TrailsFest FAQ

Washington Trails Association (WTA) hosts TrailsFest every summer, with the support and participation of outdoor-oriented sponsors and partners from the outdoor industry, local communities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

You bet! Does she enjoy animals like goats and horses? How about paddling in a boat on Rattlesnake Lake?  She can follow an adventure treasure map, and visit the Hiking for Tikes activity center. 

We’ll be there. TrailsFest goes on! Come anyhow. It’ll still be fun! Just bring raingear. 

Pack your own lunch or snack if you like, and a water bottle.  If you don’t bring a lunch, be sure and have cash in case you get hungry, and to buy yourself a raffle ticket!  Remember to leave extra room in your pack for all the goodies you’ll pick up! 

 Casual, comfortable clothes. Layers are good in case the day starts chilly and warms up, as our July days in the foothills often do. Bring sturdy sneakers or hiking boots if you plan to join a hike or nature walk. Pack a light raincoat and sunscreen to be on the safe side. 

Rhodie’s BBQ (Booth #109) is at the Lake Shore serving BBQ, pop and water. Or, pack a picnic lunch and a blanket. There are full-service grocery stores in North Bend.  

Bring a water bottle - there is full plumbing at the Education Center, so you can fill up at a drinking fountain there. You can purchase water at the Lake Shore from Rhodie’s BBQ. 

Winners for the TrailsFest raffle will be drawn at 3:30pm at the Washington Trails Association booth (#101).  You need not be present to win. 

Why, of course! Save money and gas and meet some new friends who are also interested in the outdoors.  You can use RideshareOnline.com to find carpool groups to regional events including TrailsFest. 

Yep – free parking is available at both the Rattlesnake lakeshore and the Education Center.  However, parking will get tight, so carpooling is encouraged. You can also arrive at TrailsFest by bike! The Snoqualmie Valley Trail terminates at Rattlesnake Lake, just 7 miles south of North Bend. 

There will be portable toilets at the lakeshore, and there are permanent flush facilities at the Education Center. 

Yes - admission is free, though a few activities have a small charge (such as $3 for kayak rental).  Of course, donations to Washington Trails Association are always appreciated!  Also, bring some money if you wish to buy raffle tickets for the fabulous prizes, cool gear, a T-shirt, or a snack. 

It is about 1/2 mile along the Lakeshore Trail.  It will take about 15 minutes to walk there.  Or, you can catch the horse drawn wagon or Zipcar shuttle between the Lakeshore Area and the Education Center.  

Both are free.  KPLU Radio sponsors the wagon ride. Zipcar sponsors the shuttle. 

Yes, it’s $3 per person/$5 per family.  Check at the REI/Delta Paddle Sports Beach (Booth #507) for more information. 

It’s less than 2 miles to the top—and you gain 1,300 feet.  Some parts of it are a little steep.  You should allow 3 hours and take plenty of water and food. 

This is our seventh year of hosting TrailsFest at Rattlesnake Lake and if everybody has a great time, we’ll plan on doing it again next summer.  If you’d like to receive information about it next year, or are interested in being an exhibitor, be sure to sign up at the WTA booth (#101). 

Stop by the Washington Trails Association booth and pick up some hiking suggestions.  Or, visit www.wta.org for trip reports and an online hiking guide. 

Many of the exhibitors at TrailsFest lead activities and programs throughout the year that help people get outdoors.  Take some time to visit with them. They’ve got lots of great resources and ideas.