One word - WOW !! One of the closest and most easily accessible trails you could possibly get to offers the biggest pay-off at summit- stunning 360 degree VIEWS!!This is one easy-to-reach destination trail on the east side of this city, and a lot more convenient if you come earlier during the weekends, because parking can get hectic in a hurry.
A leisurely two-mile hike with some gradual slope brings you up to the top, where you get the prize: an open 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, and an awesome lake backdrop at the bottom, a Kodak moment for all of us to pose to and enjoy. Score! Once you come down, the trail takes you from Rattlesnake Lake to a perfect picnic rock with the most amazing view of the Cascades.
Hiked with 3 year old son and a lovely wife so can say its very family friendly. Bring some drinks and something light to eat, because you'll be hungry by the time you get up to the summit. Most of all, bring yourself. You don't want to miss this date with nature, because this is one easy date, but is guaranteed to satisfy you for a while, will leave you tired and happy, but will also make you think about coming back again... and again.
Good for Every age, novice hiker or experienced...Rattlesnake is still one of the best around.
Here are directions from wikipedia:
To get to the more popular eastern entrance to the park (the one closest to Rattlesnake Ledge), take I-90 to Exit 32, labeled 436the Ave. Go South on 436th Ave, which passes RiverBend and Wilderness Rim subdivisions. 436th Ave becomes Cedar Falls Road. Around 2.85 miles you come to Rattlesnake Lake parking lot on the right. The road continues for a short distance where it ends at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center. The western entrance is near Exit 27 on I-90.
The below one is one of my new shots from the same place at sunset.
