I've always dismissed this hike as being "too easy" at 3ish miles and 1500ish feet of elevation gain, so it's never really been on my radar. As a mountain, it's not much to look at, in fact I can't say I've ever really noticed it, although it sits in plain sight from most peaks in the west I90/Snoq Pass area. What it lack in charisma and challenge, however, it more than makes up for in an amazing panorama of area peaks, the Puget Sound basin, Mt Rainier, the Olympics and onward to Japan. I was surprised and REALLY liked this hike. It's pretty easy, but the views, the pretty ridge walk and the fact that you'll probably have it to yourself made it an instant favorite. I agree with the last trip reviewer that it's probably the best easy hike between Seattle and Snoq Summit. The main problem is finding the trail head. The July 4, 2009 report gives a good description. I would add that, most likely, you'll still drive past the trail head and find yourself where the PCT crosses FS 9070 (it's the only noticeable trail that crosses, at around 5 miles from I90). If you find yourself there at the PCT, turn around and go about 500 yards and look for the first ROAD on the left. It's not drivable but if you walk up it a ways, it turns into a nice trail. Most of the elevation gain is in the first 3/4 mile, on a respectably steep set of switchbacks that lead to a pleasant, forested ridge walk to the open summit. Lots of bugs and berries, but no water for the dogs.

Mt. Catherine is, I think, one of the highest payoff easy hikes close to Seattle. The peak is scabby and rocky so you get a nearly completely unobstructed view of Snoqualmie Pass the Crest. On clear days (not this day) you get incredible views of Rainier and Glacier. The peak is 5100 feet which isn't much lower than the highest peaks around that area. The Forest Service has apparently fixed up the road, 9070, as we encountered nothing any worse than some rough spots. The Kia Rio (2wd, front) a friend drove made it with no problems. The trip report below, from July 4 of 2009, has a good description of the trailhead which can be difficult to find if you don't know what you're looking for. The trail was in great condition the whole way. Rocky at first, then switchbacks, then it runs along the ridge to the summit. No snow and lots of blueberries and huckleberries. Low bush blueberries at and close to the summit, yum.

According to my map, this hike is 1.8mi each way, with about 1600 elevation gain. So, while short it has some elevation gain; however, the steep alternates with gradual so you get breathers. The payoff is a 360 degree view of the Snoqualmie Pass area. Another added bonus is that the hike does not seem to get much attention so you may have it to yourself. There is some snow still on the trail, which is not a problem, and should be gone soone. No bug problem inroute, but gnats were a problem on top. It can be a challenge to find the trailhead, and there are at least three spots in the road which require a high clearance vehicle, or care. Directions: Take the Hyak exit 34 and drive as if going skiing (named Hyak Dr); before the parking lot the road goes to the left and becomes Keechelus which you stay on; after driving thru the residential development turn right at the T in the road; drive to the maintenance shed on the right and turn right (a sewage holding pond will be on the left; at some point this road becomes USFS # 9070. The trailhead is 4.3 mi from the end of the pavement (which ends adjacent to the holding pond). The only marker is a metal post held up by some rocks with signs saying no bikes or horses. There is also a little wooden sign that says "Trail Mt. Catherine". The start of the trail looks like a very rough, rocky road, but becomes a well formed trail very soon.

Road 9070 from Hyak to Windy Pass has a few issues. Finding the start is issue #1 - drive into the Hyak parking area and follow the paved road down and to the left past several homes and through a gate. It appears as though you are driving into the sewage treatment area (or whatever this place is) but the road goes around and up. Issue #2 is the mulitple but passable wash outs - my Honda made it although Bill had to "spot me" for one section. The trail to Mt Catherine starts on an old road just short of Windy Pass and then turns to trail tread. The trail is in reasonably good shape; sometimes steep; sometimes flat. The upper flat areas still had a foot or so of snow coverage. Then there is one short but problematic snow traverse near the summit - ski poles highly recommended. In German, the terms Schwindelfreiheit and Trittsicherheit apply. Loosely translated that is: freedom from dizziness at heights and surefootedness. The summit views are pretty much 360 degrees since Mt Catherine sits off by itself so the 3 or so round trip miles and 1200' of gain are well worth the effort.

Again: if you enjoy nordic skiing at the Summit East (Hyak) Nordic Center, do not overlook it in Spring. The Mt. Catherine Loop continues to be a fine spring ski 5/9/09, admittedly a bit better 2 weeks ago. Skinned up to Mt. Catherine summit on nordic skis with the dogs via the road, thence past the top of Windy Acres towards the approach to Silver Pk. Some snowmobile damage to the ski terrain, but avoidable. Yeah, dogs wreck ski tracks, but we saw nobody and rationalized our guilt. Fresh snow atop firm crust. Fine spring skiing. We parked at the boat ramp; the Hyak State Park is a good alternative. Klister on waxable skis was once again almost as good as stuff we're not supposed to talk about on this website.