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Kendall Katwalk

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (41)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …North Cascades
  4. Snoqualmie Pass
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“One of the 100 Classic routes in Washington! ”

Jackie Clark
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12.2

Miles

19.7

KM

Out and Back

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

The top of this trail can remain snowy well into June or July, making the Katwalk portion treacherous.

Overview

Think of a narrow pathway along the side of a steeply sloped rock face, and you've envisioned the top of this hike! However, that's just part of it. To get to the "Katwalk" you hike through a beautiful old growth forest, with blossoms at the right time of year, and surrounding mountains that make up the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area.

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 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

Local Club: Washington Trails Association (WTA)

Apr 17, 2026: 07_17_2026 Backpacking Workshop - Outdoor Leadership Training from Washington Trails Association.pdf

Apr 17, 2026: New trail to top of Big Rock took jackhammers, rock drills and many volunteers

Apr 16, 2026: Hiker Headlines: Stehekin and Johnston Ridge Observatory road repairs begin, fee-free day, mountain snow

Land Manager: USFS - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Office

Shared By:

Jackie Clark with improvements by Joe Hubbard and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 41 votes

#1

in Snoqualmie Pass

#266

Overall
  4.7 from 41 votes
5 Star
76%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Snoqualmie Pass

#22

in Washington

#266

Overall
8 Views Last Month
9,310 Since May 28, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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32%
16%
49%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Stunning view of Rainier at sunset. Bring headlamps!
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
A few rock cairns along the way. Red mountain in the background.
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Snow among the scree.
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Kitty kitty katwalk - twlight
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Deep snow in May. Hiking for twlight hour.
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Ridgeline
May 29, 2015 near Riverbend, WA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 20, 2023
Bruce Emehiser
The actual Katwalk is beyond the end of this route. 14mi
Sep 10, 2022
Maddie Goodell
5h 30m
Jul 24, 2021
Dave Matthews
Nov 11, 2020
Noah Bannon
Aug 7, 2020
Nick Kushner
Oct 4, 2019
Dan Hanus
late fall hike...old fave!!
Sep 6, 2019
Courtney E
Long hike!!! The incline was pretty gradual but feel were tired coming down. Recommend continuing past the catwalk to see some views! Didn't make lake
Aug 24, 2019
Raj Hiker

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Stewarded by Washington Trails Association (WTA)
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