Mount Catherine — Thursday, Jul. 16, 2020

Left Seattle at 6am and arrived around 7:15-7:30am.  I recommend a high clearance vehicle for the final road leading up to the trailhead.  The dirt road is bumpy and pothole filled.  The really rough road starts at about 1.4 miles to the trailhead (picture below of the worst section).  My good 'ol Subaru Outback was right at home and managed the road just fine.  I took some parts very s l o w l y.  Make sure your tires are in good shape.

The trail itself is great.  Starts rocky, some mud closer to the top.  But overall easy to navigate and well maintained. Thank you WTA and other organizations who maintain these trails!

It's a quick hike. Mostly straight up, but didn't feel too challenging due to the length.  There's little peekaboo views on the way up, but the very top is absolutely STUNNING!  What made it better is I didn't run into a single person.  The gnarly dirt road probably deters the crowds... but I'm totally ok with that!  Was nice having some peace.

I can't say enough of that view.  It made me think about how many times I've driven on I-90 and didn't realize this trail was there.  

"Bugs were an annoyance" because if you don't bring bug spray you'll probably have a bad time.  That being said, I used spray before I hit the trail and don't have a single bite.  

Must haves: High clearance vehicle and bug spray