Mount Catherine — Monday, Jul. 5, 2021

Another Fourth of July has passed, and the hiking adventures continue on. Today, the weather seemed rather mild with some overcast with temperatures not really breaking the 80's today. 

This would be my 20th hike of the year and 20 out of 52 on the 52 Hike Challenge. Mount Catherine beat me last month due to large snow fields causing me to lose the trail several times. Combined with not really feeling the land navigation course, I made a decision to turn around. 

Today, I would achieve the summit of Mount Catherine for the 3rd time. 

I'll start out by addressing the service road leading up to the trailhead. If you've never been up to the Mount Catherine, expect some potholes and a bumpy ride but it isn't as bad as say Mount Pilchuck. There is a hair pin turn where the road has been eroded away enough to expose some rocks that may or may not tear your front bumper off or damage your undercarriage. I have seen car parts laying off to the side of the road before. 

When I arrived, there were about eight cars lining the road but I was still able to find a spot a little farther up the service road. 

Once on trail, it's a gradual incline that'll get your heart pumping. The trail is  in great condition with only one blow down that is easily navigated. Snow conditions have significantly improved since the last time I was up here, (two weeks ago) and what's left of the snow is surrounded by mud and water. There is one section of the trail that'll keep snow on it well into late July and it takes sure footing to negotiate this section. The snow field is approximately 25 feet in length and on one side is a steep drop off. So if you slip, you could slide down the embankment into the trees. Poles helped through this area but I saw two people make it through in just sneakers. 

Bugs are out but not to that extreme. I did use OFF Bug Spray and I used sun screen which, I think helped a lot. I didn't spend too much time at the summit because a bug flew into my mouth, and I've been up there a few other times before.

I made the summit in 47 minutes and got back down to the "parking lot" in just over 30 minutes. Quick hike, but loved every moment of it.