Rattlesnake lake one of the most beautiful lakes that I have ever been to for an engagement session. Rattlesnake lake is incredibly close to Seattle, making it a great option for engagement photos out of the city.

Moody Engagement Photos at Rattlesnake Lake

I had the most amazing moody engagement session at Rattlesnake Lake with these two. We got rained on—typical Seattle weather—but it was incredibly fun! Janet and Glen were wonderfully patient and relaxed throughout the session, completely focused on each other despite the weather.

What to Know Before Planning an Engagement Session at Rattlesnake Lake

Despite its name, you won’t find any rattlesnakes in the area. The name was given by Pioneer Arthur A. Denny. He had a good laugh when seed pods rattled on the nearby prairie and scared a road surveyor, who mistook them for a rattlesnake. Little did the surveyor know, Western Washington is free of venomous snakes. So, if snakes aren’t your thing, this is actually a beautiful spot you can visit!

Location: Just 30 miles east of Seattle, WA

Elevation Gain: Rattlesnake Lake Trail is 3/4 of a mile to Cedar River Watershed and Rattlesnake Ledge trail is a 4 mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,100 ft.

Parking: FREE! Get there early, because this spot is incredibly popular!

Best time of year to Visit Rattlesnake Lake

I truly believe that any time of year you visit, you’ll be awestruck by its beauty. Each season brings its own distinct features. It’s worth noting that summer and fall are the busiest times at the lake, so plan ahead and expect others to be there.

Fall: The fall foliage on this lake is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a fall engagement session. The weather is perfect during this season; not too hot, not too cold.

Summer: The warmer months bring in lots of visitors! The average temperature is 75 degrees.

Winter & Spring: These seasons are less popular as the weather is much cooler and often snow, so plan to dress in layers! With the temperature reaching just above freezing, this time of year is perfect if you want secluded engagement photos.

Want to see more of my adventure engagement sessions? Check out this Sedona blog, here! See more from this PNW engagement session on my Pinterest.

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