Mount Catherine — Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Mt. Catherine is, I think, one of the highest payoff easy hikes close to Seattle. The peak is scabby and rocky so you get a nearly completely unobstructed view of Snoqualmie Pass the Crest. On clear days (not this day) you get incredible views of Rainier and Glacier. The peak is 5100 feet which isn't much lower than the highest peaks around that area. The Forest Service has apparently fixed up the road, 9070, as we encountered nothing any worse than some rough spots. The Kia Rio (2wd, front) a friend drove made it with no problems. The trip report below, from July 4 of 2009, has a good description of the trailhead which can be difficult to find if you don't know what you're looking for. The trail was in great condition the whole way. Rocky at first, then switchbacks, then it runs along the ridge to the summit. No snow and lots of blueberries and huckleberries. Low bush blueberries at and close to the summit, yum.