Kendall Katwalk, Gravel Lake - Ridge Lake — Saturday, Jul. 13, 2013

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

The goal was to make it to Park Lakes for an overnighter, but the lingering snow crossings between Gravel Lakes and Chikamin Pass made one of our group (me) too nervous to go past Huckleberry Saddle. Got a late start, hitting the trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass around 10am. The trail up to the Katwalk was less busy than the parking lot hinted it would be. As mentioned in an earlier report, there were a few snow crossings prior to the Katwalk, but the snow was soft and foot steps were kicked in from previous hikers. Poles were useful. From the Katwalk to Gravel/Ridge lakes, the snow cover increased. No problems finding or staying on the trail and generally nothing scary. Though some of the chute crossings were steep, again, the soft snow and kicked in footsteps made everything ok. Moving past Gravel/Ridge Lakes there were two steep and scary (to me) chutes to cross. At that point, there were no visible footsteps kicked in, so the crossings were a bit slow. But, most of the trail was clear and the remaining snow crossings were not as difficult. On the other side of the ridge, the switchbacks down to Joe Lake were 90% snow covered. Again, a bit steep for my tastes - I was glad I was not alone and glad I had poles. Route-finding was generally not a problem. Heading up towards Huckleberry Saddle the snow again cleared except for the occasional, somewhat-dicey snow crossing. I eyeballed some of the snow chutes across the valley on the way to Chikamin Pass and decided the Huckleberry Saddle looked like a great place to lay low for the night. Rob and Cooper scouted ahead a couple of miles and reported that the snow crossings were doable. But Cooper thinks all snow crossings are doable. As sunset approached, we saw two hikers in the distance, but don't know where they came from or where they were going. Had an uneventful return to the car the following day - got passed by 8 trail runners between Gravel Lake and the trailhead, and passed by a gentleman starting the trek from Snoqualmie to Stevens Pass. Solitude (after Gravel Lake), clear skies, a glorious sunset and lots of marmots. Good times!