Kendall Katwalk, WA - 10/2013
If you want to hike Kendall Katwalk this year, you may still have a
chance before the next summer. The Katwalk is snow free as of Oct. 26,
2013, thanks to all the sunny weather in the highlands above the fog for
the last few weeks. But, the window of opportunity depends on how long
the mild fall weather will sustain. Kendall Katwalk was one of my bucket
list hikes for the last few years, so I'm glad I could do this hike
this time before the hiking season phases out. This is a spectacular
hike with breathtaking vistas of towering mountains and traversing a
sheer cliff - the Katwalk. The trail is well maintained and gradual
ascent although it's a bit long hike - 11 miles RT and 2,700 feet gain. I
saw quite a few trekkers running on the trail, about a dozen or so. The
trail must be a great workout spot for runners. About 0.5 miles before
you reach the Katwalk, there are a few stretches of icy snow you have to
cross (trekking poles are recommended)....enjoy a little thrill. Muddy
spots, creek crossing, water falls and mossy forest with lots of
mushrooms are your company until the trail breaks open into meadows -
Kendall Gardens. Be inspired with the spectacular mountain views all
along from there to the Katwalk...Mt. Rainier, Mt. Stuart, Red Mountain
and other N. Cascades peaks you are familiar with. After crossing the
Katwalk, you can keep trekking along PCT deep farther north into
wilderness if you want, or turn around to the way you came from. The
fall weather was perfect today, and the hike was SUPER! Fall foliage is
about to end its display now.
How to get there:
From Seattle drive I-90 to exit 52 (signed for Snoqualmie Pass west). At
the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left (north) and cross under the
freeway. In about 100 yards, turn right onto a dirt road leading into
the PCT trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required to park at trailhead.
| Roundtrip | 11.0 miles | |||
| Elevation Gain | 2700 ft | |||
| Highest Point | 5400 ft |
No comments:
Post a Comment