Kendall Peaks 2013-09-19

10.6 miles and 2,860 feet of elevation gain.

Went up the Commonwealth Basin trail.  On the way back we stayed on the PCT all the way to the trail head.

Some strange fungus.

On the trail

Red Mountain

Location where Blue was found on Red Mt.

The turn off for the boot path to Kendal Peaks is just past this tree stump. 

Here's the sign post.

 

At the top

Keechelus Lake, Mt Rainier and the Snoqualmie Pass ski area.

Usually any wildlife has vanished by the time I get the camera out.  This pika stuck around for awhile.

Kendall Peak and Katwalk 2011-09-04

11.9 miles and 3200 feet of elevation gain.    

Google Maps link

Looking back down the trail near the top.

Mountaineer's Registry

Blue at the top

Blue investigating the Peak

This is Blue's second hike to the  Kendall Peak

Blue is happy

Kendall Katwalk.  We did the Peak first and then the Katwalk, just about a mile from the Peak.

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.