Mount Catherine

NEAR: Snoqualmie Pass

ROUND TRIP: 3 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 1300 ft

Welcome Lilli to the beautiful Cascades. This was a perfect first hike for you. You rode up the pretty path on Mummy's back with a rock in each hand. You enjoyed watching the sunlight flickering through the trees. It was delightfully cool in the shade of the forest. The path climbed steadily, switchbacking up the west flank of the mountain. It wasn't long before we reached a ridge where we could watch the heavy marine clouds spilling over Snoqualmie Pass and floating in wisps towards Lake Kachess. Silently you fell asleep and missed the final scramble to the rocky summit. You peacefully slept while the rest of us enjoyed our sandwiches, took photos of the glorious encircling views and slapped at hungry bugs. We could see Mt Stuart to the east, the Snoqualmie peaks to the north and the closer peaks of Granite, Silver and Chair. Rainier was hidden under a blanket of cloud. Somewhere across the valley your Uncle Dave, Auntie Lynn and Uncle Pete were also sitting atop a mountain eating their lunch and taking deep breaths of mountain air. Daddy carried you down the mountain. You awoke just as your hiking buddy, Jamie, nodded off on his Daddy's back. Mummy and Daddy were happy you enjoyed the hike. They certainly had a wonderful day and are planning many more mountain excursions.