Mike's Bike and Hike

Hike Report #4: August 17
Rattlesnake Ledge
South Cascades, Washington
4 miles, 1200' elevation gain



Getting away from it all - the noise, the crowds, the city - is probably near the top of most folks' lists of reasons to hike. But there are a few can't-miss trails close to Seattle which reward a hiker's tolerance of "the masses." Rattlesnake Ledge is one of those, and it certainly was crowded on this warm summer day!

Joshy, Lisa, Polly, and I almost stayed home as the forecast called for afternoon lightning. Yikes! But we decided to take a chance and make a game-time decision at the trailhead. It turned out to be beautiful weather, and we set off with several hundred of our closest friends for the cliff-tops.

The hike was steady and the slope actually somewhat challenging at times. At 2 miles, we crested a rock ridge and the view opened up spectacularly to the valley and Rattlesnake Lake below. We enjoyed a snack of peanuts and sunflower seeds (very gourmet, I know) and Polly enjoyed a couple good belly rubs from strangers. I always marvel at the fearless "mountain chipmunks" up there who disappear over the sheer rock face and then reappear from below in a different spot seconds later.

It was a great afternoon in the hills with my loved ones (and a bunch of other people)!

Labels: Hike-A-Thon, Hiking