The trail was easy to spot as there were two cars there and a WTA work party sign next to the 1348 sign. We saw five dedicated workers fixing the trail in the rain. THANKS to all the great people that work so hard on our trails! There is some mud and water on the trail but it is mostly good. The cable sure helps with the final scramble to the top and back down. We like this hike in the rain and expect to love it when we come back on a clear day so we can actually see the views.

Driving directions fine and the few potholes are easily avoided. As in other reports, the sign saying 'Mount Catherine' is gone but there is a post in the middle of the trailhead with "1348" on it. The lower section had lots of Pearly Everlasting flowers in bloom and the last of a blueberry crop. The middle section has been repaired nicely, so the reported blowdowns are no longer a problem. Lots of bright flags to guide you, but they really weren't needed after the repairs. Nice job! There is one huge tree across trail but you'd have to be really tall to not be able to just walk under it. The upper section along the ridge is a beautiful trail, winding in and out with glimpses of peaks on both sides. The summit has spectacular 360 views and plenty of space. It's getting cold, so I'd recommend warmer clothing for time at the top. Took us an hour to reach the top. Highly recommended half day hike.

I've done this trail many times because it quick & easy with high rewards. However, there are now numerous blowdowns of huge trees which makes the middle 1/3 of the hike more like going thru a jungle-jim. If you have not done this hike before, it might be easy to get lost (but there are some flags). If you have done this hike before, be prepared for some extra fun.

The trail is in good shape until about a half-mile from the trailhead. At that point there is significant blowdown. Two large, uprooted trees completely block the trail and runoff has obscured the trail path. I hiked on both sides and past the trees and could not pick up the trail. Eventually, I back-tracked to about 40 feet from where the blowdown started and hiked up-hill through the brush. After about 40 yards, I picked up the trail again. There are more blowdowns on the way to the summit, although they are not as bad. Given the overall trail conditions, I would not recommend this hike for a novice or intermediate hiker. The blowdown on the Mount Catherine Trail is the worst I've ever seen (and I have 15+ years hiking experience and over 400 hikes under my belt). If you do attempt this hike, always keep the ridgeline to to the west in visual sight, and, if you lose the trail, scramble down-hill on the west side of the mountain to the road.

Driving up the gravel road to the trailhead, we did not see the "Mt Catherine" sign--the trailhead is marked by a brown metal post with the numbers 1348. We got there at about 11 am, and ours was the first car to park on the side of the gravel road. The first third of the trail was in good condition. Going up the side of the mountain in the forest, there were significant blowdowns which required bushwhacking and climbing over and under downed tree trunks. Once we attained the ridge, we began to encounter snow which obscured the trail in many locations. We were able to keep going by following footprints and making educated inferences. The most tricky spot was just below the summit--a bank of snow at a 45-degree angle covers the trail--one wrong step and it's a glissade down the side of the mountain! Poles were a must in that spot. However, at the top we had panoramic views of Snoqualmie Pass, Keechelus Lake, and Mount Rainier. The only problem--lots of mosquitoes along the way, especially at the top. Overall, an incredible payoff without too much gasping for air.