Derek and I planned to hit the trail in time to get up to one of the Rattlesnake Mountain ledges in time for sunrise. And we did.
We hit the middle ledge just before sunrise and decided to stay there, as there was no one else around. Derek suggested we try scrambling the little bit to the northern spur of the ledge, which we did, and got the kind of stunning view above.
The sun was just starting to peek over the mountains to the east:
Rattlesnake Lake is, right now, pathetically low. From where we were we could see no water at all:
It will be interesting to see how well it rebounds in the spring, with more rain and (mostly) lots of snow melt.
A great way to start Thanksgiving!