Cedar Butte

A short, relatively easy, hike up a forested butte near Rattlesnake Lake. 1.75 miles up with 900 feet of elevation gain, reaching a summit with views toward the north, from Mount Si to Mailbox Peak, and several other peaks in between. Despite such a nice payoff with an easy to get to trailhead, this trail tends to remain a bit of secret with small crowds, even on the nicest of weekends.

From the parking area, walk past the bathrooms and follow signs to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. The former railroad grade is wide and graveled, and gets lots of traffic from bikers, hikers, and trail runners. The first part of the trail borders the Cedar River Watershed (a City of Seattle drinking water source,) and frequent signs threaten consequences to any who trespass, believe them.

In less than a mile from the trailhead, cross Boxley Creek on a bridge. About 200 yards past the bridge, find the signed Cedar Butte Trail on the right. The sign is small, and the trail can be easy to miss, especially in the spring when everything is in bloom.

Follow the Cedar Butte Trail uphill and, in about 0.3 miles, come to an unsigned trail fork. Both branches lead to Cedar Butte, but the left fork is more direct. The right fork is about a half mile longer, and detours past the site of the "Boxley Blowout.”

The two branches reconnect at the signed junction, and the trail continues, via several switchbacks, toward the summit. (Personal recommendation is to go up the direct route to the Cedar Butte summit and then take the Boxley Blowout side trail on the way down. It is a bit easier on the knees and some nice extra scenery while adding less than a mile to your hike.)

On the final approach to the summit, the trail narrows and follows along the upper edge of the steep north face of Cedar Butte. The summit is forested, but there are views out toward the north looking up the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, with Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, Green Mountain, Russian Butte and Mailbox Peak all visible.

Return to the trailhead the way you came or, if you feel like exploring when you get back to the junction, consider taking the trail branch you did not arrive on toward Boxley Blowout.