Winter Hike at Rattlesnake Ledge
There is no question that I like hiking no matter the time of year. I am also not the biggest fan of snow. It’s pretty in moderation, but I like to be able to see the ground for a majority of my year, thank you very much.
So, when the cold months are upon us, and the blanket of white covers a good majority of the landscape if you live in the north, I like to keep a list of accessible and safe hikes (low avalanche risk, low mudslide/landslide risk, high beautiful views risk) in my back pocket. Near the top of that list is Rattlesnake Ledge in North Bend, Washington.
At just over 5.5 miles round trip and about 2100’ elevation, the summit of Rattlesnake Ledge offers sweeping views of Mount Si, North Bend, Snoqualmie Valley, Mount Washington, Mailbox Peak, Chester Morse Lake and much, much more.
I set out with my mom at just after sunrise. We were treated to gorgeous views of the mist lifting off the trees as the sunlight kissed each dew drop. The scent of petrichor and pine was thick in the air, and the sounds of morning songbirds was only interrupted by our quiet conversation and periodic gasps at the views. Each footstep crunched cold mulch beneath our feet as we climbed higher and higher into the thinning air to greet the rising sun. This was my mother’s first time hiking this incredibly popular mountain, and though she was reluctant and nervous to join me on this particular adventure, she seemed to think it was well worth it in the end.
Most folks stop after they get to the first ledge. Understandable, as the drop down is as horrifying as it is breathtakingly stunning. Reluctantly, my mom kept following me along to the second and third ledges. My first time visiting either of these, and they have instantly become a new favorite destination of mine.
If you get a chance to hike Rattlesnake Ledge, I highly recommend it. It is a place I keep returning to time and time again, and I’ve never had a similar experience twice.
I have mentioned before that not only does the land bring me a great sense of wonder and discovery, but the history of the Snoqualmie People (the people of the Moon the Transformer) brings even more reverence for this place. Snoqualmie Valley (specifically Snoqualmie Falls) is the birthplace of the first people in native legend, and this is the place where mist carries prayers from the people up to the Creator.
No matter how you think or believe, or what your faith-base system is (if you have one), one thing in undeniable, and that is that this place certainly feels painted with ancient wisdom and incredible magic.
