Mount Catherine — Saturday, Sep. 25, 2021

   Didn’t want to fight the hordes of I90 hikers on a weekend so decided to head to Mount Catherine for an easy leg stretcher. The last time we hiked this (and other nearby hikes)  was a few years ago on a gorgeous fall Saturday, but it had been completely empty. Not so today!  Amazed at the number of cars parked at the trailhead including 2 school buses. So much for avoiding the masses!
   Headed up the well maintained and well laid out path. Some muddy areas but mostly dry. Some fall colors along the trail but mostly muted. Arrived at the top to a Rattlesnake Ledge type of density. Views of Rainier and Lake Keechelus were gorgeous but there was not much space for lunch break so headed down to grab lunch at the Commonwealth instead. Looks like another hike that will need to be relegated to weekdays but easily done after work since it is accessible, short, and sweet, perfect for that sunset hike!