The Healthy Bride

Sunday was the perfect day for a hike.  The high temperature was 55 degrees and Seattlites were out en force!  We got off to an early start, so only really felt the crowds on the bottom 1/3 of the trail. 

We were a group of 13, 10 of whom are training to climb Mt. Rainier this summer.  This was our first of many hikes, so we went light and just enjoyed the day.  The trail starts at the edge of Rattlesnake Lake just outside of North Bend.  It starts flat, and then quickly ascends.  There are a few switch backs and before you know it you are at the ledges.  It took us just an hour to reach our destination at 2,079.  We had climbed  1,174 feet from the car and now had a breezy 270-degree view of the Cascades and surrounding valleys, including the nearby well-known Mt. Si.

We all decided we needed more, so we trekked on and upward.  We were soon on snow and our pace slowed.  Once we reached the perfect overlook for our group we stopped and soaked in the sun while enjoying our peek-a-boo view of Mount Rainier. 

We then headed down the trail.  As we made our way closer to the car, the crowds grew.  Seattle is a great place to be when the sun comes out, as everyone heads outdoors.  That is why we love to call this home.

We were back to the car a bit past noon with plenty of time for more activities on a warm, sunny Sunday.

Directions: From Interstate 90 east of North Bend, take Exit 32. Go south off the exit ramp on 436th Avenue Southeast/Cedar Falls Road Southeast and head three miles to reach the park. Just before entering the park gate, turn right into the small Rattlesnake Ledge trailhead parking lot.

Call the Cedar River Watershed Education Center at 206-733-9421. Open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; open on weekends from May 17 until mid-October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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