Day Hike - Rattlesnake First Ledge, Middle and Upper

Seven of us enjoyed a mid week 10am start at the Rattlesnake Ledge. This was a new trail for some and others hadn't been here for quite some time. Everyone was well prepared for the day's weather and trail conditions. We stopped to put on rain gear as the rain picked up speed. Temps were in the 50's and very light winds so it was a very comfortable day.

The group traveled well together and enjoyed a variety of conversations as we climbed up to the First Ledge in just an hours time. We decided to venture to the Middle and Upper viewpoints as this was a first for all of us. One member stayed at the First Ledge to wait for our return. The trail passed through an older, more dense forest with many tree roots crossing the trail and making some deeper steps in places. We ventured to the Upper viewpoint first and enjoyed the cloud motion over the Snoqualmie Valley. We had glimpses of Mount Si and surrounding mountains with some early morning snowfall on the upper slopes.

The Middle viewpoint is rockier and we choose not to venture out to the further ledge where you can tell some folks have gone. We made our way back to the First Ledge and met up with the member who waited. They had eaten lunch and had been sitting awhile so they ventured down on their own to warm up.  The rest of the group enjoyed the views while we ate lunch in a nice sun break. As we were finishing, you could see a good downpour on its way. We geared up and enjoyed a bald eagle catching the thermals over Rattlesnake Lake.

The hike down was a welcomed by all and we encountered many folks heading up. We had some light rainfall and nice patches of sun as we got closer to the trailhead. The member who ventured on their own made it back safely. We know this as they put up the windshield wipers on the leader's vehicle as requested.

A successful day for all and fun time with active Mountaineers.