Rattler Viewpoint
At the start of November we hiked on the Stake Lake Trails. Our route was around the east side of the lake, past some iced-over bays.
We hiked a series of double track cross country ski trails, working our way south to Rattler Viewpoint.
The ski trails were all in good shape, providing good shoulder-season hiking.
The old track from the south to the top of the hill now appears to have been abandoned since it is covered in windfall. It appears that the way to the top of the viewpoint/lookout is by an off-piste ski trail or a snowshoe trail, both from the east side. We hiked back out by on the snowshoe trail.
Our 6.4 km loop route took us two hours. The final section was around the west side of the lake on a mild day with no wind.
Various routes on the Stake Lake Trail system provide excellent hiking in the shoulder season before the trails are covered in snow.
This is an interesting site which attracted my attention a few months ago. I have a general comment: When compass directions, (North, south, east west) are used in the hike description, it would be very helpful to see a “north-pointer” placed on a supplied map. This would allow people unfamiliar with the site location, to better understand the story being told. Thank you.
Hi, Lloyd. Maps are oriented north almost always. I don’t add declination since they aren’t used for navigation.
This looks like such a beautiful viewpoint! I’m wondering if the trail to Rattler Viewpoint is dog-friendly at all? I would love to bring my pup on this hike to take in the scenery. Does anyone have experience bringing dogs on this trail or know if it’s allowed?
Hi, Mark. The trails are well-used by dog owners in the off season (April – November). In winter the cross country trails restrict dogs, but there are dog-friendly trails a short distance away. Stake Lake is an all year recreational area for me for hiking, paddling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Cheers…