Well maintained trail, very steep, almost constant uphill, beautiful views even when it’s a little smoky

I'd say the warnings about these road conditions I'd read undersell it. There are parts where it's basically a frickin riverbed. We raised the suspension in our Tesla Model S and I'd say it has less to do with suspension and more with shock absorption--definitely recommend something more rugged.

Also, we did not see the "modest trail marker" mentioned in the trail description; there was nothing until a while into the trail. Although there were only 2 other cars there, we happened to see a group coming back, who confirmed for us that it was the trail, otherwise we would have been super uncertain. But, that being said, Google Maps actually does have an accurate location. 

One of the downed trees presented an unexpected problem for us: our toddler daughter was sleeping in my husband's backpack and twisting himself to get under it without knocking her out would have woken her up, so we had to turn back. Just a head's up in case this scenario had never occurred to you. 

Combining Mt Catherine with the nearby Twin Lakes is a 4.8 mile, 1900ft elevation gain hike. Just wanted to put that up front because I couldn’t find that info before doing it myself today. The trail up to the summit was in very nice condition today and could be done in shorts. There is one tree to go over and one tree to go under and some rocky sections of the trail that might potentially distract rock hounds. But the trail on the other side of the road heading down to Twin Lakes was a bit overgrown in areas. Long pants would be better here and even long sleeves if you’re not too hot. I was glad to be walking on this part of the trail at a dry time of the year seeing how it had pockets of moisture and little streams. I could only imagine how wet it would be right after the snow is melting. Blueberries can still be found out there, more so on the trail down to Twin Lakes. For fall foliage, the reds are definitely making an appearance with an occasional orange and yellow.

The road has some serious potholes that will definitely slow you down, especially if you’re in a lower clearance vehicle. About 1.5 miles from the trailhead, the road got a bit serious and rocky. Arriving today at midday, I had no issues parking across from the trail heading up to the summit. There were still spots for at least two more cars. I saw four hiking parties departing as the dog and I were heading up, but we ended up having the summit completely to ourselves and saw no other hikers for the rest of the hike, although I did hear in the trees potential campers at Twin Lakes.

One final note for fellow hikers with dogs. Twin Lakes is on the small side. While most of the water seemed to be clear, there was an area off to my left (you might be able to make it out in the photo) that looked suspicious from a distance. I couldn’t tell if it was something floating on the surface of the water. Because I always keep toxic algae in mind and just to play it safe, I kept my dog out of the water.

Short hike up to the summit.

Road Conditions. 5 miles of unpaved road. Generously potholed at the bottom, mostly fine otherwise, except for random speed bumps, and one small washout that could cause a low-clearance car some trouble. No trailhead facilities or signage, space for 3 cars + plenty of roadside parking.

Trail Conditions. The only obstacle were two blowdowns (∅ ~1.5ft), easy enough to climb over/duck under. Nice pine needle duff tread, except for the start of the trail (old logging road), and the last couple feet to the summit (which is almost a scramble).

Highlights. Some ripe blueberries. I swear I heard a pika somewhere.

Crowds. Encountered half a dozen parties on the trail. Must get a bit busy on weekends!

I did a loop from a path just across the road from the Mount Catherine trailhead, to Twin Lakes, the Cold Creek Trail, Mirror Lake, Cottonwood Lake, and back along the PCT to Windy Pass, then down the road to the car. I did not go up to Mount Catherine, but I’ve tagged it for notes on the road. 

Road: this was the roughest I’ve seen this year. Please do not take this road unless your car can handle a lot of unavoidable potholes, plus very uneven sections of rocks much too large to be called gravel. 

Trailhead: no signs, no bathrooms, just a slightly wider section of road. Would have missed it if I weren’t tracking the distance. Just me at 8 AM; 13 cars between there and Windy Pass at 1 PM.

Cold Creek Trail: starting very slightly downhill and across the road from the Mt. Catherine trailhead is a narrow, brushy trail that connects in 1 mile to the Cold Creek Trail near Twin Lakes. I could only see one of the Twins; pretty, but honestly probably not worth the effort from there to the PCT. 

I kept thinking, “This isn’t so bad.” Then the trail got steeper and brushier. I thought, “This still isn’t that bad,” and it got steeper and brushier again. Ok, ok, the trail description was accurate. 🙂 I’m glad I went up rather than down; more likely to get tired, but less likely to get injured, and I’d rather be tired than injured. Thankfully the brushy parts were in patches, but the final mile or so was very steep and narrow, all dirt, needles and pinecones. 

PCT and Cottonwood trail: in great shape. Cottonwood was my favorite. Small, green, quiet, lovely reflections of trees and rocky ridges above, and much less effort!

Berries: so many everywhere! Fall foliage up there is going to be amazing.

People: 10 times, all on the PCT, all but once between 11:30 and 1. Didn’t see tents; sites available at each lake. I bet you’d have a lot of peace and quiet at Twin, just one brushy mile from the trailhead. 

I might try Mirror and Cottonwood from their own trailhead for upcoming fall colors, but I don’t think I’d take this particular route again. I enjoyed the one-time challenge, though!