Rattlesnake lake isn’t exactly a location secret for family photoshoots. Family photoshoots at Rattlesnake Lake are almost certain to be beautiful. The lake is absolutely stunning with weathered tree stumps and a sunset the peeks over the brilliant surrounding mountaintops. And the best part? It’s only a 30 minute drive from Bellevue and 45 minute drive from Seattle in the usual traffic! Rattlesnake Lake is a breathtaking location for a family photoshoot. However, any popular location requires a few tips and tricks to set yourself up for beautiful and timeless photos.

What Makes Rattlesnake Lake a Great Location for Family Photoshoots?

I didn’t originally fall in love with Rattlesnake Lake as a photographer. My heart was first drawn to it as a Mom looking for a beach for my two daughters to play at. I didn’t want the insanity of the tiny Bellevue beach parks or the parking nightmares of the Seattle coastline.

It Was Convenient AND Beautiful- The Perfect Combination for a Busy Mom!

I first visited the lake on a weekday morning at the start of the summer. My kids wanted a place to go with their unicorn inner tubes and our local pool didn’t allow them. My youngest was in a sand-eating phase (gross!) so I had looked up beaches that had a more rocky coastline. When we got there I was blown away by the convenience of everything. My oldest immediately began catching crayfish in buckets which kept her entertained for an entire hour. My youngest happily chased ducks and crawled into the shallow areas to pull herself up on the stumps topped with small pools teaming with tiny bugs and fish to observe. That day we stayed at the lake for almost six hours. That is an absolute rarity when you have a 2 year old and a 4 year old. I’ve been hooked ever since.

As a Photographer, I Love that the Lake Is Accessible All Year

Although most people tend to think of lakes as a summer photoshoot destination, Rattlesnake Lake is unique in it’s versatility of landscape which makes it stunning in almost every season. In the Spring, before the crowds set in, the lake has a quick snow melt in comparison to other mountain lakes because it’s much lower than other lakes around Snoqualmie. The Summer, although the most crowded season, offers lots of opportunity for photographs centered in play. There’s shallow water to kick, logs to climb, crawfish to collect, and landscape to explore. I ADORE the natural adventure that peaks though in family photographs. In the Fall yellows dapple the mountainside and some trees near the parking lot can create a robust gallery with a variety of landscapes. In the Winter, the water recedes quite a bit which makes the exposed tree trunks more accessible and creates a unique landscape for snowy day sessions.

When is the Best Time of Day for a Family Photoshoot at Rattlesnake Lake?

Because of the way the sun rises in sets in this area I hold it as one of my favorite golden hour locations for family photoshoots. The Sunset peaking out above the mountaintops in the background of your family images created a dramatic and story-like image. I’m a sucker for a backlit photo and I have certain locations that I prioritize as morning or evening locations simple due to the direction of the light. Rattlesnake Lake checks all of my evening location boxes! The crowd starts to let up and the lighting takes on a glowing type of beauty. Does that mean you can’t schedule a morning session here? Of course you can! And in the Fall, the morning fog can look majestic! But, if you’re looking for that cinematic sunflare of light that yields a warm glow, I highly recommend booking a golden hour session.

What’s the Best Season for a Photoshoot at Rattlesnake Lake?

There is absolutely no bad season for a family photoshoot at Rattlesnake Lake! I’ll say it again, If Summer has passed, it will be just as beautiful in the Fall and Winter! The best season is subjective and dependent on the mood that you want your family images to take on.

Spring Family Photoshoots

It’s still a little chilly in the Spring but the greens bounce back more quickly than other lakes. This is a great time for a session before the crowds set in again. The landscape is lovely and the sunset is a bit later so you have time to get there after a busy day.

Summer Family Photoshoots

This is the season that offers the most opportunities for play and silliness. The trade off is that the sun sets late. If you want ideal light, you might want to schedule in a nap so that the kids can make it. The crowds are a lot heavier this time of year but there are still areas to escape to. These images will likely not have quite as many full scenery shots due to the crowds but don’t worry! The logs and water offer beautiful lifestyle images of your family in their element.

Fall Family Photoshoots

Fall is so underrated for family photoshoots at Rattlesnake Lake! It doesn’t have the vibrant reds that can be found further east but yellows dot the mountains and the crowds virtually disappear. Full scenery is on full display and the tree stumps compliment the tones in the landscape perfectly. Session times are quite a bit earlier this time of year. Expect to get home in time to have dinner and tuck the kids in without any big considerations.

Winter Family Photoshoots

I’ll be honest and say that I have not had a winter session here yet but if you want to be my first Winter family, holla at me because I am READY! When it snows here the lake is absolutely magical. The water recedes back and the stumps get layered in the fresh snowfall. The lake is still easy to get to and there is no hill to climb like so many other lakes. It’s an easy mountain location for a unique winter session without the work of trudging through a heavy snowfall.

Are there Bathrooms at Rattlesnake Lake?

Yes! And they remain open all year long! There are two portable bathroom units between the parking lot and the lake. They are some of the nicest outhouses I have encountered. Although they do not have a sewer system, there is running water and a building to enclose the facility. It’s a big upgrade from the typical honey bucket!

What is Parking Like at Rattlesnake Lake?

The parking is abundant and convenient to the lake but can be difficult and requires patience at peak hours. During the summer time it is highly recommended to allow ample time for parking in case the lot is crowded. Although people are always coming and going, sometimes it takes a bit of circling to find a spot. During other seasons I have not run into this issue though.

Are There any Recommended Spots on the Way There?

I’m so glad you asked! Yes! Just up the road there is a restaurant called South Fork North Bend. They are an AMAZING stop with kids for a bite to eat after a session. There is a kids menu with mac and cheese (you know that’s a safe dish!) and a large outdoor play area. The back outdoor space offers large slingshots where children can aim beanbags out into the valley and a sandbox loaded to the brim with toy trucks. It’s even pet friendly if you want to bring your fur baby along to your session! Check them out here.

Are You Ready to Book a Family Photoshoot at Rattlesnake Lake?

Are you as enamored with Rattlesnake Lake? Maybe you dream of a majestic backdrop to explore with your family or you want to rock a session solo. If interested in a family photoshoot at Rattlesnake Lake, Telly Dez Photography offers Wild and Free Family Sessions at this location year round. You can conveniently book a Wild and Free Family Session directly through the Telly Dez Photography Booking Link. Visit the Website for more details and an avenue to reach out directly. Each session is hand tailored to fit your family’s needs and comes with complimentary use of my Client Closet. You and your family deserve to look just as majestic as the mountain scenery. Hope to see you out on the lake!

-Amanda