Hiking Rattlesnake Ledge // Washington

Rattlesnake Ledge is a relatively moderate hike in Washington’s Central Cascade Mountains. A popular trail, especially in the summertime, hikers are rewarded with stunning views and Instagram-worthy panoramas at the top.

The trail starts at a family-friendly park by Rattlesnake Lake. When we went, the lake was very low, but when it’s been a good winter it’s supposed to be suitable for swimming and kayaking. The park makes it a great option for families and groups; folks who don’t want to do the hike can hang out by the lake.

Less than an hour from Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge is a great day trip. The trail winds through beautiful forest, with a few lookouts over Rattlesnake Lake as you ascend, and is nice and wide and well-maintained.

This was one of the first hikes we took Aspen on when adopted her. She’s a great hiker, and–as we discovered–apparently a really great rock scrambler!

Go early if you want to avoid the crowds, and watch your little ones and dogs at the ledge(s) when you reach the top–there are some sheer cliffs.

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Distance: 4.0 miles, roundtrip (6.4 km.)

Elevation: 3,481 ft. (1,061 m) // 1,160 ft. gain (353.5 m.)

Terrain: Dirt; not too steep; includes many switchbacks; well-maintained

Difficulty Level: Moderate, suitable for most ages

Dog-friendly: Yes

Entrance Fee: No

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Written by Stephanie

Hiking Diamond Head // Oahu

Diamond Head is easily one of Hawaii’s most recognizable landmarks. Known for its historic trail, beautiful coastal views, and military history, the state monument encompasses more than 745 acres, including the entire crater.

We had plans to try to get to Diamond Head earlier in the week, but our schedule ended up not allowing for it. That’s how we found ourselves getting up early the day our plane left to squeeze this hike in as our farewell to Oahu.

Although this is a relatively moderate hike, it is steep and uneven in areas, and the last 1/10 of a mile is ALL stairs. Hawaii’s Division of State Parks recommends allowing 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the hike. If you’re an avid hiker and on a time-crunch, like us, you can do it less. We were up and down within 45-50 minutes.

The Fire Control Station at the summit, built in 1911, directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. Also at the summit are bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. Diamond Head offers beautiful 360-degree views.

Even though it  meant getting up early, practically sprinting up the trail and back down, and rushing “home” to shower and take care of last-minute packing before our flight back to SoCal, we’re really glad we decided to squeeze this in.

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Distance: 1.5 miles, roundtrip (2.4 km.)

Elevation: 560 ft. gain (52 m.) // 762 ft. total (70 m.)

Terrain: Somewhat steep; includes many switchbacks, a steep staircase, and a lighted tunnel

Difficulty Level: Moderate, suitable for most ages

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Written by Stephanie

Video // Hiking Olomana Ridge Trail

Check out the video of our hike and climb at Olomana Ridge Trail on Oahu!

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Video by Joshua

Hiking Olomana Ridge Trail // Oahu

Olomana Ridge Trail consists of three peaks rising dramatically from the Koolau Ridge: Olomana, Paku’i, and Ahiki. We only climbed Olomana, which is the first and highest peak, offering stunning 360-degree views from the top.

The trailhead is a short drive out of Honolulu, located just inside the Luana Hills Country Club. Although not a long hike, it is quite strenuous and not for the faint of heart. Steep and narrow at times, it also includes rock scrambling and a 15-foot vertical rock ascent near the end to reach the peak.

The friendly guy in the guard shack at the entrance to the country club told us to be on the lookout for wild pigs, which will normally run from humans; however, if there happens to be a dog nearby they can get aggressive, because they think they’re being hunted. We did see one pig along the side of the road as we headed toward the trail, but none on the hike itself. We made plenty of noise as we walked so anything in close proximity would hear us coming.

Pretty vistas along the trail offered great stopping points for water and short rests, and the trail itself is full of diverse and lush vegetation.

We made it to the top–and back down again–without incident. If you find yourself on Oahu and looking for adventure, this is a great hike! Use your best judgment and know your limits. The trail can be dangerous, especially in wet or windy conditions, and it consists of many narrow pathways, cliff edges, and rocky ascents.

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Distance: 3 miles, roundtrip

Elevation: 1, 644 ft. (501 m.)

Terrain: Steep, narrow, rocky; requires some rock climbing and scrambling.

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Check out the video of our trek here!

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Written by Stephanie