What a surprise – a glorious day! Was expecting clouds and some rain but was planning on doing Kendall Katwalk regardless and got blue skies and sunshine all day! Gotta love our NW weather, never know for sure what you're going to get!
Arrived later than planned at the trailhead, about 9A, with about 5 other cars already there and a couple pulling in at the same time. There was a dusting of snow at the trailhead with frozen tread which was the theme for the day. After about a mile the dusting became about ½-1” but was not much of an issue but was getting compacted on the trail and a little slick. The waterfall crossing, at about 2 mi, was somewhat treacherous, quite a bit of water flowing and lotsa ice! Don’t know how someone would do this without poles and stay dry. Same on the creek crossing at about 3.5 mi, was in the shade with quite a bit of water coming down and ice on the rocks.
After leaving the trees and getting into the Kendall Gardens, snow was pretty consistent at about 2” and getting compacted and a little slippery; however, found it was just enough to cover the rocks to level out the trail and was quite nice than the usual gravel pit type trail experience in this area.
By the time we hit the Katwalk, there was about 4” of snow, again getting quite compacted and with the sun and changes in the freezing levels at this time of year, expect it will become very icy. Also found on the way down, in the exposed areas, Katwalk, Kendall Gardens, snow was softening and even the tread in the last mile or so softened; however, shaded areas remained frozen.
Might have seen a total of 20 people; was an absolutely stunning hike and day; however, would strongly recommend poles and traction and be aware of the conditions and the changes during the day.
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