Kendall Peak 2010-10-03

On October 3rd, 2010, we finally went to Kendall Peak.  I hiked the Kendall Katwalk many times but this was the first time for the Peak.  I-90 east, exit 52.  At the end of the ramp, turn left and go under the freeway.  In 100 yards, turn right into the PCT parking lot.  Kendall Katwalk is very crowded during summer and well hiked even in winter.  At 5200 ft, look for a big tree stump on the left and on the right is a faint boot path.  The turn off to the peak is easily missed.  Car to car:  6 hours.  Total miles:  11.6.  Grade 2 scramble.  Elevation gain: 2797 ft.  High point:  5784 ft. 

Blue at the peak with Mt. Rainier behind.

 Blue looking down.  Lundin Peak on the left and Red Mountain in the middle. 

 
 Blue

Sly and Mount Thomson behind

 Lundin Peak

Blue in the cloud

It was a decent hike.  Gradual ascent, well maintained trail, and some rocky areas.  It is a part of the Pacific Crest Trail.  You can continue to the Kendall Katwalk and to the Ridge Lake and beyond.  I have done up to the Ridge Lake (16+ miles RT).  But I avoid this hike during summer because it is very popular.  On this day, I only saw a few people.  It was windy and cloudy with sprinkles.  Wind moved the thick cloud so fast that view changed every minute.  Peaks hid under the cloud in one moment and poking out in another.  Kendall Peak so reachable and views so grand, it was an awesome hike.