Great day hike with kids today. We started around noon with only 4 other cars at the trailhead. Trail in great shape, perfect weather and terrific views at top. Keep you eyes peeled for mushrooms.. Saw so many varieties! Mount Rainier was not to be seen however but keechelus lake looked stunning from above. Saw only a handful of people on the way up and down. Had a long leisurely lunch/photoshoot at the summit before making it back to car by 4pm. 

   Didn’t want to fight the hordes of I90 hikers on a weekend so decided to head to Mount Catherine for an easy leg stretcher. The last time we hiked this (and other nearby hikes)  was a few years ago on a gorgeous fall Saturday, but it had been completely empty. Not so today!  Amazed at the number of cars parked at the trailhead including 2 school buses. So much for avoiding the masses!
   Headed up the well maintained and well laid out path. Some muddy areas but mostly dry. Some fall colors along the trail but mostly muted. Arrived at the top to a Rattlesnake Ledge type of density. Views of Rainier and Lake Keechelus were gorgeous but there was not much space for lunch break so headed down to grab lunch at the Commonwealth instead. Looks like another hike that will need to be relegated to weekdays but easily done after work since it is accessible, short, and sweet, perfect for that sunset hike!

Arrived at trailhead at 8am, not so much of parking so trust Google Maps and park on side of the road. There was only one car before us but it did get crowded by the time returned. Road has potholes but passable (Prius approved) with care, the road is narrow and you might need to slow down or stop to let others go.

trail is in pretty good condition, short one but decent elevation gain in that distance. Rewards you almost only at top with great 360 degree vistas.

Brought our rescue pup here on a drizzly Sunday. We had the trail all to ourselves, didn’t see a single other person on the trail. It was a tad steep so we had to take breaks, but who’s complaining with these vistas?

The road was rough, but you could do it in a sedan if your slow and dexterous with your driving. The views on the drive were amazing and stopped to take several pictures. Worst part of the drive was the kinda sketchy parallel parking spots. There’s only enough for a few cars and they are right next to the road so I worried a wreck less driver may knock my mirror or something.

Brought our rescue pup here on a drizzly Sunday. We had the trail all to ourselves, didn’t see a single other person on the trail. It was a tad steep so we had to take breaks, but who’s complaining with these vistas?

The road was rough, but you could do it in a sedan if your slow and dexterous with your driving. The views on the drive were amazing and stopped to take several pictures. Worst part of the drive was the kinda sketchy parallel parking spots. There’s only enough for a few cars and they are right next to the road so I worried a wreck less driver may knock my mirror or something.