Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area
   

mountainous ridge of the Snoqualmie Valley
 
The 1,876-acre Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area forms part of the southern mountainous ridge of the Snoqualmie Valley and faces Mount Si. Viewed from the I-90 corridor above the City of North Bend, this scenic NRCA is co-managed and co-owned by DNR and King County. The NRCA protects scenic and visual resources, cliff terrain, wildlife habitat, numerous riparian systems and pockets of old growth forest. 
 
Features Protected: Scenic view corridor of statewide significance, mid-elevation conifer forest, Roosevelt elk habitat
Ecoregion:  West Cascades (King County)

Mountainous ridge covered in light snow.Science, Research and Monitoring

Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area, please contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov.  

Environmental Education and Public Access 

The trails at Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area offer an excellent outdoor classroom and they are convenient and accessible to many school communities in the Puget Sound region. The 10-mile Rattlesnake Mountain Trail reaches an elevation of 3,500 feet. The 2-mile Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, accessed from the City of Seattle’s parking area at Rattlesnake Lake, climbs nearly 1,000 feet to reach a viewpoint at nearly 2,100 feet overlooking the Cedar River Watershed. Green Trails maps provide detailed information about the trails at Rattlesnake Mountain.
 
The Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area Management Plan provides detailed information about natural resources present within the NRCA and appropriate use of the site. For more information, contact the South Puget Sound Region Natural Areas Manager.
  • Dogs allowed on leash.
  • Garbage service is not provided. Pack out what you pack in. 
  • Day use only. 
  • The Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area is closed to hunting.

Directions to the Site

 
Rattlesnake Mountain Trail:  From the Seattle metro area, travel east on Interstate 90 past the Highway 18 interchange; take Exit 27 and travel a short distance south on Winery Road to the trailhead (at Snoqualmie Point Park). 
 
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail: From Interstate 90 travelling east or west, take Exit 32; travel south on 436th Avenue SE, turning into Cedar Falls Road SE; follow this main road 3.1 miles to the parking area for Rattlesnake Lake; to reach the trail, follow an old roadbed that circles the lake to the right. 
 
A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking. This funding helps DNR manage these important natural areas across the state.