We were aiming for Mirror Lake, but GPS overshot us, and we ended up at the PCT section near Windy Pass. This wasn't terrible until 'I' made it terrible (keep reading). PCT section to Mirror Lake was great. Ripe blueberries at the beginning and lovely fall colors throughout. Views were peekaboo as true to form, Washington's bipolar weather was on full display with alternating rain, sun & clouds. Made it to the lake, which had a nice spot to enjoy the view and snack - do know you'll go down about 400' then also have to come back up, incase you're already tired.

Once you're back up at the junction before heading down to the lake (while researching the map), I realized I could make a loop rather than be relegated to an out and back...
here's where bad life decisions were made. Opted to take the Cold Creek trail down then connect to Mount Catherine back up to FS 9070, where it popped us out just a few hundred feet from where we started. Perfect right? No, only in my mind. When you see the sign to Twin Lakes via Cold Creek trail, ignore it, pretend it doesn't exist (technically, it shouldn't). It was steep, primitive, overgrown, difficult to navigate in places and my "favorite" part was the (thankfully short) but sketchy talus slope I thought I might just be stuck on forever and end up living out my days. Here you completely lose the trail and hope it continues on the other side.

Yes, I realize I should've looked at the description when I pieced this loop together, so now I'm a/your cautionary tale. For lack of a better term, you shimmy down the side of a mountain and it barely gets better once you hit twin lakes until it clears up at the junction of Mount Catherine's spur trail, which was also a bit steep (but far more doable) and overgrown in places but thankfully short! So, just go back the way you came on the enjoyable, well-graded section of the PCT you started on. Map screenshot of said loop of misery included.

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!