Mount Catherine — Saturday, Jul. 4, 2009

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

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.