Kendall Katwalk — Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019

Heading out on a midweek solo hike, I hit the TH at 10:15 AM for an out and back to Ridge Lake/ Gravel Lake just beyond the Katwalk. The trail starts out somewhat gradual leading through a thickly wooded area before ascending into the alpine. Once out of the trees, views of the Cascades and Mt. Rainier begin to pop. The trail is easily navigable with a few scree fields to cross through. Upon reaching the ridge line, the trail hugs the cliff side with steep drop offs to the left. Crossing the ridge before the Katwalk, you will have the central Cascades laid out before you. The Katwalk section is not for the faint of heart as you skirt the cliff side with a sheer rock face to your right nearly 1,000 ft down. Proceed past the lookout areas and treat yourself to the Alpine Lakes wilderness and maybe take a dip in either Ridge Lake or Gravel Lake. I took the further option down to Gravel where I went for a swim, set up my hammock for an hour, and enjoyed the views and serenity of the lake before heading down. It is about 400-500 ft down to the lakes, so you will have some elevation gain to head out and back down.

My overall stats logged for this hike were 15.3 miles round trip, 3,000 ft total elevation gain (2,950 loss,) and roughly 7 hours including the hour spent at the lake. Being that I was by myself, I moved fairly quickly, but this was a difficult hike by many standards. The bugs were only slightly bothersome at the lake, I would suggest bug spray if you plan an extended stay. A head net would not be necessary. There are a few small water sources before reaching the lakes, so if you’re planning a day trip without a filter, be sure to carry sufficient water. (I carried 4 liters and drank nearly all of it by the end.)