The drive up FS 9070 is probably not something you'd want to do in the family car right now, but 4x4 was adequate. There is about 6" of snow at the trail head near the PCT at Ollalie Meadow, and 12-18" at the top of Mt Catherine at 5052'. The hike is about 3 miles round trip and 1300' of vertical gain, although it felt like more from pushing through the virgin snow, especially near the top where I played snow plow for the vertically challenged members of the hiking party. Gaiters were a must, but traction wasn't needed. Good fun and beautiful scenery!

I've always dismissed this hike as being "too easy" at 3ish miles and 1500ish feet of elevation gain, so it's never really been on my radar. As a mountain, it's not much to look at, in fact I can't say I've ever really noticed it, although it sits in plain sight from most peaks in the west I90/Snoq Pass area. What it lack in charisma and challenge, however, it more than makes up for in an amazing panorama of area peaks, the Puget Sound basin, Mt Rainier, the Olympics and onward to Japan.

I was surprised and REALLY liked this hike. It's pretty easy, but the views, the pretty ridge walk and the fact that you'll probably have it to yourself made it an instant favorite. I agree with the last trip reviewer that it's probably the best easy hike between Seattle and Snoq Summit.

The main problem is finding the trail head. The July 4, 2009 report gives a good description. I would add that, most likely, you'll still drive past the trail head and find yourself where the PCT crosses FS 9070 (it's the only noticeable trail that crosses, at around 5 miles from I90). If you find yourself there at the PCT, turn around and go about 500 yards and look for the first ROAD on the left. It's not drivable but if you walk up it a ways, it turns into a nice trail.

Most of the elevation gain is in the first 3/4 mile, on a respectably steep set of switchbacks that lead to a pleasant, forested ridge walk to the open summit. Lots of bugs and berries, but no water for the dogs.

Mt. Catherine is, I think, one of the highest payoff easy hikes close to Seattle. The peak is scabby and rocky so you get a nearly completely unobstructed view of Snoqualmie Pass the Crest. On clear days (not this day) you get incredible views of Rainier and Glacier. The peak is 5100 feet which isn't much lower than the highest peaks around that area.

The Forest Service has apparently fixed up the road, 9070, as we encountered nothing any worse than some rough spots. The Kia Rio (2wd, front) a friend drove made it with no problems. The trip report below, from July 4 of 2009, has a good description of the trailhead which can be difficult to find if you don't know what you're looking for.

The trail was in great condition the whole way. Rocky at first, then switchbacks, then it runs along the ridge to the summit. No snow and lots of blueberries and huckleberries. Low bush blueberries at and close to the summit, yum.

According to my map, this hike is 1.8mi each way, with about 1600 elevation gain. So, while short it has some elevation gain; however, the steep alternates with gradual so you get breathers. The payoff is a 360 degree view of the Snoqualmie Pass area. Another added bonus is that the hike does not seem to get much attention so you may have it to yourself.
There is some snow still on the trail, which is not a problem, and should be gone soone.
No bug problem inroute, but gnats were a problem on top.
It can be a challenge to find the trailhead, and there are at least three spots in the road which require a high clearance vehicle, or care.
Directions: Take the Hyak exit 34 and drive as if going skiing (named Hyak Dr); before the parking lot the road goes to the left and becomes Keechelus which you stay on; after driving thru the residential development turn right at the T in the road; drive to the maintenance shed on the right and turn right (a sewage holding pond will be on the left; at some point this road becomes USFS # 9070. The trailhead is 4.3 mi from the end of the pavement (which ends adjacent to the holding pond). The only marker is a metal post held up by some rocks with signs saying no bikes or horses. There is also a little wooden sign that says "Trail Mt. Catherine". The start of the trail looks like a very rough, rocky road, but becomes a well formed trail very soon.