Seattle's Most Rewarding Hike (PNW 100 Edition) 🏞️🥾
As part of our Pacific Northwest 100 Hikes challenge, we tackled the legendary Rattlesnake Ledge Trail - and it absolutely lived up to the hype ✨ This classic Seattle-area hike delivers breathtaking views, manageable difficulty, and that perfect alpine lake experience we all crave 💙 Hike Essentials 📍 Location: Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area (40min from downtown Seattle) ⏱️ Hike Time: ~2 hours roundtrip for average hikers 📈 Elevation Gain: 350ft (steady climb on well-maintained trail) 🔥 Calories Burned: ~750 (according to our fitness trackers!) Why This Hike Stands Out 🌄 Panoramic Views: The 270-degree summit vista is absolutely stunning - especially on clear days when you can see Mt. Rainier in the distance 🗻 💧 Rattlesnake Lake: The perfect post-hike reward with its crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or paddleboarding (rentals available nearby!) 🛶 Parking & Logistics 🅿️ Parking Situation: Huge parking lot but always full on summer weekends We scored a roadside spot after lunch (arrive by 11am for best chances) Parking fills up again by 5pm as hikers return Trail Conditions ⭐ Difficulty Rating: 2.5/5 (easy-moderate) Well-maintained path with clear signage Steady climb but nothing too steep Watch for slippery sections when wet ⭐ Scenery Rating: 3.5/5 Classic alpine lake views Spectacular summit panoramas Bring your camera - this is Instagram gold 📸 Pro Tips ✅ Best Time to Go: Early morning (beat the crowds and heat) ✅ What to Bring: Plenty of water (no sources on trail) Sunscreen (exposed sections) Swim gear for lake time ✅ Alternative Options: Shorter loop around the lake (1.5hrs) Nearby Snoqualmie Pass hikes if crowds are too heavy #SeattleHiking #PNW100 #RattlesnakeLedge #WashingtonHikes #HikingWithFriends #AlpineLakeViews #WeekendWarrior #OutdoorAdventure #PacificNorthwest #FitnessInNature
