Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area

Visited on a Tuesday, late morning. I thought it was crowded (because where I usually go has far less people), but my daughter corrected me by letting me know that at that time it, in fact was not crowded by comparison to other times, like a weekend. However, it was enjoyable! We were able to pull both vehicles up near the beach, blow up our paddle boards easily, park our cars with no issues, and get out on the water. Coming back in from the water was easy also. I'll be returning.

When you get to the actual lake it's absolutely breathtaking. Plenty of space to post up and hang with the family. The water looked very nice and clear. This is early June and people were fully swimming. It was so cold and refreshing. There were swimmers, kayakers, and people just on floaties. There were boats far out in the distance as well. The only down fall was the parking. There was a lot of it, but there were quadruple the people there were of spots ... so GO EARLYYYY. we went at about 2 or 230 on a Sunday (yes the wrost day to try to go anywhere lol) and we spent a total of 30 minutes trying to park. But after that it was great. Apparently there is a hike also and we saw a lady who made it to the top of the mountain. Go girl go! There were poapotties and outhouse style bathrooms so they were pretty bad... but there is a store like 3 minutes away that has a nice restroom so go before you get there.

Nice Trail and a fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts! It offers breathtaking views of the mountains, especially near the lake, and the surrounding nature is absolutely stunning. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. There is signage along the way to learn the history of this area and how it evolved. The peaceful ambiance and crystal-clear waters of the lake make it a great place to relax or take photos. It's also an excellent option for families, though the trail can get a bit crowded during peak times. While parking can be tricky on busy days, the overall experience is well worth it. A wonderful spot to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Nice hike and workout. Worth the view at the top. Took about 40 mins to get to the top and about 30 mins down. Try to go early because it gets crowded quick. Plenty of parking. Be sure to check out the lake before you leave. Dog friendly.

Pretty lake surrounded by lush, green hillsides. There is a paved path around the lake, set back 50 feet or so from the water, which is mostly hidden by trees. Take the many short trails down to the water for great views. The west side had numerous dead, bleached tree stumps in the water, providing interesting photo opportunities

Clear water, blue sky, let the breeze kisses you gently, sit down by the lakeside, let sunshine warm you… close your eyes, let breathe taking pictures expanding in your mind

One of the most iconic — and crowded — hikes in the area, and for a good reason. It's freaking gorgeous and only about 2 miles up. It's a little steep but not bad for experienced hikers. The lake at the bottom is crystal clear and perfect for a dip after your hike on a hot day. I see folks kayaking and paddleboarding in the lake pretty often, too. There's a lot of parking but it still fills up pretty quick every weekend all summer long.

We visited this park in the early morning on a Sunday. Very quiet and spacious, filled with bright and warm sunshine (although it got super crowded after noon time). This is a convenient hub of several popular hiking or biking trails. There is a water front trail, along the east side of the Rattlesnake Lake shore. It is quite level, no much elevation gain. Across from parking lot, the trail leads up to the Iron Horse State Park, and branches to 5+ trails that offer different levels of strength for hiking, in distances and elevation gains. The main trail has good condition for mountain biking too. Family friendly. Kids love it. Be advised that you need Discover Pass to park there.