When the weekend hits, the last thing on most people’s minds is getting up before the sun. Trading in the comforts of bed for a cold, muddy trek up the side of a mountain is something that has to be experienced in order to be understood. There’s just something so surreal about hiking in the early morning hours, when the sun’s gentle rays shift between hues of purple and pink before burning a bright, buttery gold and the soft morning dew hugs the vegetation while otherworldly tendrils of fog snake across the trail. It’s all just so… mind-altering.

Hiking is such a drug.

Due to its close proximity to Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the busiest hikes in the area. Rain or shine, you won’t be hiking alone. The parking lot next to the trailhead is large, so while you more than likely won’t have to fight for a spot to park, you may have to elbow your way through a crowd of fellow hikers for a view at the top. Because it’s labeled in various trail journals as easy (and compared to most hikes in the Cascades it really is easy) you’ll find folks of all ages, shapes, and sizes meandering up its path. And since this hike is accessible year round, it makes it a great conditioning hike for trail runners who are training for their summer races.

And that’s where getting up before the sun comes in handy. The early bird gets the worm and all that, right? Well, in this case, the early hiker gets the views – beautifully and blissfully unobstructed.

From the parking lot, follow the service road for .3 miles to the trailhead. (Signs are posted and conveniently direct you where to go.) The trailhead sits next to picturesque Rattlesnake Lake, and for the briefest of moments you might be tempted to lounge next to her shores instead of trucking up the mountain. Don’t give in to the temptation!

The trail immediately disappears into a lush, fragrant forest, which envelopes you the entire 2 miles to the top. For the first mile, the climb is steady but gentle, thanks to a series of long, well-maintained switchbacks. During the first quarter of the hike, glimpses of Rattlesnake Lake can be caught peeking seductively between the trees, winking at your with her sun-dappled waters in a last ditch attempt to lure you back to her shores. Shrug off her flirtatious advances; there’s time for laziness later. After the first mile, the trail begins to steepen significantly, and it’s at this point where you might be wondering why anyone would call this hike “easy”. But most people do (remember those trail runners I mentioned earlier?), and they’ll prove it by trotting past you without even breaking a sweat. Fortunately, the trail is pretty wide and accommodating, so feel free to go at your own pace – whether it be fast or slow. Trail workers have also built several log benches near the halfway point of the hike, which provide a great spot to rest up and catch your breath.

At 1.9 miles up, wipe the sweat off your own brow and take a deep breath – because you’ve almost made it to the ledge. Take a right at the sign that warns you of the steep drop off (if you take a left, you can continue 2.4 miles to East Peak lookout or, if you’re really feeling adventurous, another 8.3 miles to Snoqualmie Point) and huff it another .1 mile to the ledge. Once there, make sure to pick up your jaw so you don’t trip – the views are spectacular. Watch the crevices in the rock as you amble your way over to the edge of the ledge – the deep fissures can easily snag your foot and snap an ankle. The ledge itself is large, offering hikers several spots to sit and take in the many viewpoints. Appreciate the sights of Mt. Si, Mt. Washington, North Bend, Snoqualmie Valley, and Rattlesnake Lake before turning back and hustling down the way you came. There is, after all, a lake calling your name.