Rattlesnake Lake
About
What It Is
Rattlesnake Lake is a freshwater lake in King County, Washington, situated within the Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area roughly thirty miles east of Seattle, south of Interstate 90 [1]. It is managed by Seattle Public Utilities as part of the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area, functioning as a non-development buffer zone adjacent to protected municipal watershed lands [1]. The surrounding watershed provides approximately 65% of the Seattle region's unfiltered drinking water to nearly 800,000 people, though the lake itself is not a drinking water source and is fed by springs connected to the nearby Cedar River [1].
Activities & Experiences
The lake's north shore serves as the starting point for the Rattlesnake Ledge Hiking Trail, a two-mile route climbing 1,160 feet via maintained switchbacks to a viewpoint overlooking the lake [1]. Fishing is a popular activity on the water, and the spacious grassy shoreline accommodates picnicking and slacklining [1]. When water levels drop sufficiently, submerged tree stumps emerge from the lake and frequently serve as nesting sites for birds, offering an unusual wildlife-viewing opportunity [1]. The recreation area also functions as a trailhead for both the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail [1].
Practical Access
The lake is located approximately thirty miles east of Seattle, making it a feasible day trip from the city [1]. Access is from the north shore, which also serves as the trailhead for the hiking trail and connecting long-distance trails [1]. No information on fees, hours, reservations, or accessibility infrastructure is provided in the available sources.
Restrictions
No specific restrictions noted in the sources.
What Makes It Distinctive
Rattlesnake Lake sits at the edge of one of the largest protected municipal watersheds in the United States, giving it an unusual dual identity as both a public recreation area and a conservation buffer [1]. The periodic exposure of submerged tree stumps, remnants of the flooding that destroyed the town of Moncton in 1915, creates a visually striking and historically layered landscape not typical of regional lakes [1]. Its role as a trailhead for two long-distance trails, in addition to the popular Rattlesnake Ledge route, makes it a practical hub for hikers of varying ambitions [1].
Sources
- Typical duration: 4h
Access & fees
- not stated in sources
Things to do
- boating
- canoeing
- fishing
- hiking to viewpoint
- kayaking
- paddleboard
- picnicking
- slacklining
- swimming
Best time to visit
- summer months
Features
- exposed tree stumps
- spring-fed lake
- submerged ghost town
Nearby
- palouse to cascades trail
- snoqualmie valley trail
Good to know
- drones are strictly prohibited
- managed by seattle public utilities
Photos
