The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. More importantly, I was in the third and final section, having only about 1.5 miles to go. I wasnt exactly sure at this point because I was a bit knackered. We enjoyed a nice breakfast at camp as we waited for the sun to rise over the surrounding mountains and cast its warm rays on our tent. Kendall Katwalk A strenuous 11 mi round trip hike with 2,700 ft in elevation gain along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) north of Snoqualmie Pass. From here this section of the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Kendall Katwalk, a striking span cut into a curtain of rock. This is looking back toward Joe Lake after traversing under the Four Brothers. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Before getting started, we made sure to fill out a permit form at the trailhead with some information about our route. Live Stream Wilmington Nc, WHERE: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest & Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington (it is part of Section J of the PCT) WHAT: hiking and backpacking trail, out and back DISTANCE: 12 miles to the Kendall Katwalk, option to go muuuuuuch farther HIGHEST POINT: 5,400 feet / 1,646 meters, at the top GEAR NEEDED: sturdy hiking shoes, a well-sized day bag or backpacking gear (depending on your . They mule-packed in 1,000 feet of steel cables to secure workers and equipment on the precipitous job site, then marked the route along the cliff face by dropping beer bottles full of red paint from a helicopter. Then the trail continues up with occasional views of Snoqualmie Pass and Granite Mountain to the next pair of switchbacks at 1.5 miles (3690 ft). ? The route that led west took us to a well-maintained wooden bridge that crossed in front of a waterfall. A pair of trail runners came by and gave us a tip that if we added a mile to our journey north and linked up with the Pacific Crest Trail, there were bridges we could take that would avoid the creek crossing. From here it was a long switchbacking hike down to the Lake. Log in and send us On the right hand side is the main parking lot which handles 50 vehicles. Exposure at the Katwalk: Back in the 1970s, an alignment of political stars resulted in a half a million acres of Forest Service land in the Snoqualmie Pass area to be designated as the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. At 2.25 miles, there is a small waterfall on the uphill side of the trail. 3300 feet if you do Gravel and Ridge Lakes. August 24, 2018 March 15, 2019 Posted in August 2018, Uncategorized Tagged kendall katwalk, PCT, spectacle lake Leave a comment. It was one of our group member's first time traversing scree fields, and he needed to take it slow to avoid rolling his ankle. Workers rappelled off the ridge and bored holes for dynamite with an 80-pound gas drill. There are a few options from the Katwalk to reach the top, but none should take longer than 20-30 minutes. The famous Katwalk photos are almost all taken from the north end so you might not even realize you are there until you have crossed over. Fitbit data: 45,380 steps, 466 floors. Therefore, if you are feeling gumptious, you can really hike as far as you want along the trail (the Kendall Katwalk is around 6 miles from the trailhead). This little guy didn't seem to mind the scree fields! Rainer looms in the distance. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Kendall Katwalk Trail est un sentier aller-retour de 15 miles trs frquent situ prs de Snoqualmie Pass, tat de Washington. We took a break in the blueberry fields at Eagle Lake to snack and refresh our water supply. 25 Type of Hike Day hike Trails Hiked Spectacle Lake Pete Lake I just returned from a 1 night hike starting at Snoqualmie Pass ending at Cooper Lake. The trail winds around at first, then heads into a series of lengthy straight sections. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. The creek was flowing shin-deep water with no easy rock hop or log crossing around it. You are now following near the Pacific Crest. Shortly after the split, you again enter the woods into what I refer to as the "second section", also covered in canopy. Tax ID: 27-3009280. After climbing up and over the ridge near Kendall Peak, we passed through the Kendall Katwalk, a short, narrow pathway blasted out of the steep cliffside. The lot was completely full, but after 30 minutes of waiting, someone left and I took their spot. This is one of my favorite hikes close to Seattle. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. Catherine and Silver Peak. This is Park Lake. to the Katwalk The amazing views made it so worth while enduring the climb to the top! But here my journey ended, a four hour trek, as I stopped to rest and have lunch. At 3.6 miles, the trail "splits", and can be deceiving; as you exit the woods and come out into the open, you can climb some rocks in front of you, and continue on, or go to the right, which remains a nice dirt path. The terrain was diverse, ranging from forested sections to scree fields, with rolling uphill and downhill sections so that I never grew bored of the route. Kendall Katwalk to Gravel and Ridge Lakes (1.25 miles, 150 ft drop to Ridge Lake, 175 ft drop to Gravel Lake) Gravel Lake Pacific Crest Trail For those with enough fitness, energy, and willpower, consider going an extra 1.25 miles to two beautiful Alpine Lakes on the Pacific Crest. This area is known as Kendall Gardens due to seasonal massive wildflower displays. We had originally been planning to camp at Glacier Lake for our first night, but after considering a multitude of factors (the sun was setting earlier in the day this time of year, our group had an aggressive goal of traversing 16 miles in a single day, and our group was tired from the extra mileage between Salmon La Sac and Cooper Lake), we decided to set up camp at Spectacle Lake instead. Here is some brief history of the trail. This is a more difficult dangerous route (Class 3-4) and there is plenty of loose rock. In fact, if you are ambitious, there is no need to stop at Kendall Katwalk and you can continue onward to Canada:-) We hiked up in 3 hours and down in 2 with a few stops for pictures. We saw a lot of vibrant purple wildflowers blooming in this section, which I later learned was Fireweed. Camping is possible here, but there is no water. View of the Kendall Katwalk Gravel Lake Ridge Lake At the Commonwealth Creek Trail junction, stay right and the trail heads south through a forest climbing gradually to a switchback with an open space under Kendall Peak (3.0 miles, 3975 ft). After a short break, and a snack, I trudged forward, as the path led around open curves, and beautiful vistas of the valley and ridges that surrounded the path. Gravel Lake - Ridge Lake - 15.2 Miles Round-Trip Gravel Lake is located 7.6 miles from the Pacific Crest Trailhead, just off Exit 52 on I-90 west of Snoqualmie Pass. Day 3 . It had actually taken me about 2 more hours to get down there. After 3 or 4 months of backpacking, they would have to give up on their trek due to looming uncertainty of wildfire danger between this section of trail and the Canadian border. Want to See the Best of Winter? https://www.backpacker.com/trips/masterpiece-trails-sky-walk. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This is a popular hike so get there early or you might be walking with quite a few other folks. Just ahead of Alaska Mountain, we found a white-furred marmot hanging out on the scree. But I cant wait until next summer to do something just like it! August 28 and 29, 2016, Westport 2013- Mom and Dads 50th Anniversary Trip. Wildflower displays are generally best in August after the snow is gone. This trail is also the first part of Section J of the Pacific Crest Trail just north . Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District, 55 Hikes around Snoqualmie Pass (Manning & Spring - Mountaineers Books), Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Pass (Nelson & Bauer - Mountaineers Books), Buy the Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass Gateway No. 17.42 miles, 4916ft gain/4782ft loss. Another cloudless day! Pretty nasty. Le sentier longe un lac et sa difficult est value comme difficile. Lazy Script Android, But worth the price? The Wild Compiled: A 3 Day Backpacking Trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Salmon La Sac to Kendall Katwalk The Wild Compiled City Girl turned 4-Season Backpacker based out of the Pacific Northwest Home Explore About Contact More Something Isn't Working Refresh the page to try again. As always, be safe when crossing high water, and if it seems too much for you, don't be afraid to turn around. My pack was WAY too heavy. I ran into a unique problem that I had never considered would be an issue. The Kendall Katwalk is a nice moderate hike within easy reach of Seattle, only about an hour to the trail head. The Pacific Crest Trail north from the trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass follows a challenging winding path through forests, peaks, across the Kendall Katwalk to a high camp between Gravel and Ridge Lakes. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The stars were unbelievable. It's a 12-mile hike with 2600 feet elevation gain, both of which are at my limit. Back to Login. The forest opens up after the switchback pair into open talus and reaches a summit at the Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary (2.0 miles, 3830 ft). Les infos sur l'aroport, de la carte aux htels en passant par les informations aronautiques. This section of the trail is not steep less than 1000 feet is gained in the first 2.6 miles. This is between Huckleberry and Chickamin Peaks. But the whole package includes old growth forest, gorgeous wildflowers, and stunning views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from both sides of the pass below Kendall Peak, where the Katwalk begins. Kendall Katwalk hike, Washington. I put on microspikes by the switchbacks. I decided to just keep walking. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. The weather-worn spires and crags of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness fill the horizon like a sea of crumbling sandcastles. The approach is long, never leaving the hum and scattered views of I-90 until around 2 1/2 miles. I set up my tent, filtered water out of the lake and ate some dinner. After building the trail up to the ridge, Warren and his crew installed camp in the summer of 1976 at Gravel Lake, just north of what would become the Katwalk. The Kendall Katwalk Trail is actually a part of the world famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which runs 2,650 miles from the border of Mexico in the south to the border of Canada in the north. Before it was completed, some people were probably going up Gold Creek to Ptarmigan Park, and getting up on the ridge next to Spectacle Lake from there. This run was done in early summer along the Pacific Crest Trail. Up to this point we had complete solitude. Leaders should print and copy this designation letter to show rangers they may see on trail or carry a digital copy on their phone. Share. Drive I-90 to Exit 52 at Snoqualmie Pass. Listen and look for the small chirping pikas which are abundant here. Before it was completed, some people were probably going up Gold Creek to Ptarmigan Park, and getting up on the ridge next to Spectacle Lake from there. A few more twists, turns, a flattening of the trail, some shaded spots, and there it was! Rainier, fitting between the cracks of the pinnacles of Kendall Peaks. If I were to travel this route again, I would actually choose to cut out the segment of the route between Salmon La Sac and Cooper Lake. Ski resorts have a different personality in summer. But the whole package includes old-growth forest, gorgeous wildflowers, and stunning views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from both sides of the pass below Kendall Peak, where the Katwalk begins.Start out from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) main parking lot, turning left at a picnic table in the shade, and coming upon a T. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The meadows are full of fireweed, lupine, and columbine just to name a few. We met a lot of folks equally confused and wondering if theyd somehow missed the infamous Katwalk. Just beyond this stump is a bootpath (not well traveled) which leads straight uphill to the northernmost summit of Kendall Peak. Go Hiking Trip Reports Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section J - Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass, Kendall Katwalk, Gravel Lake - Ridge Lake, Spectacle Lake, Deep Lake, Peggy's Pond, Surprise and Glacier Lakes I sat in class drawing cartoons to make the time pass. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Traverse a steep hillside through beautiful old-growth forest, eventually breaking out into open talus at about 5000 feet of elevation. Rainer. Kendall Peak has four summits, all nearly equal in height. No questions have been asked about this experience, Kendall Katwalk, Snoqualmie Pass: Address, Phone Number, Kendall Katwalk Reviews: 5/5. These Photos Prove It. I Tried to Sew My Own Ultralight Tent. This is pretty much what a lot of the trail looked like. To the right is the main parking lot, large enough for over 50 vehicles. Filing a permit helps inform the US Forest Service which trails are well traveled so that they can divert funding appropriately for trail maintenance and beautification at no extra cost to you. The PCT is not for someone who is afraid of heights. Miles hiked: 11. Dynamite was used to blast this portion of trail out of the granite mountainside. Once full, these logbooks are archived at the University of Washington. Then go across a steep hillside in old growth forest until you break out into open talus and heather at 5.1 miles and 4850 ft. Heading north from near Snoqualmie Pass, it follows the Pacific Crest Trail climbing about 2700 feet over 5 or 6 miles. Just ahead of Spectacle Lake, there was a small junction - one that led north (unmapped on our Caltopo route) and one that led west along the PCT then north to Spectacle Lake. Did you know WTA has a mobile app? Though some rate the trail as "difficult", and the sign on the trail fork was labeled "most difficult", for these two sixty something hikers, this trail was what we would call moderate, with beautiful forest and vistas the entire way. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Sunday, August 5, 2018 Part I, Day 2. I guess that's the cost of not needing advanced reservations; campsites were a free-for-all. Despite its humble name, Pete Lake was a perfect embodiment of an glistening blue alpine lake, surrounded on all sides by woods and mountains. Then its 0.5 miles on switchbacks below Kendall Peak to a mini Katwalk with new views of Red Peak and beyond (6.1 miles, 5380 ft). Here, you will encounter steeper, smooth switchbacks that curve their way through the forest. Then go across a steep hillside in old growth forest until you break out into open talus and heather at 5.1 miles and 4850 ft. by. It's a fairly modest elevation gain of 2600 feet along. If you have a dog, keep them on a leash as a mistaken step off the trail is likely the end. I descended to the trail that splits off the PCT and goes to Glacier Lake, but I wasnt liking the look of the trail, so I walked over and took at look at Spectacle Lake from above. That didnt happen. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required. Walking the entire main Kendall Katwalk on the Pacific Crest Trail. Its not particularly dangerous, but if standing above a 2000 foot cliff and looking over the edge is something you dont like, I wouldnt recommend it. The switchbacks led to the Alaska Mountain saddle. It was spectacular and I slept terribly. Looking at this for hours is not a bad thing. Mt. The most interesting part of this area is being able to look up at the trail and see people well above you on the switchbacks, knowing that you have to make it up there, too! Vivek Meaning In English, You will also pass below the spires of the 4 Brothers, as well as Chikamun Peak. I arrived at the Spectacle Lake and found a nice flat (albeit hard) place to put my tent. View PCT Snoqualmie to Pete Lake Image Gallery - 22 Images. The cost of the project? The trail proceeds southward at a steady grade, crosses a stream, open slopes and then back into the forest on to reach the northwest shoulder of Kendall Peak (4.0 miles, 4450 ft). Sep 26, 2014 - If the name Kendall Katwalk conjures up an image of a narrow pathway blasted out of a steeply sloped rock face, thats part of it. Round trip from Ridge & Gravel Lakes is 13 miles and 4,550 feet of elevation gain with a high point of 5,400 ft. From the main PCT parking lot, pass a picnic table and stay to the right at the T intersection. Total distance (Round Trip) 12 miles to the Katwalk and 14.5 miles if go to two beautiful lakes beyond the Katwalk. We started off our journey by meeting up with our party at the Kendall Katwalk trailhead. After two miles of uphill climb, you break out into the open, onto a massive rock bed. Jul 21, 2019 Private User Jul 14, 2019 Hannah. In July, there are many wildflowers which makes this a particularly pretty hike. Heading up towards Park Lake, I grabbed this photo of Spectacle Lake with some amazing peaks in the background. kendall katwalk to spectacle lake kendall katwalk to spectacle lake. Climb two more switchbacks under Kendall Peak (5.6 mi, 5100 ft) and at the 5400 feet summit, turn due east. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. She was not immediately identified. Catherine and the Snoqualmie ski slopes. The rock faces of the Katwalk gradually transition into a more mellow soil and vegetation traverse. Didn't make lake Aug 24, 2019 Raj Hiker. This is a section of the Pacific Crest Trail so you will find everything from day hikers to people backpacking end to end on the trail. Descend 250 feet through the talus to the saddle between the lakes (7.6 miles, 5200 ft). Many campers found a place to camp on the peninsula between the two halves of Spectacle Lake, which was probably the right move to get great views at both sunrise and sunset. A quick scramble back down and we continued on to the Katwalk, which ended up being a bit further than we anticipated. Passed Alaska Lake, over Alaska Mountain and between Edds Lake and Joe Lake. At 5400 feet, the trail turns a corner to the right and changes heading to almost due east. 7.2 miles, 687ft gain/2685ft loss, fitbit data: 19,792 steps, 49 floors. Mar 23, 2015 - If the name Kendall Katwalk conjures up an image of a narrow pathway blasted out of a steeply sloped rock face, thats part of it. The trail to the Katwalk begins in the mixed fir and hemlock that quickly yield to thick patches of huckleberry and salmonberry flanking the path. A moderate to difficult hike and some of the trail was very narrow though much wider at the Katwalk than I thought it would be judging by pictures I saw previous to the hike. Past the Katwalk, the high airy ridge changes gradually to less rock and more soil and vegetation. (22), A Weekend in the Enchantments: 4 Peaks in a Row, Getting Back Into the Swing of Things: Triple Couloirs Car to Car, Surprise in the Wilderness: An Alpine Lakes Tale. The path becomes slightly steeper before crossing long stretches of talus and sub-alpine meadow, with accompanying open views of the Pass and surrounding landscape. Having traversed the trail, it's easy to "dissect" it into three distinctive sections, across a distance of just over seven miles (one-way), ascending 3,833 feet. The Pacific Crest Trail follows a challenging, sinuous route through old growth forests, high peaks and across Kendall Katwalk to a high camp between Gravel and Ridge lakes. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. By the end of the summer, a 4-foot-wide trail cut straight across the 50-degree cliff, with an 800-foot drop belowand no guardrail. El sendero se usa principalmente para hacer senderismo, caballos y caminata con raquetas y es mejor utilizado de junio hasta septiembre. It is a segment of Section J of Pacific Crest Trail and the construction was completed in 1979. Continue on through old-growth forest, where blacktail deer roam stealthily.At 4.25 miles, cross a nearly flat ridge top where large fallen trees bear evidence to a past storm. From the 1930s until 1968, the route was blazed and explored, receiving federal recognition as a scenic trail under the 1968 National Trail Systems Act. By 7am on Labor Day weekend, the parking lot was already almost full. There was absolutely no light pollution up there and the clouds had cleared. There are no services in the immediate area although there is a gas station, brewery and restaurant a bit over a mile away at the base of the Snoqualmie ski area. REMINDER: the US Forest Service typically does not use their permit system to perform search and rescues for lost hikers. The extra 1.5 miles from the Katwalk is well worth the views into the Alpine Lakes region. WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF), The experience scramble is a one day field trip where actual summits are attempted and, Difficulty: Strenuous, Technical 3, Strenuous 4, A conditioning hike to help prepare and train for backpack trips, longer backpack trips, glacier, CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph), Trip will initially open to Tacoma Branch Conditioning Hiking Students. App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. The trail is steep, rocky, and exposed, offering unobstructed views of Lundin Peak and Red Mountain ahead, and Mount Rainier behind. Pete Lake, Spectacle Lake. Then scramble the ridge south to the summit. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It is a 12 mile round trip hike with 2600 feet of elevation gain but no special equipment is required if you go after the snow has melted. I had . 500 feet beyond, stay right at the signed junction and climb to a switchback, entering shady forest. In 100 yards, dont take the gravelly overgrown Commonwealth Creek Trail on the left. Seattle, WA 98104. With interstate 90 appearing as a narrow ribbon in the valley below, the height of the climb became obvious! The Pacific Crest Trail runs 7.6 miles through old growth forests, high peaks and across the dizzying Kendall Katwalk to a high camp between Gravel and Ridge Lakes.The lakes are achievable in a long day but more comfortably reached as an overnight, and are often the first leg of a popular multi-day trip past Chikamin Peak to Spectacle Lake. Heres How it Went. When we got to Spectacle Lake, it was PACKED since it was Labor Day Weekend. There is one traverse of a small talus field (7.3 miles). Kendall Katwalk, Ridge Lake, and Gravel Lake. There is no public transportation to get there from Seattle area. 4 reviews of Kendall Katwalk "Finally hiked the Katwalk after hearing so many good things about it. The view was spectacular though: The next morning was gorgeous. The viewpoint at Kendall Katwalk was unbelievable. Look down on Guye Peak and the Pass to the west and the shores of Keechelus Lake to the east. A snow beaten, windblown tree alone and jutting from a ledge about 18 inches wide some two-hundred and fifty feet below the contoured trail reached out and snatched him from what would have been a 2000 foot cartwheel of death down a scree slope to Alaska Lake. After traversing so much scree the previous day, a relaxing return route through the forest was welcomed. This hike travels to a narrow trail blasted into the cliff face with views of wildflowers, mountains, ridges, and fall foliage. The views were beautiful and the temperature was perfect for a good strong walk. Tax ID: 27-3009280. Ridge and Gravel Lake is a short alpine distance away. My knees and hips were killing me. From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 52 - West Summit. The trail can be lost here; watch for where it dodges sharply to the right, sometimes hidden in shadows. Go Hiking Trip Reports Pete Lake #1323,Pacific Crest (Alpine Lakes) #2000,Spectacle Lake #1306,Kendall Katwalk #2000. Stay to the right; the left is merely the connector trail from the upper parking lot. No other details were.