Seattle: Rattlesnake Mountain Trail (North)
This newer 5-mile dayhike in the Issaquah Alps offers a bracing workout and great views, all within 30 minutes of downtown.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.2
Waypoints
RMT001
Location: 47.5108795166016, -121.847229003906
Head up steep gravel DNR access road beyond gate
RMT002
Location: 47.5087051391602, -121.844711303711
Turn R onto signed Rattlesnake Mountain Trail
RMT003
Location: 47.5091705322266, -121.848449707031
Nice open views of Snoqualmie Valley and snowy peaks in the N. Cascades
RMT004
Location: 47.5061302185059, -121.849342346191
Unsigned trail on R leads down 100 yds. to lovely seasonal creek under lush hemlock-fir forest. Stay straight for main trail. Wildflowers: Oregon grape, western trillium
RMT005
Location: 47.5050277709961, -121.844573974609
Trail angles up to R to start steep traverse across old selective-cut area. Huge trees on hillside
RMT006
Location: 47.503547668457, -121.844352722168
Cross DNR gravel access road; views of Mt. Si to E. Four species of woodpeckers live here. Recross road in a few hundred yards; views increase with elevation
RMT007
Location: 47.4997673034668, -121.842407226562
Pass under power lines and say goodbye to views for a while as you re-enter replanted area of 20- to 40-ft. trees. See red-tailed and sharp-shinned hawks on dead snags
RMT008
Location: 47.4961280822754, -121.838325500488
Emerge from forest, recross DNR road, then re-enter young forest and begin climbing on newly constructed trail
RMT009
Location: 47.4929542541504, -121.835090637207
Unsigned trail @ L leads to stunning view of Snoqualmie Valley
RMT010
Location: 47.4930381774902, -121.834098815918
You’ve climbed 1,200+ ft. Backtrack to WPT 9, and turn L (SE again)
RMT011
Location: 47.4919052124023, -121.833854675293
Trail leaves another small selective-cut area and enters lush mature forest
RMT012
Location: 47.4906425476074, -121.831405639648
Reach opening in forest as you cross gravel road. Go R; in 200 yds. are good views of the Issaquah Alps. Return to trailhead
Trail Views
Location: 47.5091285705566, -121.848449707031
Mount Si and Snoqualmie Valley from Rattlesnake Mtn.
