Of the numerous day hikes along the I-90 corridor, Kendall Katwalk is a favorite.
–Compared to other I-90 hikes, the climbing is a relatively mellow 2,883′ in ~12 miles round trip.
For comparison, Mt Si is ~3,200′ in 6+ miles, Granite Mountain is ~3,700′ in 8+ miles, and Mailbox Peak is ~4,000′ in 10 miles round trip.
–The route takes hikers through old growth forest to a spectacular vista, the “Katwalk,” with gorgeous views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
The Katwalk is man-made, and was blasted out of the knife-edge ridge north of Kendall Peak. Construction of the trail was done in 1979 (or 1975?)
–Summer or fall, the flowers and foliage are always stunning.
The hike to Kendall Katwalk is on the southern segment of Section J of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) between Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes. You are likely to encounter as many PCT through-hikers and trail runners as day hikers.
This route can be difficult to impossible to do until the snow melts out. The upper part of the trail gets notoriously icy during the spring and early summer and just not worth the risk. Check the trip reports at the Washington Trails Association for the latest intel.
There can be a chilly breeze on the Katwalk. Bring a lightweight windbreaker if you plan to hang out and enjoy a snack with the view.
The drive to the trailhead is usually under an hour from Seattle.
During summer, the parking lots can be full any day of the week. If you can’t find a parking space in one of the lots, you can park along “Erste Strasse” which is the road to Alpental Ski Area. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead parking lots.
There is a vault toilet at the traihead.
