Cathedral Rock — Monday, Oct. 27, 2008

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

I went on a hike to Cathedral Pass in sunny and warm weather. Last 12 miles of the road to trailhead was a shaking experience and I was really glad to see the parking area. Only one other car parked. The first 2 miles up to Squaw Lake were mostly in the woods with a couple rock-stream crossings. The trail was in good shape with a few muddy spots not helped by a recent horse on the trail. Squaw Lake was open with a pretty campsite and picnic area for a quick break. Thankfully, the horse stopped at Squaw Lake. Snow spots on the trail began beyond Squaw Lake. The meadow area and tarns below Cathedral Rock had more consistent snow, about 2-3 inches, but well stomped down. Tarns were all mostly frozen. Cathedral Pass and intersection with PCT was warm, sunny and melted out. Views were awesome. I walked about halfway to Peggy’s pond (south-facing trail totally dry) just to get a better view and pictures of Mt. Daniel above and Deep Lake below, and then returned to the pass for sunbathing and a snack. Never saw anyone else. About 10 miles RT and 2500 feet up. Great hike and weather!