Kendall Katwalk Trail

Route Description for Kendall Katwalk Trail

Kendall Katwalk Trail is an undeniably impressive hike. This 19.3 km trail climbs a catwalk (er, katwalk) blasted onto the side of a mountain for unbelievable views of Gold Creek Valley and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. While it’s not a good choice for those who are afraid of heights or dislike narrow, exposed trails, it’s a favorite for adrenaline junkies and hikers perpetually on the hunt for the next-best views. The trail will make you work for it, but the 792 m of elevation gain is spread out somewhat gradually, making it doable for many intermediate and better hikers.

This trail is a hotspot for wasps and hornets, and hikers and dogs both get stung somewhat regularly. Be careful!

The trail begins on the PCT. At the T-junction, stay right. Hike for 30 m, passing a gravelly trail on the left to stay straight. The path is wide and well-kept and is lined by wildflowers in the summertime and blueberries in the late summer. You’ll hike through several wide winding turns before straightening out.

About 3.2 km in, you’ll enter a talus field, dropping some elevation. A 0.4 km later, a little waterfall can be seen. There are two stream crossings ahead. While the crossings are usually easy enough, they can be a bit daunting in high water. If it seems like too much for you, turn around and return another day.

A junction appears 152 m later, and you’ll stay right here. Beginning to switchback through the forest, you’ll cross the stream once more before hiking through a gravel runoff bed into a rock formation. Note that the trail becomes hard to find here- you’ll want to watch for a sharp right turn.

Hike into an old-growth forest. 6.8 km in, you’ll hike over a flat ridgetop, then climb onto a steep hillside. The forest here is gorgeous, but you’ll leave it as you cross over an open talus slope. This area is known as the Kendall Gardens for its resplendent wildflowers in the summertime.

The trail through the gardens and beyond becomes quite steep and rocky, and the first taste of exposure comes. Take it slow if you need to. Look behind you for views of Mount Rainier before making a right turn on the trail to begin hiking east.

The final 0.8 km is undulating, clinging to the side of the mountain. This section of the trail is stellar, but it’s not as safe in the snow, so take care in poor conditions. The views are wide and impressive here.

Crossing the pass below Kendall Peak, the narrowest section of the trail comes next. If you’re already feeling exposed enough, feel free to leave this for another time. If you’re wanting to see more, it’s a short jaunt to the end of the catwalk.

Most hikers choose to continue from here to Gravel and Ridge lakes, which are 2.0 km further. These lakes offer a nice place to cool off, swim, dip your feet, or otherwise relax before making the return trip to the trailhead. Whether you choose to continue to the lakes or not, you’ll be retracing your steps to the parking lot when you’re ready to return.

Hiking Route Highlights

Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area

The star of the view on Kendall Katwalk is the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a large wilderness area spanning the Central Cascades of Washington state. Established in 1976 and managed by the United States Forest Service, this pristine region is home to more peaks, lakes, and wildflower meadows than you could count. It’s a stunning area to explore!

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Kendall Katwalk?

The highest point of the trail is 1,646 m.

Can you hike Kendall Katwalk in the winter?

This trail is best used between June and September. Portions of the route become unsafe in slippery or snowy conditions, so we recommend visiting exclusively in the summertime.

Do I need a permit for Kendall Katwalk?

Yes. Please have your Northwest Forest Pass ready.