Kendall Katwalk, WA

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