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Mount Catherine — Jul. 20, 2023

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
1 photo
Beware of: road, trail conditions
  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Hiked with a dog

8 people found this report helpful

 

Road to the trail was easily doable...in a Jeep. Taking a car up there and getting it safely back down would definitely be a gamble. 

Also recommend downloading offline maps because the trailhead is a pretty anonymous little cut into the right side of the road across from a turnout. Got there at 5:00PM on a Thursday and I think this was the first hike I've ever done in Washington where I didn't come across another hiker. 

Poles would have been useful. There's a lot of loose rock (especially on the first part of the trail) and I nearly rolled my ankles in light hiking shoes a few times on the way down. The trail's in pretty decent shape, aside from a downed tree about a quarter of the way up, which was easily climbed over (and my dogs made a pretty easy shimmy under). 

There were cables for the final steep climb to the top. Very nice 360 views. 

Mount Catherine — Jul. 19, 2023

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Beware of: road conditions

1 person found this report helpful

 

We started at 830am knowing it was going to be hot today. We finished our hike in 1hr 45min with a 30 min lunch on top. There was one obstacle to go over which was a down tree but besides that great hike. We where the only people on the trail. We did encounter The Forest Service regrading the road today not sure how long they’ll be there but we waved and the guy gave us a 🤙🏽 The road condition was good but you’ll need a Subaru or truck to get to parking area.

Mount Catherine — Jul. 8, 2023

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
2 photos
Beware of: road, trail conditions
  • Fall foliage
 

Trail was very rocky at first and quite steep throughout. The view is amazing but the top is very small area to stand so not many people can stay at once.

Mount Catherine — Jul. 7, 2023

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Beware of: road conditions
 

Trail was in good condition. There was one blow down that was easily climbed over. The last scramble to the top we chose the path with a cable. The way down felt sketchier than the way up but the footing wasn't too bad.

Beautiful if a bit hazy day. We only saw 3 other people on the trail. Had the peak to ourselves for lunch. Great little hike.

As many have said the road is an adventure. Take it slow!

Mount Catherine — Jul. 1, 2023

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Beware of: bugs, road & trail conditions

11 people found this report helpful

 

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!