"The lucky few who have been to the top of Rattlesnake Mountain understand the call for greater public access to this off-limits attraction.

They also know that unrestricted use would ruin many of the things that make the imposing mountain's summit such a special place.

But careful planning and controls can provide for both. Only a lack of imagination keeps the government from devising a plan for preserving Rattlesnake Mountain while opening it to the general public.

It's why we're hoping the second time is the charm for U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings' bill to force the secretary of the interior to open the 3,600-foot summit to visitors.

His bill, The Rattlesnake Mountain Public Access Act, would require the secretary of the interior to provide access for educational, recreational, historical, scientific, cultural and other purposes."

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Editorial: Rattlesnake Mountain bill could lead to compromise (The Tri-City Herald 8/3)