Mount Catherine — Sunday, Jul. 1, 2001

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Bring BUG SPRAY!! I can not say this enough… BRING BUG SPRAY!! Apparently after a winter of starvation, the mosquitoes are HUNGRY!! Apparently I was the only source of nourishment. This shortened an otherwise beautiful view from the summit of Mt. Catherine. The trail could use some work. There were numerous blow downs, some of them old enough that the common paths around them (and cutting the switchbacks) have replaced the original paths. Most of the blow downs are easy to get around or over or under. However, there is one large tree that is too low to go under, and too high to leap over. It does require some thought. The trail needs to be brushed, although none of the vegetation has thorns, it is very close in some places. At one point, the width was less than one boot’s width. However, the trail is easy to follow, and pretty dry. (Bring water). The view of Rainier from the top (and in-between bugs) is incredible!! Use great care when crossing the last remnants of the snow field near the summit. As of July 2nd, there was a very narrow path melted to the ground on the high side of the pack. However, there were many boot paths through the snow. Please note, it is slippery and a LONG, LONG way down! I recommend sticking to the ground. Also, keep in mind the final scramble to the summit along the old cable is deceiving! It is steep coming down. All in all, I recommend this hike. Total time was about 2 hrs. (without the bugs, I would have spent more time at the summit).