I set up my tent, filtered water out of the lake and ate some dinner. We saw a bear foraging for berries, picas, mountain vistas, streams. 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. The route came with high accolades from a 6th friend who had previously hiked this route 4 other times in the past. Yeah. Climb two more switchbacks under Kendall Peak (5.6 mi, 5100 ft) and at the 5400 feet summit, turn due east. Past the Katwalk, the high airy ridge changes gradually to less rock and more soil and vegetation. At the end of the off ramp, turn north and within 100 meters there is a dirt road on the right. The trail begins in deep forest, with close views of the river during the early stretch. There are a number of places to stop and take photos, with sharp, stony ridges and even remnants of snow, lingering here late in July. For a backpack pack, continue on to Spectacle Lake just off the the Pacific Crest Trail. This makes the Alpine Lakes Wilderness the perfect destination for spontaneous backpacking trips or backpacking with large groups. Extending your trip: If just seeing the Katwalk leaves you unfulfilled, consider continuing another 1.25 miles to a pair of lakes. Finding the current route less than ideal, and finding no reasonable alternative, the choice was made to blaze the trail with dynamite, blasting a path from the sheer granite wall. The extra mileage would have been better spent later in the trip for summitting peaks or exploring the Glacier Lake junction. By 7am on Labor Day weekend, the parking lot was already almost full. KENDALL KATWALK - 24 Photos - Mount Baker, Snoqualmie Pass, WA - Yelp Junction with Commonwealth Basin Trail. It's hard to imagine how trail workers blasted through sheer rock to construct this section of trail. Rainier, fitting between the cracks of the pinnacles of Kendall Peaks. Day 3 . Dynamite was used to blast this portion of trail out of the granite mountainside. The ground was too hard. Then we went through the boulder field west of Kendall Peak out in the open. Advertisement. There were a few folks hanging out here- its a popular place to turn around and head back to the pass. 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. GO RIGHT - which is the correct path to the Katwalk. Day 2. Look for a obvious gravel opening in the vegetation that has been eroded from use. The switchbacks led to the Alaska Mountain saddle. Kendall Katwalk Hiking Trail, Riverbend, Washington There are blueberries in late August and September. kendall katwalk to spectacle lake kendall katwalk to spectacle lake. Just another site. Looking south, you can point out many peaks such as Mt. Jaw-dropping views on this hike to Kendall Katwalk on the PCT near Seattle, Washington with Tmber. Heading up towards Park Lake, I grabbed this photo of Spectacle Lake with some amazing peaks in the background. We dashed through the creek as quick as we could and found ourselves on warm solid ground on the other bank. At 5400 feet, the trail turns a corner to the right and changes heading to almost due east. 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. 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. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Then scramble the ridge south to the summit. Many backpackers have been to one of Washington State's three iconic National Parks, but the routes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are often overlooked. 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). I was moving too fast. 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. I caught and passed a few on the way up to Kendall Katwalk, which took just over two hours. Elevation gain/loss: +3975/-3520 ft Just north of Snoqualmie Pass to 3 miles shy of Spectacle Lake (See the great Instagram pictures here) Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. I would not recommend the primitive trail unless you're in good physical condition. The trail is steep, rocky, and exposed with Rainier views behind and Lundin Peak and Red Mountain ahead (5.25 miles, 4900 ft). A few more twists, turns, a flattening of the trail, some shaded spots, and there it was! What a lovely surprise, and an incredible backdrop for photographs. City Girl turned 4-Season Backpacker based out of the Pacific Northwest. I had packed for about a 5 day trip, thinking that if everything went well, I may just end up at Stevens Pass. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 to Gravel Lake. 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. After assessing a couple of options, we decided to use this route from AllTrails as inspiration. I decided to just keep walking. Take lots of water, you will need it!! The best feature that the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has to offer is that for most trails, with the exception of a handful of extremely popular routes (I'm looking at you, Enchantments), advanced reservations are not required. Fortunately, an adjacent lot just north provided a single spot that I was able to squeeze into. Youll quickly gain the narrow ridgeline and cautiously follow it to the top. This stretch is dangerous when snow is still on the trail as it drops off steeply to the west side. Further south, we can also see Mt. Skip navigation Sign in. This run was done in early summer along the Pacific Crest Trail. So, I packed up my gear (again, WAY too heavy) and headed back up towards Park Lake. Round trip from Ridge & Gravel Lakes is 13 miles and 4,550 feet of elevation gain with a high point of 5,400 ft. The trail through the campground was a little difficult to navigate with many little offshoots on the rim trail leading straight into other people's campsites. At this point there is another major switchback to the north. 11 frank b swinguard switchblade; kendall katwalk to spectacle lake. Catherine and Silver Peak. Dangerous Mountain Trails: Kendall Katwalk, Pacific Crest Trail This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Continue reading, 973 This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Check the Washington Trails Organization or the forest service website for the latest trail reports , trail conditions and specific details. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Kendall Katwalk, Ridge Lake, Park Lake, July 28-30, 2017 The water was surprisingly warm. 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. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, One of Americas Least-Visited National Parks May Start Requiring Reservations, Dont Fall for These 8 Common Survival Myths. Oct 9, 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. Robinsons Head Office Contact Number, Along the final up-and-down half mile, lingering snow can make the way treacherous; check trail conditions.Cross the pass below Kendall Peak and welcome new views. Kendall Katwalk, Ridge Lake, Park Lake, July 28-30, 2017 Then shortly the road splits. REMINDER: the US Forest Service typically does not use their permit system to perform search and rescues for lost hikers. The trail spit us out on the road just ahead of Cooper Lake campground. 19 miles in 8 hours with some significant descents. It was cold, but we warmed up as we got moving. Les infos sur l'aroport, de la carte aux htels en passant par les informations aronautiques. Something about the obvious intrusion of man onto an almost fairy-tale landscape has attracted hikers and backpackers for decades. 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. Instagram photo by @_goldyyloxx (Stephanie Mair). Despite its humble name, Pete Lake was a perfect embodiment of an glistening blue alpine lake, surrounded on all sides by woods and mountains. Tiene un lago y es calificado como difcil. Today's visit (7/29/17) was nearly incomparable, my only caveat being that I'd wished to not suffer so much the day after, my feet, knees and lower back all complaining. Enter the meadows below Kendall Peak and enjoy broad views as far as Mt. The Wild Compiled: A 3 Day Backpacking Trip in the Alpine Lakes Crossing the talus fields. We passed around my handy dandy PackTowl to dry our feet off. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. kendall katwalk to spectacle lake - sfsymphonyauction.org On the right hand side is the main parking lot which handles 50 vehicles. Joshco Flats To Rent In Fleurhof Contact Number, It's pretty cool. June 3, 2022 . Starting at Snoqualmie Pass, follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) first through forest then climbing to a scenic ridge crest and then along Kendall Katwalk, one of the most impressive walks on the Washington state portion of the PCT. There were a few folks hanging out here- it's a popular place to turn around and head back to the pass. We saw the first people on the whole trip at Spectacle Lake. It was built in 1976 by blasting open the cliff with dynamite after marking out a path with paint-filled bottles dropped from a helicopter. Its pretty amazing. Kendall Katwalk (and Beyond) - Hike Left: View of the Kendal Katwalk, Looking North; Right: Hike KML Profile from Canon GPS Logger Hike Notes Length: 22.1 miles (according to Garmin HCX) Duration: 10.5 hours (7:30 am - 6:00 pm) Elevation Gain: 4,565 ft (total), 5,583 ft max elevation, starting @ 3,058 ft Location: Snoqualmie Pass 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. We saw a lot of vibrant purple wildflowers blooming in this section, which I later learned was Fireweed. This area is known as Kendall Gardens due to seasonal massive wildflower displays. Want to See the Best of Winter? 7.2 miles, 687ft gain/2685ft loss, fitbit data: 19,792 steps, 49 floors. We passed around my handy dandy, Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Fireweed is often the first plant to bloom following a wildfire in North America, When we got to Spectacle Lake, it was PACKED since it was Labor Day Weekend. Both have restrooms. The next several miles flew by. Mt. Snoqualmie Region. My pack was WAY too heavy. Just ahead of Alaska Mountain, we found a white-furred marmot hanging out on the scree. From here it was a long switchbacking hike down to the Lake. She was not immediately identified. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. We followed a primitive trail to reach Alaska Mountain. Blasted in the granite with dynamite, the Katwalk is wide and safe to cross. You will also pass below the spires of the 4 Brothers, as well as Chikamun Peak. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. The trail was tight, steep, and brushy with a scramble up large rocks toward the end. At 4.25 miles, there is a nearly flat ridge to cross. Here, you will encounter steeper, smooth switchbacks that curve their way through the forest. Tax ID: 27-3009280. Rainier provides the backdrop for Mt. Kendall Katwalk Trail | Map, Guide - Washington | AllTrails You are always responsible for informing trusted friends and family about your planned route and planned date of return. I guess that's the cost of not needing advanced reservations; campsites were a free-for-all. To the north-northeast and about 175 feet below the trail is the larger Gravel Lake. Kendall Katwalk There had been lots of recent foot traffic on the trail. Friday was quite brisk with hard blowing mist especially along the shale trail below Chikamin. On this particular day, with bright sun in the sky, I saw some people up ahead looking towards the hill. From here this section of the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Kendall Katwalk, a striking span cut into a curtain of rock. Snowshoe Up Artist Point. Just beyond this stump is a bootpath (not well traveled) which leads straight uphill to the northernmost summit of Kendall Peak. 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. As I sat and ate, I pulled bits of bread from my sandwich, and tossed them away, with the birds swooping down on them. updates, images, or resources. We met a lot of folks equally confused and wondering if theyd somehow missed the infamous Katwalk. Two sequential crossings are aided by good balance and/or trekking poles. Seattle, WA 98104. It sounded fantastic. Lots of blueberries ( huckleberries ? ) Another cloudless day! I wasnt exactly sure at this point because I was a bit knackered. At the end of the ramp, turn left under the freeway onto Alpental Rd. 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. 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. Here is some brief history of the trail. There is one traverse of a small talus field (7.3 miles). Kendall Katwalk to Ridge Lake, a pretty piece of the PCT. Vivek Meaning In English, Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We found a nice camp spot on the SE side of the lake and went for a nice swim in the swimming hole to wash off. Heres How it Went. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. I was pretty hurting by then. Despite having our tent side walls fully rolled up to facilitate ventilation, our tent got soaked with condensation overnight. You are now following near the Pacific Crest. This is the ridge just to the NW of the Katwalk. It wasnt a great camping spot from that standpoint. Apparently these beautiful flowers are some of the first plants to regrow after a wildfire in North America - isn't nature awesome? And so Kendall Katwalk was born. 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. Just beyond the eastern edge of the lake, we get peek-a-boo views of Mt. While we never got to enjoy Glacier Lake, we enjoyed views of Park Lake to the south after reaching the junction. Kendall Katwalk RECOMMENDED ROUTE Intermediate/Difficult 4.7 (39) Areas WA North Cascades Snoqualmie Pass " A beautiful hike with stunning views - one of the 100 Classic routes in 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. kendall katwalk to spectacle lake As of 2017, the Snoqualmie Ranger District considers Mountaineers trips and courses to be "nominal use". Passed Alaska Lake, over Alaska Mountain and between Edds Lake and Joe Lake. July, and still some snow on the top. Most of the available campsites were on hard rock, which did not accommodate our ultralight trekking pole tent. Total distance (Round Trip) 12 miles to the Katwalk and 14.5 miles if go to two beautiful lakes beyond the Katwalk. Uncategorized. It's 11 miles round trip and 2,700 feet of elevation gain with a high point of 5,400 ft. From Kendall Katwalk, continue 1.5 miles to the secluded Ridge and Gravel Lakes. Elevation gain/loss: +3975/-3520 ft Just north of Snoqualmie Pass to 3 miles shy of Spectacle Lake (See the great Instagram pictures here) I wake at 6:30. The creek was flowing shin-deep water with no easy rock hop or log crossing around it. In season, the slopes feature a dazzling array of wildflowers, including lupine, paintbrush, phlox, penstemon, and columbine. If you get the chance to visit the Pacific Crest Trail, this section is a most worthwhile choice. Kendall Katwalk (Snoqualmie Pass) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor