Amazing hike! We arrived in the parking lot at 7:30am and there were about 10 other cars there. The bike was beautifully maintained and pretty wide throughout most of the hike, making it easy to bring dogs (we had 3 with us). The trail was just a steady incline most of the way- I wouldn’t consider it steep at any point - just a gradual slow and steady incline the whole way.

We only went to Kendall Katwalk, but it was worth it. Beware: it was rockier than I thought for long stretches and our feet were very sore at the end of the 12.7 miles hike!

Not much to report that previous trip reports haven't shared about Kendall Peak and Katwalk. The fall foliage has arrived. It was raining in the morning but weather took a break and around that time I was at the turn off to Kendall Peak. Rocks on the boot path were a bit wet, but it didn't feel slippery. 

Beautiful hike in the Alpine Lakes area. Be prepared for lots of rocks on trail, both big boulders and small rocks. Elevation gain never seemed hard, it has a nice gradual grade. We went to Gravel Lake & Ridge Lake, then turned around. Parking lot was full when we returned so starting early is definitely important.

Arrived at 7:50am on Saturday morning to a basically full parking lot - only a few “spots” remained. The bathrooms were open, clean, and stocked with toilet paper. Fall colors are starting to pop along the trail. Hiked up the PCT to Kendall Katwalk - got there around 10:45am. Took the Old Commonwealth trail down for some variety. For a full parking lot, the trail didn’t feel crowded - there were a lot of trail runners out today. Made it back to the parking lot by 1:30pm. 

Began our hike at 11:20 AM on Friday. Beautiful 53F day with sunny skies and a few scattered clouds. The parking lot was mostly full when we arrived but there were a a handful of open spots. The trail is well-maintained, with clear markings and no overgrown places. We saw several trail runners out during our ascent, and passed 4-6 groups of backpackers ascending during our return. Though this is not a technical or particularly strenuous hike at any given point, do not underestimate the length. You'll be thankful to have brought along plenty of food, water, and actual hiking shoes/boots to ease the time on your feet.

There are vivid fall colors along the trail now, especially after the first ~4 miles once you begin ascending out of the denser forest and along the rockier switchbacks. Still a few berries on the vines though they looked like they're a week or two past their season. Great views of Mt. Rainier and other surrounding peaks as always.

~6 hours for 12.6 mi and 2,887 ft of elevation gain roundtrip, including a 25-minute break at the Katwalk.