HIKE NO. 15 | KENDALL KATWALK | 12 JUNE

Well, almost.

I slept through my alarm and ended up leaving my house and starting the two hour drive later than expected. Of course it happened to be one of the hottest days this week. The high for Snoqualmie Pass was 91 and partly cloudy. No wind. Previous trip reports noted snow on the trail just before the katwalk. Some decided to pass, some turned around deeming it unsafe. I decided to take a gamble. If anything, I was getting out and hiking in a new place on my last day off.

The trail starts off in dense forest, shaded from the morning sun. Wildflowers started almost immediately, scattering the sides of the trail. The total elevation gain for the hike is around 2,600 feet, spread over approximately 6 miles. The climbs are gradual, but enough to notice. The nice thing about photography and hiking—built in breaks. Compared to some recent hikes, this trail was easy overall. The trail shifts back and forth from forest to open talus throughout the hike, each time giving you a glimpse of the increasingly beautiful views.

There are occasional water crossings throughout the hike, two that require a little more balance and care. None requiring you to get your feet wet…if you have good balance. The trail is snow free for the first four or so miles, near the camping areas. Snow is minimal after 4.5 miles, with short sections of compact snow, simple to cross without spikes or trekking poles.

…and then BAM. Don’t forget to turn around once you finally leave the forest. Mount Rainier fills the view on a clear day. Today, I was lucky. It is points like these that I love on trails. Not the forest, but the exposed trails, traversing hillsides and ridge lines.

The more difficult crossings started at around mile 5.5, a short way passed the Kendall Peak turnoff. The snow level where hikers were crossing was approximately four feet deep. The boot path was visible. I arrived at the crossing at about 1330 and decided that, despite having microspikes and trekking poles, I did not feel comfortable attempting to cross solo.

Despite having not reached my intended destination, it was a worthwhile hike. The views were amazing and the flowers were endless, many still waiting to bloom. If I don’t return later this year, I will see Kendall Katwalk after walking all the way from the Mexican border.