Hike Report – Hyak/Rattlesnake Trail
When: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 8:30 – 18:30
Where: John Wayne Trail – Hyak to Rattlesnake. Through the Snoqualmie Railroad Tunnel.
Distance: 20 miles – the last 2+ miles were hiked in the Ollalie State Park parking lot due to a medical problem.
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Weather:
“Bad”
Cold and wet
Rain
Light Rain
Drizzling Rain
Moderate Rain
Pouring Rain
Freezing Rain
Heavy Rain
Wind
Light Wind
Windy Wind
Moderate Wind
Freezing Wind
Heavy Wind
You get the idea…
Level: Strenuous – Easy (7/9). Would have been Medium – Easy except for the distance and the terrible weather.
The first ten miles were easy; the second were very difficult due to cold and fatigue.
What was the most fun?
The tunnel
The first waterfall
The end
Waterfalls
What we did:
Practiced First Aid
Hiked, hiked, hiked
Ate lunch
Looked at waterfalls
Hiked some more
Got wet
Went through a 2.3 mile pitch-black tunnel
Went over five bridges
Played with our GPS units
Went through an avalanche shelter
Climbed down waterfalls
The most challenging thing:
Miles 16-18 because my legs were so sore
Staying dry; there was just too much rain
Looking down over the sides of the bridges
The last ten miles
Water Source:
Water bottles (only needed one 32 oz. bottle)
There are a lot of waterfalls, creeks, and streams on the trail so you could get your water from there, if you brought a filter, but we brought ours.
Bathrooms along the way
What we saw:
Waterfalls
Mountains
Cliffs
Rocks
Stalactites
Pieces of the railroad track
Communication Towers
The Freeway
Big trucks
What I brought:
Ten essentials
Water
Lunch
Extra socks (helped a LOT to change them!)
GPS
Hiking Staff
Backpack
15 essentials and a BIG lunch
What we learned:
You have to be ready for a 20-mile hike. You can’t just do it. (We were ready.)
Stalactites are on the ceiling; Stalagmites are on the ground. (C for ceiling, G for ground; DJ says he remembers the difference because Stalactites hold TIGHT to the ceiling.)
A 20-mile hike is about 5 miles more than one for pleasure. We were all ready to be done by mile 15.
This trail was all downhill. It wasn’t enough to see that it was downhill, but our legs didn’t get tired until almost the end, so we could definitely feel it.
Check to make sure you have your keys. Double-check. Triple-check.
“Water-resistant” is not even close to waterproof.
Bring a LIGHT hiking stick
Wear LOTS of layers
Wear rainproof clothing and layers
Suggestions for other people doing this hike:
Make sure you’re ready.
Double check to make sure your rain gear is good. Bring it even if the weather looks nice.
Make SURE you have your keys.
Bring the 15 essentials.
Be prepared to get wet
Conclusion:
Worthwhile hike. The first half was way better than the second.
Great hike, especially the first 10 miles. Not something for somebody afraid of heights, though, as the ravines the trestles go over are very high.
Great biking trail.
Good hike except for the Scout who developed hypothermia.
Adult Note: There are enclosed Kybos (sani-cans) every few miles along the trail. This could easily be stretched to a 30-miler for backpacking, or a 50-miler, as there are campgrounds along the way.