Rattlesnake Ridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rattlesnake Mountain |
|
|---|---|
Rattlesnake Ledge with Rattlesnake Lake in the foreground
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,480+ feet (1,061+ m) |
| Prominence | 2,520 ft (770 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | King County, Washington state, U.S. |
| Parent range | Issaquah Alps, Cascades |
| Topo map | USGS North Bend |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Rattlesnake Ridge is a long hill, also called a ridge, located in Washington state, near the town of North Bend, Washington. It's part of a larger mountain called Rattlesnake Mountain. This ridge stretches for about 7 miles (11 kilometers) and is a popular spot for outdoor activities.
At one end, the ridge is close to where two major roads, State Route 18 and I-90, meet in Snoqualmie, Washington. From there, you can follow trails all the way to Rattlesnake Lake. The ridge is known for its beautiful views and challenging hikes.
One very famous spot on the ridge is Rattlesnake Ledge. This is a large rock sticking out that offers amazing views from 1,160 feet above Rattlesnake Lake. The trail to Rattlesnake Ledge is a favorite for many hikers. It forms the last 2 miles of the longer Rattlesnake Ridge trail.
There are many fun things to do here, like hiking on the trails and even rock-climbing for those who are experienced.
Who Owns Rattlesnake Mountain?
Most of Rattlesnake Mountain is owned by the state of Washington or by King County. This land is protected as the Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area. It's managed by two groups: the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the King County Park and Recreation Department. They work together to keep the area beautiful and safe.
The eastern part of the mountain, where Rattlesnake Ledge is, belongs to Seattle Public Utilities. This group helps manage water for the city. Some parts of the western ridge are owned by a company called Weyerhaeuser Corporation, which uses the land for logging trees.
What is the Weather Like?
Rattlesnake Ridge is in a special climate zone called the marine west coast climate. This means it gets a lot of weather from the Pacific Ocean. Most of the weather systems, like clouds and rain, move from the ocean toward the Cascade Mountains.
When these weather systems hit the tall Cascade Mountains, they are forced to rise. As they go higher, they drop their moisture as rain or snow. This is why the western side of the Cascades, including Rattlesnake Ridge, gets a lot of rain, especially in winter. In winter, it's often cloudy. But in summer, high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean usually bring clear skies and sunshine.
Images for kids
-
Rattlesnake Ridge
-
As viewed from above
-
Rattlesnake Ledge weekend crowds
