An update for this wondering about getting to this trailhead- as of today the road in was covered in snow several miles before the actual trailhead (see picture). We opted not to drive in, not sure if conditions change getting closer to the trailhead but we decided not to risk it. No info on actual trail conditions. 

My hike to Mt Catherine started from I-90 Exit 47. Since the snow dump blocked the road to Annette Lake trailhead, the extra warm-up\cool-down walk added slightly over a mile to round up a 12-mile round trip.

It was snow all the way from begining to the end. I used to hike this loop in March when snow depth is low and firm, but the weather was so good that I wanted to pull it off early.

Annette Lake trail was a solid snow track in the morning, thanks to snowshoers who padded it down well so others only need microspikes. Around 2.5 miles from where I started, after counting 8 switchback turns, I put on snowshoes and went off trail to climb ridge. The snow pack was much deeper and therefore more open spaces than March. There were about 1~2 inches powder on top of firm layer, giving me impression that I might just switch to microspikes when climbing Mt Catherine.

I got to Ollalie Meadows area before 11AM. After a brief rest I put on microspikes again and replaced hiking pole with ice ax to open track on the ridgeline to Catherine. I followed my last years GPS route except that I climbed along the ridgeline more closely. About one hour into the climb I finally gained the ridge, now it's different challenge, knee-deep postholing. I was a little too exhausted to switch to snowshoes, also hoping things would get better as I went up higher. It was like 20 postholes in every 100 steps, and they were all unpredictable. I thought about quitting and turning back many times but eventually decided to tough it out. Luckily there were no tree bombs to worry about this time, just focused on slogging up and forward. I topped at 1:45PM, about 5 hours 20 minutes and 6.40 miles since I left I-90.

On the way down I switched to snowshoes promptly.

Basic gears required for this hike: microspikes, snowshoes, gaiters, and ice axe, and waterproof everything: shoes, pants, and I got two pairs of waterproof gloves. And don't forget GPS app and compass.

Sunny Halloween Sunday was the perfect day to hike Mount Catherine! This was our first trip up and for a short hike, it's a total burner!! You earn your views though- they were  absolutely spectacular! Minor snow patches to cross and a few slick areas,  but when we reached the top I think we had a solid 5 minutes of just "oooooh's" and "oh my!!" It was amazing seeing all the beautiful peaks with it being such a bright and clear morning.  Only saw less than a handful of people too. I will be keeping this hike in my back pocket for sure.  The cables at the top are pretty much a must to use but I was so grateful they were there. Also,  it was VERY cold when we went at least- be sure to dress/ pack accordingly. Happy Hiking! 

I started my hike at about 1:45pm on a sunny October afternoon. The most marvelous warm breeze was blowing through the forest for the first mile of the hike. The sky was blue, the air was a balmy 55 near the trailhead, the forest smelled amazing, and fall foliage was out in full force along the trail. 

When I arrived, there were at least a dozen cars near the Trail 1348 marker. People were parked along the side of the road but thankfully had left room to maneuver. There are some large potholes on FR 9070 from when it becomes gravel to the bridge over a creek. After the bridge, the washboarding is more prominent. I think almost any car driven with caution could make it up.

As described, the trail gets your heart pumping. There's currently water running over rocky portions of the first mile of the trail and then muddy spots above that. Nothing that waterproof hiking boots can't handle. After about a mile, you start to get impressive views of peaks to the NE. The views keep getting better as you ascend, with several nice look outs or clearings before the summit. 

There is compact snow on the trail in a few spots over the last 1/3 of a mile up to the summit. The scramble up to the summit, at least where the cable is, has compact snow on it. Getting up was no problem. I descended very cautiously, making use of the cable and tree roots for holds. 

The views from the summit were amazing. Mt. Tahoma (Rainier) was looming to the south, although her details were washed out due to the sun being somewhat behind her at 3pm this time of year. Still gorgeous. I think the peaks forming Snoqualmie Pass and east toward Mt. Stuart are the most impressive part, though. I could see Mt. Stuart to the NE. I'm also pretty sure that when I looked west through the gap in the mountains that I could see downtown Bellevue. 

On this sunny Saturday afternoon, the trail was pretty popular. I saw half a dozen groups descending as I went up. I leapfrogged with about four other groups on my way up, and then I saw another six or so parties headed up as I was on my way down. 

Altogether a wonderful hike, particularly on such a pleasant afternoon. I'd like to come again in early summer and in the morning to hopefully see some wildflowers and Tahoma in more detail. 

Started at TH at 5pm and there were no cars other than me.

There was couple of inches of snow on higher elevation but slushy on lower ones. Did not need traction.

It got more cloudy as I approached the summit. The blue sky was visible whole time and some views through the trees but the summit was completely under clouds. The wind was picking at at summit at 6pm so ate my sandwich and headed back.

Saw another hiker going up while I was coming down. All that snow makes it feels like Winters is here.

It is nice to have gloves to hold the cable at the summit specifically when it is buried under snow. Back at car at 6:30pm.