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A beautiful run with stunning views - one of the 100 Classic routes in Washington!


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Map Key

12.2

Miles

19.7

KM

83%

Runnable

5,420' 1,652 m

High

3,038' 926 m

Low

2,621' 799 m

Up

2,620' 799 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

20%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Think of a narrow pathway along the side of a steeply sloped rock face and you've envisioned the top of this run! However, that's just part of it; to get there, you walk through a beautiful old growth forest, blossoms at the right time of year, and the surrounding mountains that make up the Snoqualimie and Alpine Lakes Wilderness areas.

This run was featured in the The Mountaineers 100 Classic Washington Hikes book.

Need to Know

A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required. (not a Discover Pass).

Toilets are available in the parking lot.

Description

Leaving the parking lot, you'll instantly be aware that you are on a part of the PCT with medallions, who knows how old, on scattered trees. A wide pathway may have trees down, blown over by a recent wind storm - check trip reports if you are concerned with trail conditions.

Pass a waterfall relatively early on and then two creek crossings shortly thereafter- varying in depth depending on the recent rainfall. Switchbacks will take you through the old growth forest until you find yourself above the treeline with Red Mountain in front of you and Rainier to your back.

Continue through the scree fields (obvious trail in the middle), and use the rock to your right for balance along this steep slope, dip into the trees briefly and continue on another half a mile to the katwalk proper with vertical cliffs on your left and right for the classic katwalk views into the backcountry.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jackie Clark with improvements by Joe Hubbard

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 39 votes

#263

Overall
  4.7 from 39 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#21

in Washington

#263

Overall
8 Views Last Month
9,310 Since May 28, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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31%
17%
51%
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Photos

A few rock cairns along the way. Red mountain in the background.
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Kitty kitty katwalk - twlight
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Ridgeline
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Part of the PCT
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Hill, hill, hills
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Fading light
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA

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Weather


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