Rattlesnake Mountain West Peak by Taylor Mountain lies in the Raging River State Forest. It’s the second-highest point on Rattlesnake Mountain proper. Moreover, the ridge trail quickly reaches the peak off the beaten path.
See more trip photos here.
Rattlesnake Mountain West Peak at a Glance
Access: Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
Round Trip: 9.4 miles
Elevation Range: 1040′-3262′
Gear: none
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
Rattlesnake Mountain Trail
After yesterday’s trip with the dogs, I enjoyed some “me” time today. I arrived at the trailhead later than I’d liked, but being the first one here was surprising. Shortly, another car dropped off a hiker who started as I was getting ready.
The trail went from dry to slushy and eventually with continuous snow. I caught up to the other person and chatted before moving on. As it turned out, they had moved here from Boston and were about to move again.
![Crossing the powerline clearcutting](https://i0.wp.com/live.staticflickr.com/65535/52572376501_f1abf890c1_k.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
See more trip photos here.
Rattlesnake Mountain West Peak
En route, the old tracks looked a few days old, at least since before the latest snowfall. It was much less enjoyable with the mists and the rain on top of the snowy weather. Then I was in continuous snow after going past Grand Prospect.
Before putting on snowshoes, I checked the terrain below east of Rattlesnake Mountain West Peak. The other hiker appeared and decided to press forward to Rattlesnake Ledge. I then dove into the powder and up the clearing.
![No views from the summit](https://i0.wp.com/live.staticflickr.com/65535/52572823340_c23c293498_k.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
See more trip photos here.
Summit Plus Exit
The dense mists didn’t offer views at the clearings as it started snowing again. I could hardly make out the lower towers until I was near the fences. From there, it was only several hundred feet to the windy summit.
Due to the poor weather, I hung around briefly before returning to the forest. I stopped at Stan’s Lookout to see the spotty views when the clouds dissipated. People soon trickled in when I reached the lower trail en route to the lot.
![Mount Si from the trailhead](https://i0.wp.com/live.staticflickr.com/65535/52572647859_41d78ce080_k.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
See more trip photos here.