West/East Rattlesnake and 5 Finger Point hike

After many depressing days of rain and clouds, and after having had to postpone this hike from the previous weekend, we were treated with a beautiful day to do this hike, with temperatures in the 40s and SUNNY!   We all met at 12:30 at the trailhead on Pinehurst Road, and went up to West Rattlesnake Mountain and then East Rattlesnake Mountain, enjoyng views and some date squares.   We then hiked down and did the loop around 5 finger point, with Wally brave enough to take a SHORT dip in the lake.   Several of us then had dinner at Walters Basin Restaurant in Holderness for more good conversation.    Thanks to everyone that came, it was a great group, great converation, and a great hike!   

Join us for this beautiful 5 mile loop hike over the summits of West and East Rattlesnake Mountains, and then on to five finger point.  Total elevation gain for the whole hike is less than 1000 feet.   West and East Rattlesnake have granite ledges with beautiful views out onto Squam Lake, where On Golden Pond was filmed.      5 finger point is a 5 fingered peninsula jutting out into Squam Lake with beautiful views along the lake.   From the trailhead,  we'll take the Pasture Trail to the top of West Rattlesnake Mountain, enjoy the views, and then continue along the ridge trail to the less visited summit of East Rattlesnake Mountain for more great views.   We'll then take the East Rattlesnake trail down to the 5 finger point trail and do the loop along the peninsula and then back to the trailhead.  After the hike, for those that are interested we will plan to have dinner at Walters Basin restaurant nearby, with yet more great views looking out onto Squam Lake.