I hiked the Rattlesnake Mountain trail from the Exit 32 trail head up to the Upper Ledge. I generally avoid this trail because it is so popular. On a summer weekend, it is literally like being in downtown Seattle, if downtown Seattle was a lot hillier (and it is hilly enough).
But the trail is really nice – upgrade during the Covid shutdown last year – and it is a very good workout. I took a chance today that if I started early (I left the car at 7:15 am) and went past the most crowded spot, Rattlesnake Ledge (the lowest of three ledges) I would luck out. And I did.
I saw one person on the way up and maybe 6 or 7 on the way down. Nice!
Great views from the ledge, looking down towards the lake and to a nearby splash of color:
Here is the track; it was about 5.2 miles, 1,7000 feet of elevation gain, a fun way to start the day.
