Mount Catherine — Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018

We got to the trailhead around 9:30AM and took our time going up, reaching the summit before 11am. The last half-mile or so had about an inch of snow and it was pretty icy and slick in places. The final 20-foot scramble to the top was tricky because of the ice and we couldn't have done it without the cables that were left in place. But once we reached the top the view was excellent. Mount Rainier was hidden by clouds but we could see the surrounding mountains and the fall colors. It took less than an hour to get back down and we only saw one other hiking group. The road itself is full of deep potholes and there are two spots where you really need a 4x4 with adequate ground clearance, otherwise you'll have to park at the second sharp bend in the road and hike in. I was driving a Jeep XJ but the other hikers had a Subaru Forester and made it. Don't try it in a car unless you want to get stuck or ruin your vehicle.