Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area
A picturesque hike in Washington offering breathtaking summit views, a moderate trail, and a rewarding outdoor experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes.
Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque hike in Washington offering breathtaking summit views, a moderate trail, and a rewarding outdoor experience.
"One of the most picturesque views in all of Washington, this hike fills the soul. "
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The gravel parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail has rocky sections and scrambles; good hiking boots are essential for grip and ankle support.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Rattlesnake Ridge Summit
Panoramic vistas of surrounding mountains, lakes, and rolling hills. A truly soul-filling reward.
Cliffbrake Trail
Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area
A moderate hike with a mix of forest trails and exhilarating rock scrambles.
Sunset Spectacle
Rattlesnake Ridge Summit
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The gravel parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail has rocky sections and scrambles; good hiking boots are essential for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no water fountains or restrooms available at the trailhead or on the trail.
⚠️ Be Aware of Falling Rocks
Some visitors have reported hearing rocks fall from the summit. Stay alert and consider wearing a helmet.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The gravel parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail has rocky sections and scrambles; good hiking boots are essential for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no water fountains or restrooms available at the trailhead or on the trail.
⚠️ Be Aware of Falling Rocks
Some visitors have reported hearing rocks fall from the summit. Stay alert and consider wearing a helmet.
🌅 Sunset Hike Planning
Gates close at 7 PM. Ensure you descend with enough daylight or a reliable headlamp.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rattlesnake Ridge for its beautiful summit views and moderate, family-friendly hike. The relatively short distance to the top and free entry are significant draws. However, the lack of water and restrooms, coupled with potential rockfall hazards and early gate closures, are noted drawbacks.
"Visited on two separate occasions, Monday, and Tuesday.
PROS
*Had chairs and signs on the way which was nice.
*Beautiful view
*Relatively short trip to the top
*Free entry
CONS
*No drinking water or restrooms
*Gates closes at 7pm"
Omid Aria
"Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area includes a number of trails that are part of a more extensive network of options, including a direct connection with the Blue Mountain trail system. There is an abundance of trails with varying degrees of difficulty for both MTBs and hikers. Great views, lush scenery, and great canopy for summer and year-round protection. Don't miss the view from the top, but don't expect to get there via MTB if you're a novice. The trailhead is accessed via Barret Road but is easy to miss...so keep your eyes open, especially when driving:)."
Glen Beck
"It was a perfect combination of easy forest trails and an exhilarating rock scramble! Ending the day with a stunning sunset made it even more magical. I highly recommend this if you’re not afraid of rock scrambling or a little exposure."
MJ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessed via Barret Road near North Bend, Washington. Keep an eye out as it can be easy to miss. Some sources mention access near Roland, Arkansas, indicating multiple locations with similar names.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area. It's best accessed by private vehicle.
The trailhead is often described as being near Rattlesnake Lake. Look for signs and be prepared for a gravel parking lot.
Yes, there are multiple places named Rattlesnake Ridge. The popular hiking spot in Washington is distinct from the one in Arkansas, which offers mountain biking trails.
From Seattle, take I-90 East to Exit 38 for Exit 38. Turn right onto SE 79th Street, which becomes Rattlesnake Lake Road. Continue to the Rattlesnake Lake trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area is free, making it an accessible outdoor adventure.
The gates at Rattlesnake Ridge typically close at 7 PM, so plan your visit and descent accordingly.
No advance booking is required for Rattlesnake Ridge. It's a natural area open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
While you can hike during twilight, be aware of the 7 PM gate closure. Hiking after dark is not recommended without proper gear and caution.
Generally, no specific entry restrictions apply beyond the closing time. However, always check local advisories for any temporary closures or alerts.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate, with a relatively short distance to the top. It involves some rocky scrambles and elevation gain, making it family-friendly but still rewarding. +1
The round trip hike is typically around 4 miles, taking approximately 2-3 hours depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit. +1
Unfortunately, there are no drinking water facilities or restrooms available at the trailhead or along the trail.
Expect stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, Rattlesnake Lake, and the valley below. It's a picturesque reward for your hike.
Yes, many visitors find Rattlesnake Ridge to be family-friendly and kid-friendly, with a well-maintained trail for most of the way.
Dogs are generally allowed on trails in natural areas, but it's always best to check local regulations. Ensure your dog is leashed and cleaned up after.
Wear comfortable hiking attire and sturdy shoes with good grip. Layers are recommended as weather can change.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Golden hour provides beautiful, soft light.
Capture sweeping landscape shots from the summit, close-ups of unique flora, and the serene beauty of Rattlesnake Lake.
The summit offers the most iconic views. Look for interesting trees and rock formations along the trail for unique shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Visit on a weekday morning or during off-peak hours. Early mornings, especially on weekdays, can offer solitude.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens for those expansive landscapes and consider a tripod for low-light conditions. Be prepared for crowds during peak times, but visiting on a weekday morning can offer more solitude for your shots. ⛰️ Avid Hikers & Trail Runners
For a more challenging experience, explore the 'difficult side' of the trail or connect to the broader Blue Mountain trail system for longer treks. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
This trail is well-maintained for the most part, featuring a mix of forest paths and more challenging rocky scrambles near the top. When exploring, be mindful of the terrain. While generally not strenuous, the rocky sections require good footing.
It's worth noting that some sources mention a Rattlesnake Ridge in Arkansas, which is known for its mountain biking trails, including blue and black routes.
This is a separate location from the popular Washington hiking spot, so ensure you are referencing the correct area for your intended activity. The Summit Experience
However, the summit can also be a place of caution. Some visitors have reported hearing rocks fall from the summit, which can be a safety concern.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit