This hike had been on my bucket list. Now it is not. This is a gorgeous challenging day hike. I arrived with a friend at 9:15am. It was misty. The trail is in great condition. The trail directions and details are spot on. The weather cleared as we ascended. While the cars of I-90 were present a good part of the trip, the views and forests are stunning. Quintessential Pacific Northwest. We ran into day hikers, PCT through-hikers and other backpackers, most friendly and marveling at the views. My 68 year old body made it to the Katwalk (not as dangerous as the name describes - wide (3-4' trail) but a sheer drop off, for sure!) in about 4 hrs with lots of stops. After lunch admiring views, the trip down took about 3hrs. What a stunning, long hike. 

We were hiking on Labor Day, and we arrived later than we hoped around 9:45am to the trailhead. The lower and overflow lots were both full, but we were able to find some safe parking off a side road that only added ~0.25mi or so to the start of the trail. Vault toilets were surprisingly pleasant and well-stocked with toilet paper. 

We certainly weren't alone on the trail, though we didn't run into as many people as I expected based on the number of cars at the trailhead. We encountered a number of trail runners, backpackers hiking out after the long weekend, and then many more day hikers up closer to the Katwalk. It was also very fun crossing paths with many PCT thu-hikers.

It was a beautiful day and the trail was great and steady, albeit rocky for sure. However, it was also one of those rare days for my hiking partner and I where we didn't regret getting ourselves to the trail but were definitely feeling rough the whole way up. In fact, we finally came to our senses that today was not our day less than half a mile from the official Katwalk and turned around early. It's always a tough choice to bow out of the full hike but feels good to respect and honor the needs of your body. We look forward to getting back out again soon to fully experience the Katwalk! 

I arrived at the trailhead parking lot a few minutes before 7:00 am on Labor Day and was gratified to find several open spots. And, a clean privy well stocked with TP. As I readied my pack, more vehicles pulled in. Today will be busy, I thought.

I took the spur trail to connect with the old Commonwealth Creek Trail, my favored route since discovering it several years ago. The ascent up into the woods was as gnarly as I remembered, but not muddy. I was alone except for another solo hiker headed to Red Mountain. The twin log bridge that I had crossed so many times before now looked weary and forlorn as the smaller log, now broken, sagged low against the larger, only the steel cables keeping them connected. The crossing now required more attention to balance. Though part of an unmaintained trail, I wondered if someone would eventually fix it. After all, large deadfall had been cleared before, probably by volunteers.

As soon as I joined the PCT, I encountered a group of hikers. Episodic encounters continued throughout the day with through hikers, section hikers, overnighters, day hikers, trail runners, and dogs making their way up and down the trail. Stepping aside trail etiquette seemed almost continuous. I only felt challenged in those narrow, exposed sections on the red ledges near the Katwalk. And, by those fast trail runners who appeared suddenly, hurtling down the trail without announcing their presence. I was always on alert for the sounds of their imminent approach from behind. Not relaxing. Fortunately, everyone was friendly and grateful to be out on a fine day. But it did remind me why I prefer hiking mid-week.

I made my way to the far end of the Katwalk and parked myself on a rock to snack and soak up the views south along the dramatic cliff of the Katwalk. Some southbound section hikers stopped to chat, and we shared stories of our favorite hikes. A small celebration of our tribe. I felt lucky to be there. Would I return once more? I did not know, and somehow it made those moments even more special.

As I descended, I looked forward to the solitude of the old trail, but since I had skipped the boot path to once again summit Kendall Peak, I thought to hike out on the PCT to compare the distances. Here is what I found. My route from the trailhead up the CCT to the PCT and to the north end of the Katwalk measured 5.45 miles on my GAIA GPS app. The way back on the PCT measured 6.36 miles, a difference of 0.91 miles. So, almost a mile longer, and the section after the trail connector gains some elevation through the boulder fields. Even with the failing bridge, I prefer the older, unmaintained CCT.

Comparative stats for my hybrid hike:

GAIA GPS phone app: 11.81 miles, 2,651 ft. gain, max elevation 5,461

Garmin GPS Map 67i: 11.95 miles, 2,779 ft. gain, max elevation 5,428

PS: When clicking on the 360 links below, be sure to select ‘toggle fullscreen’ in the upper right menu bar for the most immersive viewing.

A bit rocky and smoky. The weather was great and the views were unmatched for the distance from Seattle.

Beautiful day on the PCT!!

Arrived at the trailhead at 7:30am on a holiday weekend. Snagged the last spot in the main parking lot (right up front - score!). Trailhead privy was clean and stocked with TP.

Trail was in beautiful condition, no obstacles. Cleanest trail I've been on in the Snoqualmie Pass area recently.

Elevation gain is steady throughout but never steep. The last ~400ft of vertical gain up to the pass was, deceptively, a butt kicker on tired legs. It is all open talus and would be hot in the peak of the day. I was glad for my early start which afforded me shade during this stretch.

The Katwalk itself was busy but wide enough for hikers going opposite directions to pass comfortably. A beautiful place to rest and have a bite to eat! The chipmunks were bold and came right up to me looking for handouts (sorry buddy, no can do!).

One thing to mention is that there are not a lot of opportunities to stock up on water. The small stream at 4300ft / 3.3mi from the trailhead is really your last chance before Gravel and Ridge Lakes which is quite a trek. The talus slopes are hot and exposed and I saw a lot of thirsty dogs. Make sure to bring enough water for yourself and your pups!

Saw a good number of people during my 6.5hrs on the trail, mostly at the Katwalk. On the hike up and down there was plenty of space to enjoy some solitude for decently long stretches of time.