Snoqualmie Point to Raging River

Explore the Raging River State Forest by following a series of forest roads from Snoqualmie Point down to the edge of the Raging River.

The trail begins from the parking area by following a graveled path through young forest. Bypass signs point you down the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail and continue along the trail as it crosses a forest road. Continue through the alders for about a mile to a graveled road. Head right a short distance to a junction and veer right again, following that forest road as it crosses under power lines and eventually leads to a high bluff with views of Tiger Mountain and the Raging River below. After you have taken a look at where you’re headed, backtrack a few dozen yards to a small unmarked path heading left into the woods. After a short descent arrive at a junction, head left, and you'll soon emerge into the clearings beneath the power lines at the base of the bluff. From here, the trail winds its way beneath the power lines down to the river and Highway 18. If you’re willing to ford the river, you could extend the hike by following the Raging River Trail to Tiger Mountain.

If you’re up for some exploration, this is a fun trek through an area that has yet to have official trails built and routed. However, the hike follows a rough mixture of forest roads and mountain biking trails through a working forest, which leaves it a somewhat light on natural beauty. Still, there is enough elevation change on this hike to make it a decent workout, and because it is still undeveloped, you’re unlikely to run into too many other people. Close and easily accessible, the Raging River State Forest is a good alternative to some of the busier trails near North Bend.

History

Back in 1983, a winery was built in the area now known as Snoqualmie Point. The Snoqualmie Winery operated until 1997, and allowed its visitors to enjoy expansive views of Mt. Si, Mailbox Peak and Mt. Washington rising over North Bend and the Snoqualmie Valley. After the winery was shuttered, plans were in the works to develop the area into an office park. In response, a group of community leaders including the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust worked with the City of Snoqualmie to purchase the area in 1999. In 2009, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) purchased the nearly 11,000 acre Raging River Forest adjacent to Snoqualmie Point, creating a corridor of public forest connecting Rattlesnake Mountain to Tiger Mountain. Today the DNR is still working on developing the recreational opportunities, which are likely to include hiking, biking and equestrian trails.