There was no snow this time, but it was still a bad plan. The biggest problem is that the Rattlesnake Traverse is long and boring with nothing to recommend it. It's about 11 miles in length with almost 2,700 feet of gain. Most of that is in the trees. It used to be worse, surprising enough, back when I did it the first time much of it was on an old road. At least it's trail now.

Well, except the part that diverts onto logging roads through a clearcut. We did get good views of Mount Rainier at sunset, but that was short lived glory. Just like the last time we were chasing the rest of the crew, the smarter part of the crew that opted for the shorter hike. It was solidly dark as we hustled down the last switchbacks to the lake below.

So. Seriously. Next time I think it's a good idea to go all the way across Rattlesnake Ridge just remind me that I'm a two-time member of Team Bad Plan and the third time will not be the charm.