Cross-country skiers and snowshoers have long enjoyed Mount Catherine, but hikers have pretty much ignored this Snoqualmie Pass peak since the middle of the twentieth century. The route is short, and the close-in views encompass sprawling clear-cuts, so perhaps hikers simply decided it wasn't worth a visit--even map makers have neglected to include the trail on their maps. But when the masses wrote off this route as unworthy, they actually made it more enjoyable for the rest of us. You'll find fine views from Mount Catherine once you lift your eyes above the logging scars on the slopes below. You'll also find broad thickets of huckleberries and an array of birds and animals that take advantage of that abundant juicy fruit.

The trail climbs east up the flank of Mount Catherine, utilizing an old logging track for the first 0.5 mile. After crossing an old berry-filled clear-cut the trail runs into the forest before climbing switchbacks for 0.7 mile. Most of the elevation gain comes with these hairpin turns. Visit in early August most years and you'll find a rich crop of huckleberries in the trail's first mile.

Once on the ridge top, the trail turns and runs steeply up the spine to the summit of the mountain. Along this section the trail pops in and out of forest, providing grand views as you hike. Tinkham Peak and Silver Peak can be seen to the south and, once atop Catherine, look north to the peaks of Snoqualmie Pass.