign that says East Peak is the one near the beginning of the trail. This sign also gives mileage distances. It is 2 miles to Rattlesnake Ledge and 4.4 miles to East Peak. The onward forest is of densely packed younger trees. The trees provide nice shade on a bright day. At places where the trail is close to the ridge edge, "window" views are provided of the Mt. Si area and, in one place, stunning views all the way to Glacier Peak and Mt. Baker up by the Canadian border. Please stay on the trail unless a toilet stop is necessary (the only toilets are at the trailhead). Near the top, the trail crosses several logging roads. Hiker gates mark the crossings on both sides of the roads. Once a person attains East Peak, several well-placed benches mark summit views. The best view is right at the foot of the communication tower. Here, a large window has been cut through the forest providing stunning Rainier views, top to bottom.

How to get there

It is only about 28 miles from church to Rattlesnake Mt. Trail. Get on I-90, heading east (toward Snoqualmie Pass and Spokane). As the Interstate skirts North Bend, take exit 32, the green freeway sign will say 436th Avenue SE. As soon as you have exited, turn right on 436th. This is a winding, paved two-lane road that goes gradually uphill, working its way through pockets of homes. At 2.7 miles you will come to Rattlesnake Lake. On the right there is a 12 car parking area. If you are able to park there, then take the path toward the lake for several hundred feet. On the right will be a gated road. That is the start of the hike. If the first little parking area is full, then drive toward the lake a few hundred feet. On the right you will see the gated road that starts the trail. On the left you will see the entrance to a vastly larger parking area that is split into several smaller areas by clusters of trees and bushes. Park and then walk back out of the parking area, cross the road, and go around the edge of the gate on the road straight ahead that is the actual start of the trail. Hikers will walk on the road around the northern end of the lake for about 5 or 10 minutes until they come to several wooden signs on the right where the "real trail" breaks off from the road.