This was our first time hiking this trail. First thing to note is that the road to the trailhead was rough with deep potholes as soon as the paved road ends. High clearance vehicles will have no problem. Low clearance vehicles will struggle. Second thing to note is the location of the trailhead - you will definitely miss it unless you've hiked it before or you're using a navigation system because not only is there no sign at the "trailhead", but the "parking area", is a slight bulge in the road that can accommodate 2 vehicles max. The road continues so you'll drive right past it if you don't know where to stop.

Although short, the entire trail is a continuous uphill grade with the first half consisting mostly of very rocky switchbacks and the second half being a series of straighter approaches eventually leading to the final push up to what normally feels like where a Fire Look Out would have been, but is too small to support one. However, you will see evidence of some structure (that included electricity), that used to be at the top.  Once at the top, you have a fantastic view in nearly all directions (only a few trees block a true 360 degree view).  Bugs were a minor nuisance at some parts along the trail but not bad at all at the top. We also saw plenty of butterflies which was nice.

Possibly due to the obscurity of the trailhead, you will likely find yourself either the only one's on the trail, or sharing it with only 2 or 3 other groups which is always a good thing imo.   Although most of the trail is within tree line providing plenty of shade, there are some view points along the way. 

Including about 20 minutes to take in the views at the top and eat a little food, total roundtrip time for us as just under 2 hours. 

-Tom

Hiked this for the first time in a few years on a gorgeous Sunday. The road is not great, but nothing that an SUV or Subie can't handle. The trailhead is easy to miss; from the road it looks like a graveled wash, and the sign is a hundred feet up the trail, not visible from the road.

The hike itself is beautiful and short. Lovely view from the top, with Mt. Rainier in all its glory just out of arm's reach. Mt. Tinkham and its accompanying ridge looks great from the top too. Some very snazzy butterflies put on a fun show. Only saw 4-5 other groups the whole time, which was a surprise given our late start on this holiday weekend stunner of a day. 

All in all, if you only have a couple hours to hike, don't mind a bit of uphill, and you want to see some mountains, this should be on your list.

Narrow and rocky but not treacherous. Well worth the view from the top. Seemed like a destination for trail runners.

Quick Fourth of July hike up Mt Catherine.   It's a short beautiful hike with a rocky start and only one log that you need to climb over.  The views at the top of Mt Rainier were great, along with Silver, Ariel, and Tinkham. 

The challenging part of the hike was the drive with lots of potholes and rocks to avoid.  I was the first at the trailhead and only saw SUVs on my return.  I also walked up to the PCT crossing and saw no cars there either.  I did see one car on my drive out, which had turned around halfway to the trailhead.  I'd encourage you to take an SUV or something with a little clearance.  A car may be able to make it but it would be a challenge.

Only three other hikers on a weekday late afternoon. Satisfying and quick hour and a half hike. Mosquitos at the top but we’re not noticeable while hiking.