Rattlesnake Lake (not the ridge)
About:
Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area
The Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area is a day-use area located outside the hydrologic boundaries of the Cedar River Municipal Watershed near North Bend. The lake is located near Interstate 90, exit 32, about 3 miles southeast of North Bend and about 35 miles east of Seattle. The recreation area includes the 111-acre lake, picnic areas, the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail and parking access to miles of State Park and King County hiking, biking, and horse trails. The recreation area is owned and managed by Seattle Public Utilities as a non-development buffer to the protected municipal watershed lands. The watershed supplies 65% of the Seattle region’s unfiltered drinking water to nearly 800,000 people. Rattlesnake Lake is not used for drinking water and is spring-fed by the nearby Cedar River.
Rules and Regulations:
· Open dawn to dusk, year-round. Parking is free.
· NO overnight camping or open fires. Barbecues OK.
· Portable toilets and lakefront picnic areas. NO drinking water.
· Water is available at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center.
· Boat launch: Self propelled and electric boat motors only.
· Swimming: NO life guards, swim at your own risk.
· Fishing: Year-round catch and release, Washington State selective gear rules apply.
· Hunting and gathering is prohibited.
Rattlesnake Lake Trail
Trail Information and Conditions
Length: ¾ mile to Cedar River Watershed Education Center
Difficulty: Very easy
Users: Foot, Bike, ADA Accessible
View map (pdf)
This lake trail is located on the southeast side of the lake and is a mix of barrier-free paved and packed gravel loop trails that access the lake, parking and the Cedar River Watershed Education Center.
Cedar River Watershed Education Center: Tours, Rentals and Event Permits
The nearby Cedar River Watershed Education Center located on the lake’s south shore offers visitors a chance to experience the watershed through exhibits, information, watershed tours, field trips and special events focused on Seattle’s drinking water, history, wildlife and more. Inquire at the Center about room rentals, special event requests and permits for sporting events, races, community gatherings for 30 or more people, and film productions.
Contact the Center for Information about, Trail Conditions, Watershed Tours, and Recreation area Special Events:
Cedar River Watershed Education Center
19901 Cedar Falls Road SE
North Bend, WA 98045
(206) 733-9421 or (425) 831-6780
Email:
Driving Directions:
From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 32 for 436th Avenue SE. Turn right onto 436th Avenue SE, also signed as Cedar Falls Road SE. Proceed about four miles down the road to the Rattlesnake Lake parking lot on the right.