The hike may also be a snow shoe trip or may be a kayak trip, but it will not be of our travels. If you wish to see our travel pictures visit us at:

http://www.gherryandmolly.blogspot.com

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Kendall Catwalk

 

The three prettiest parts of the 2600 mile pacific Crest are the area North of Snoqualmie Pass, Goat rocks area just south of White Pass and the John Muir trail in California.  I’ve hiked portions of all three and can’t say one is better than the other, they are all magnificent. This is to just let you know there is world class hiking with in a one hour drive of Seattle.  The catwalk is blasted out of the top of an 800 foot cliff above gold creek.

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I have hiked down the grand canyon, but personally consider the catwalk scarier.  Though the trail is  wide, it seems really narrow once you step on it. Some people have been known to crawl along it.

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But the entrance to the catwalk is very inviting.  It kind of sucks you out into the middle where it is best to keep on walking and not think too much about where you are.

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The views from it are some of the best in that Cascades.

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The hike up to the catwalk gives you fair warning of what is to come, but is worth it for its own delights.

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and did I mention that the views are magnificent?

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Catwalk and views

The first half of the hike is in the trees with its cool shade and occasional stream

 

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and then you break out into the Kendall Gardens which is a mile walk through wild flowers and rocks with sunning teen age marmots whistling at all of the young girls who walk by.  It was here that I saw a tiger lily.

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flowers from the hike

And then there is an hour hike with views of mountains upon mountains.

 

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It is a truly exceptional hike

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