Kendall Katwalk

Whoooot! My new favorite hike around the Snoqualmie area! With no true summit, Kendall Katwalk is a narrow pathway with stunning views!
Difficulty: Moderate (mainly because it was so long)
Round trip: 11 – 11.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2600 ft
Time: 2.75 hours up, 2.25 hours down
Drive: Very easy and straight froward. Right off exit 52 on I-​90.
Parking: The Pacific Crest Trail main parking lot that can fit around 50 – 60 cars. Very popular trail so come early. I came on a Tuesday morning at 9:00 am and there were already about 10 – 15 cars parked.
Trail: The trail is in pretty good shape. Numerous of wild flowers blooming. The hike starts off at Pacific Crest Trail parking lot and into the sheltering forest. Some parts of the pathway are pretty narrow and surrounded by lots of lush overgrowth. The beginning of the trail has a very gradual mild incline.
After about 2 miles, the trail splits into two junctions with a sign for the Commonwealth Creek Trail. You will stay on the right side heading upwards. There are a couple of small stream crossings.
The trail then opens up into an open talus and into a rocky terrain. The trail starts to pick up a little with a moderate grade incline. There are switchbacks but some are not well defined.
Around 4 miles or so, the trail starts to get narrow circling the side of the mountain. Amazing views everywhere!
Kendall Katwalk is a well defined narrow pathway with huge rocks lining the edge. There are two open areas on each side of the ridge to relax and enjoy the scenery.
If you keep following the trail for another 1 – 1.5 mile, you will reach Gravel and Ridge Lake. I didn’t bother to keep going, 11 miles round trip was already pretty long to me. Lots of trail runners!
Bugs: Bring bug spray. I got bit 4 times by annoying mosquitoes.
Tips: The last two miles are very exposed. Be sure to bring sunblock!
Overall, this trail is pretty easy and straightforward. The overall incline was very gradual and not very steep.
*Northwest Forest Pass required*

Finally hiked the Katwalk after hearing so many good things about it. My hiking book gives it a 5 star rating. I’m leaning more towards a 4, but it’s still a very worthwhile hike.
Pros:
— Beautiful mountain views, and the views start early (before the trail plunges back into the forest).
— Easy access, it’s right off I-​90
— Even on a somewhat hazy day, we could see Mt. Rainier and Mt. Stuart in the distance.
— At this time of year, you get to meet PCT thru hikers and listen to their stories! I saw 2 and the frequency continue to increase.
— Trail is in good condition and elevation gain is moderate.
— Katwalk is fun. It’s a wide trail so it isn’t terrifying or anything, but it’s a nice thrill to look down the cliff edge.
Cons:
— Pretty busy hike, though the crowds were nowhere near the density of Snow Lake.
— LOOOOOONG. Cutting about 2 miles of the forest walking would make it much more reasonable.
— Once you’re out of the forest, you’ll roast in the sun on a hot day. The rocky sections seem to make this worse.
— Would have liked to see more water. We only passed a few tiny creeks and saw two tarns below. There are lakes past the Katwalk, but that makes for a super long day hike.
I enjoyed the hike and might consider doing it again, but for I-​90 hikes, I prefer Rachel Lake/​Rampart Ridge, Mt. Defiance, and Granite Mountain.

Went on a Saturday weekend in August and by mid-​morning the trail was BUSY with families, photogs, dogs and one bitchy Asian (ie. Me).
I’d heard many things about this hike being beautiful with great views, blah blah… but after Gothic Basin, Mount Forgotten Meadows and Snow Lake I thought Kendall was just OK. Certainly above-​average in scenery and an easy-​moderate hike.
The trail starts easy enough, but at the last few miles like any relationship that’s spiraling out of control, Kendall Katwalk screws you, gets steep and switchbacky. I’ve found the descripts on
something akin to my overly-​paranoid Chinese mother. WTA says the path narrows to a ridge that is the Katwalk. «The timid turn around but most people push on.» We found no such thing and were able to let others pass during the hike and vice versa on the Katwalk. During the last few miles there’s no tree cover and you’re basically out in the blazing sun going up an incline that seemingly doesn’t end. Cursing doesn’t help here (have tried it), best to shut up and continue. Overall, a good hike for out-​of-​towners to see the beauty of WA state and Snoqualmie Pass.