Rattlesnake Ridge

Difficulty: Easy

4 miles round trip

Our first hike for 2011. It felt so good to be back out on the trails! We have had a very wet and cold spring here in the PNW, so it feels like it's taken forever for us to get out. Rattlesnake Ridge is perfect: close, easy and a great payoff. We always do this hike when we want a quicky after work - pack a dinner and eat at the top with an amazing view.

The only problem with doing close easy hikes is that a lot of people like to do them for that reason. Keep in mind if you want to do this one it's usually best to stick to the weekdays or evenings as it is usually pretty crowded on the weekends. However, there are so many pluses that it might just be worth the extra walk from the street. 

There is a lake for the kids to play in at the base of the ridge, along with a picnic area. It really is a beautiful place just to hang out for the day. I have heard the fishing is fairly decent as well if you bring your row boat up with you.

Please remember on this hike, especially if you have children with you, that this is a ridge. It is a sheer drop off at the top and the view is just as beautiful from ten feet back as it is from the edge. Be careful and respectful at the top.

Directions: From I-90, take the John Wayne State Park exit 32. Turn South and travel for three miles until you come to the public parking area. The parking lot isn't incredibly large, so on a popular day you may have to park out on the street, but there is plenty of parking out there.