Kendall Katwalk

getting there

Drive I-90 to Exit 52 at Snoqualmie Pass.  At the end of the off ramp, turn north and within 100 meters there is a dirt road on the right.  Turn right onto the road and park in the Pacific Crest Trail northbound trailhead parking lot (3,000 ft).

on the trail

kendall katwalk

11 miles round trip, 2,700 feet of elevation gain, 5,400 ft high point

Starting at Snoqualmie Pass, follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) first through forest then climbing to a scenic ridge crest and then along Kendall Katwalk, one of the most impressive walks on the Washington state portion of the PCT.

Ridge & Gravel Lakes

13 miles round trip, 4,550 feet of elevation gain, 5,400 ft high point

From Kendall Katwalk, continue 1.5 miles to the secluded Ridge and Gravel Lakes.  From a camp at Ridge or Gravel Lake, you can day hike about 2 miles round trip to Alaska Mountain or over eight miles round trip to the scenic Needle Site Gap.

Spectacle Lake

34.8 miles round trip, 6,090 feet of elevation gain, 5,820 ft high point

From Ridge & Gravel Lakes, continue on to Spectacle Lake for a long weekend's backpacking trip. With a car shuttle or key swap, this can be hiked 27 miles one-way to the Pete Lake Trailhead.

Approach & Ascent

Kendall Peak (5,784 ft)

10.0 miles round trip, 2,800 feet of elevation gain, Difficulty: Strenuous 3, Technical 2

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to 0.25 mile before Kendall Katwalk. After the last series of switchbacks past the rock ridge off the main peak of Kendall Peak, look for bleached stump of tree on left of trail. Ascend 100 feet and then begin an ascending traverse at 45° from the fall line to summit.

Information FOr leaders

Permit information

As of 2017, the Snoqualmie Ranger District considers Mountaineers trips and courses to be "nominal use". Leaders should print and copy this designation letter to show rangers they may see on trail or carry a digital copy on their phone.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October, November
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Length: 11.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,700 ft
• High Point: 5,400 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12