Hike to the stunning Kendall Katwalk section of the PCT.
Hiking Difficult
The Kendall Katwalk day hike is one of the most visually-stunning sections of the long-distance Pacific Crest Trail in the Cascades! Along the Kendall Katwalk, the PCT traverses a thin, near-vertical rock ridge. In order to run the singletrack along the ridge, a ledge has been blasted into the rock face—hence the name "Kendall Katwalk."
While the narrow ridge traverse is the ultimate goal, if you consider the hike in its entirety, it is a much more varied experience. “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,” writes Ken Giesbers on WTA.org.
The hike begins by winding slowly through old-growth forest. Then, as you approach the 2-mile mark, “the trail breaks out into open talus and enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness,” according to Giesbers. Here, the views start ramping up in earnest! The climb gets steeper, with some sections traversing a steep hillside and others passing through exposed talus fields. If you’re hiking at the right time of year, you’ll enjoy "a dazzling array of wildflowers, including lupine, paintbrush, phlox, penstemon, and columbine,” according to Giesbers.
About 5.5 miles in, you’ll reach the famed Katwalk. Walk the narrow 150 yards of Katwalk, shoot a few photos, and enjoy a lunch break on this scenic ridge.
If you haven’t had enough just yet, you "can continue on to hike along a series of beautiful alpine lakes,” according to SwitchbackTravel.com. “This area also makes for a great overnight backpacking trip,” they conclude.
Sources: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/kendall-katwalk https://www.switchbacktravel.com/great-day-hikes-near-seattle
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.
Away from help but easily accessed.
198 m away
Miles 2393.2-2464.1 of the northbound PCT: Stunning views along a series of big ups and downs, between high mountain lakes and lush valley forest in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Difficult Hiking
6 km away
A spectacular alpine lake high above Snoqualmie Pass.
Difficult Hiking
8.2 km away
An easily-accessible alpine lake hike right off the I-90 corridor.
Difficult Hiking
8.5 km away
A mellow hike to two stunning alpine lakes, with the option to camp at either one.
Moderate Hiking
8.5 km away
A mellow hike to a stunning alpine lake.
Moderate Hiking
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