Day Hike - Kendall Katwalk

First meeting option is 6:30am at the  South Federal Way Park and Ride; 901 S 348th St., Federal Way, WA, 98003.   Second meeting option is  at 7:30am  at the  East North Bend Park & Ride (called by locals as the 24 hour parking lot since that is what the sign says),  234 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045.   We can consolidate in cars as appropriate and then drive to the trailhead that is just off I-90, Exit 52.   Trailhead lot is limited so would recommend carpooling to there from the park and rides but, if needed, someone can  meet us at trailhead sometime between 8:00am and 8:15am.    Would like to get on the trail before 8:30am to get to Kendal Katwalk even if going slow  (1.5 miles per hour) between Noon and 12:45pm.  

PASS REQUIREMENT FOR TRAILHEAD PARKING:  Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Annual Pass (National Park Service America the Beautiful Annual Pass is an interagency pass)

This is a challenging hike but also breathtaking at times.  We will likely go up slow (1.5 miles per hour) to ensure everyone has time to take all the pictures they wish of both the views and the wildflowers.  When we get to Kendall Katwalk, we will take time for lunch, to walk the Katwalk, and just look around.  Expect to travel faster on the way down (2 miles per hour).  

This will be an all day hike due to its length and height so expect to bring the amount of food/water needed for such a hike.   This could mean packing in a large amount of water on a hot day.  There are places available to filter water but they are located in the first 3 miles so will need to carry water to drink for several miles.

Leader Notes Based upon 7/4/2018 Scouting Hike:  Great hike.  No major issues on the trail and the views continue to be amazing.  Wildflowers have just started to come out but will see many more on 7/29.  Snow was on the  trail in the higher elevations but that will likely be gone or almost gone by time of this hike.  Snow should not pose any problem.  Will need bug repellent.  Some bugs already noted on 7/4 even though it was only about 60 degrees in the mountains.

OPTIONAL POST HIKE STOP:  DruBru, a brewery with a food truck right beside it.  Located less than 1 mile from trailhead.  Great beer; burgers and non-meat snacks at food truck. Keep this in mind when arranging carpool options.