This may be the second most popular hike in the area aside from Mt Si. You will encounter crowds on most days of the week. It's a great hike to do when you don't have all day to spend hiking. It's long enough and challenging enough to get your heart pumping and the ledge overlook will let you know that you really made some progress.
The parking lot and facilities at Rattlesnake Lake are well maintained and the trail is clean and kept. You'll hike up several switchbacks through second growth forest and ultimately find yourself at the ledge itself which is a large, exposed rock with very sheer cliffs. Keep a leash on your dog and your kids. Views to the north and west open up to the Cedar River watershed, Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, Mailbox Peak, Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Lake and Chester Morse Lake.