The Cedar Falls Trailhead at Rattlesnake Lake is the western portal to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. After about 18 miles you reach the 2-mile-long Snoqualmie Pass tunnel. Bring flashlights and bike lights if you intend to trel into the tunnel. The tunnel trail section continues east to Hyak and then ends in 80 miles at the Columbia River. A Washington State Discover Pass is required at the Cedar Falls Trailhead. Check with Washington State Parks for current conditions.
Conditions: Expect winter conditions through April and note that the tunnel is closed November 1st through May 1st. Length: 18 miles to Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel, 100 miles to Columbia River Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Users: Foot, Bike, Horse Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Brochure (PDF) Snoqualmie Valley TrailThis scenic King County regional trail and former railroad grade trerses from Rattlesnake Lake north through the cities of North Bend, Snoqualmie, Carnation and Duvall. For current conditions contact King County Parks.
Length: 8 miles to North Bend, 31.5 miles to Duvall Difficulty: Easy Users: Foot, Bike, Horse Snoqualmie Valley Trail Map (PDF)Cedar River Watershed Education Center
The nearby Cedar River Watershed Education Center located on Rattlesnake 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.
Contact the Center for information about trail conditions, watershed tours, and exhibit hall hours of operations.
Cedar River Watershed Education Center17905 Cedar Falls Road SENorth Bend, WA 98045(206) 733-9421CRWPrograms@seattle.gov
Note (Aug, 2025): Due to the ongoing challenges trying to manage the use at Rattlesnake Lake while maintaining an accessible and safe park experience for all of our visitors, Special Use Permitting for activities or gatherings of more than 30 people is hereby suspended. Seattle Public Utilities is in the process of developing a recreational strategic plan and special use permitting is one of many topics that will be addressed, so that we can he a clear vision and process moving forward. For any questions regarding this update, please contact Watershed Protection at (206) 615-0203.