Cedar Butte
February 1, 1998
We were looking for a short hike that we could do carrying
our 14 month old, and selected Cedar Butte as a likely
destination. I wasn't able to find the trip described in any
of the guide books I have, so I thought it might be useful to
share. To get to the trailhead, take exit 32 from I-90. Head
south for 2.7 miles, and just before a sign for Rattlesnake
Lake Recreation area turn left onto a gravel road, which is
gated at about 200 yards.
Park here and walk this road for
about a quarter mile. The road now turns right, but there's a
trail that continues straight ahead, and an easy to miss sign
high up on a telephone pole indicating the "Iron Horse
Trail". Leave the road and follow this trail along a barb
wire fence on the right side, and a small lakelet or holding
pond on the left. After another quarter mile or so, the trail
rises up to meet the Iron Horse Trail. Easy and flat walking
continues from here for the next half mile, where the trail
crosses a trestle over Boxley Creek. Just after the creek
crossing a well worn boot trail heads obviously south - this
is the way up Cedar Butte. The total distance to the top of
Cedar Butte is only 1.8 miles, and the elevation gain is 1000
feet. At the trestle, you've come about a mile, but only
gained 100 feet. That leaves the last 900 feet of elevation
gain for the final .8 mile, so here's where you can start
getting your exercise! The trail wanders first through an
area that's been logged fairly recently, then climbs up into
heavier forest. The trail stays steep all the way to the
partially open summit knob, which gives fine views north to
Mt. Si and Teneriffe, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
Valley, Mailbox Peak and, close to the east, Mt. Washington.
If you've only got a couple of hours some morning, and want
to get a little exercise, you could do worse than this little
blob.
Last updated: April 3, 2001