Mount Catherine — Thursday, Sep. 10, 2009

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

I've always dismissed this hike as being "too easy" at 3ish miles and 1500ish feet of elevation gain, so it's never really been on my radar. As a mountain, it's not much to look at, in fact I can't say I've ever really noticed it, although it sits in plain sight from most peaks in the west I90/Snoq Pass area. What it lack in charisma and challenge, however, it more than makes up for in an amazing panorama of area peaks, the Puget Sound basin, Mt Rainier, the Olympics and onward to Japan. I was surprised and REALLY liked this hike. It's pretty easy, but the views, the pretty ridge walk and the fact that you'll probably have it to yourself made it an instant favorite. I agree with the last trip reviewer that it's probably the best easy hike between Seattle and Snoq Summit. The main problem is finding the trail head. The July 4, 2009 report gives a good description. I would add that, most likely, you'll still drive past the trail head and find yourself where the PCT crosses FS 9070 (it's the only noticeable trail that crosses, at around 5 miles from I90). If you find yourself there at the PCT, turn around and go about 500 yards and look for the first ROAD on the left. It's not drivable but if you walk up it a ways, it turns into a nice trail. Most of the elevation gain is in the first 3/4 mile, on a respectably steep set of switchbacks that lead to a pleasant, forested ridge walk to the open summit. Lots of bugs and berries, but no water for the dogs.