Kendall Katwalk — Sunday, Jul. 19, 2015

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

We started on the Kendall Katwalk trail at around 8:45am on Sunday morning. Both parking lots were full, and we realized that there was an event going on that day on the trail (Mountains for Mammaries), which is probably why the parking was jam-packed. There were lots of people as well as dogs on the trail that day. The smart dogs were bathing in the streams. The start of the trail is a tiny bit confusing, since there is no arrow showing the exact way. Find the picnic table from the main parking lot, go left past it, and then turn right. Don't go right before the picnic table towards Snoqualmie Pass, or turn left at the junction after it (that takes you to the upper parking lot). The trail climbs evenly and nicely up a slope for a couple of miles, crossing tiny streams. There is one trail junction further along (at about 2.5 miles). Take a right here (left takes you to Commonwealth Basin). There was a hot, rocky, exposed section, then it takes you back under the canopy. There were plenty of ripe berries and some past-peak wildflowers. After some more steady, even climbing through another lush, forested area, you reach what feels like the 'top'. You emerge from the woods to a clear slope, and keep climbing. Look behind you and you see Mt Rainier in the distance. You can also see the Snoqualmie ski area and I-90 below. This area was HOT on our way down. We heard a marmot or pika whistling, but never saw it. You top off at the first place where you can see across the other side of the ridge. It is unclear if this is the Katwalk (it's not labeled), so we asked someone and they said to keep going. You hike along the side of the ridge for another 10-15 minutes or so, and then you come to the Katwalk. (There is a sign warning you to dismount if you are riding a horse.) It is steep on both sides, great views of peaks and valleys. The rock looks like it was dynamited out (I don't know exactly how/when the Katwalk was formed). Great place to stop for pics, but there wasn't much shade for picnicking. We walked back about a quarter of a mile and found a shady, wooded area to have lunch, then headed down. The descent is long, but the views you just saw keep you going... Also the gin and tonic we knew we'd have back at home :)