Mount Catherine — Saturday, Jul. 1, 2023

The road to the trailhead poses a variety of obstacles. I somehow managed to get to the trailhead and back to Hyak Dr. without any issues. I drive an Impreza and I honestly think it was a fluke/magic that I made it. I was going at a crawling speed, straddling or going around potholes and finding the shallower dips and smoothest parts of knarly rocky parts. I wouldn’t try it again and honestly discourage others from this road unless they have good tires and high ground clearance.

Once at the trailhead I got out and immediately went back in the car to put on my boots. The mosquitoes are here y’all. I recommend Sawyer Products 20% Picardin Insect Repellent. Ultimately came away with three bites. Stopping to catch my breath or drink was a high risk of getting bites.

I also used sunscreen. The path is mostly in the woods but the sun is hot and p strong where it shines through the trees and the summit is full exposure.

The trail is super rocky, I’m glad I chose my boots. A lot of times I was balancing for split seconds, on one foot figuring out where to step next. Hiking poles could be helpful. The trail goes up at a tame, incline almost the whole time, where it levels off doesn’t last long. I passed one adult/two kids group, one solo hiker and a pair of hikers. All very respectful interactions.

There are options once you’re at the summit. I chose a foot path with a cable to climb up the final bit.

Awesome 360 view at the top. It’s always cool to see Mt. Tahoma in the distance. Follow the mountain line all around, it’s really neat. There are places to sit and rest but it wasn’t pleasant staying still for too long because the mosquitoes are everywhere. I saw lots of butterflies along the trail and at the top.

I did this hike yesterday and my body doesn’t feel like I slammed it into a concrete wall. Always advise stretching before and after hiking.

I’ve used the trailblazer app for a few years now but this is also my first trip report! Thanks for reading! Cheers, be safe, enjoy your hike!