Rattle Snake Ridge

Rattle Snake Ridge isn't hard on the knees by accident. It's three miles of switchbacks that punish your thighs like a bad ex. The trail starts innocent, but by the first overlook you're crushing gravity. The second has you wondering why coffee isn't legal fuel, and the third? Well, that's when the views hit.

The payoff? A ridge-line panorama of Snoqualmie Valley that's basically nature flexing on your sore legs. And those Black Diamond Trail Pro poles? Felt like cheating on the climb until my grip slipped and I almost became a trail statistic. Pro tip: wipe the cork first folks.

Worth every bruise-if you're chasing views that make Instagram cry. And if you're knees haven't filed for divorce yet, pack the Black Diamond poles next time-they only ghosted me once. Hit Rattle Snake Ridge before summer crowds turn it into bumper cars, and blame me when you can't sit tommorow.