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July 9, 2006

Over Hill, Over Dale

One of the great things about living in Seattle is the staggeringly wide range of activities you can experience within just a few hours' drive. Brian has contrasted New York and Seattle by describing the former as a "city with a park in the middle" and the latter as a "park with a city in the middle."

Although I've yet to get to New York, I think I know what he's talking about.

In practical terms, Seattleites can drive an hour East to the passes for skiing (in the winter), two hours North to the ferries for the San Juan Islands, three hours West to the ocean to surf, or four hours South to Hood River for windsurfing.

It's easy to take Washington's natural beauty for granted (I mean, doesn't every commuter have a great view of Mount Rainier in the mornings?), but when you take a day, get outside, and really experience it ... well, that's something special.

To that end, Guy, Mike, Amy and I spent yesterday out hiking Rattlesnake Mountain, from Rattlesnake Lake to Snoqualmie, along the Mountains-To-Sound Greenway. It's an 11.3-mile jaunt, rises more than 3,000 feet, and will take you (or at least, took us) about 5 hours.

Logistically, you take two cars and head out on I-90 to Exit 27. Drop one car at the trailhead, and then drive the second to Rattlesnake Lake at Exit 32. Park, load up your gear (recommended: 2 liters water, sunscreen, Odwalla bars, sandwiches, camera), and then hit the trail.

It's a fabulous, fabulous way to spend the day - especially when it's in the mid-to-high 70s (as it was yesterday) and you're with old friends. We'd take breaks about every 45 or 50 minutes, with great conversation (and some hysterically bawdy jokes).

Seriously, I can't recommend this more highly. If you're a novice hiker, you might want to try the shorter (but still fairly steep) Rattlesnake Ridge hike. If your legs are in shape (and you've got the time), then go for the longer one.

(Oh - and when you're done - may I recommend the the North Bend Bar & Grill? The Snoqualmie IPA is excellent after a long day's hike.)

If you're interested, my Flickr photostream can be found here.

Posted by Gavin Shearer at July 9, 2006 2:39 PM. Posted to Cool.

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