MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I started this hike from the Snoqualmie Pass trailhead at 7:00 AM. I’ve been trying to hit the trails much earlier this year. For me, there are several benefits:
1. There are no crowds. I don’t have to pass hordes of hikers and can have the destination to myself for a much longer amount of time.
2. The air is cooler. Most trails gain altitude. While I’m hiking up a mountain, it’s invigorating when there’s a chill in the air. I can enjoy the warmer temperature on the way back down.
3. The light is better. When the sun is high in the sky, there’s too much contrast in the landscape.
4. Less commute time to the trailhead and back home. Traffic is usually very light at 6:00 AM on a weekend, and I always beat the afternoon rush hour.
5. I’m back home earlier. Getting back home at around 1:00 PM allows me to have the rest of the day to enjoy with Kristie (who’s not the biggest hiking fan).
This was my second time to Kendall Katwalk, and it was a strikingly different experience than the last. Two years ago, the sky was blue, the huckleberries were ripe, and I could see for miles. Today, I was enshrouded in fog and clouds the entire trip. There were moments on the Katwalk when my visibility was reduced to 50′. I couldn’t see the ends of the trail, nor could I see the bottom of the cliffs. Very eerie hiking on a ridge in heavy fog, but a lot of fun. I stuck around for an hour, hoping the fog would lift for some better pictures. It barely did.
That is one of the disadvantages of getting on the trail so early. Sometimes you beat the sun. As I was pulling out of the parking lot at noon, sure enough, the sun was dominating the sky. The trail to Kendall Katwalk is about 11 miles roundtrip, very gradually gaining 2700′. I highly recommend it, sun or not!
1. There are no crowds. I don’t have to pass hordes of hikers and can have the destination to myself for a much longer amount of time.
2. The air is cooler. Most trails gain altitude. While I’m hiking up a mountain, it’s invigorating when there’s a chill in the air. I can enjoy the warmer temperature on the way back down.
3. The light is better. When the sun is high in the sky, there’s too much contrast in the landscape.
4. Less commute time to the trailhead and back home. Traffic is usually very light at 6:00 AM on a weekend, and I always beat the afternoon rush hour.
5. I’m back home earlier. Getting back home at around 1:00 PM allows me to have the rest of the day to enjoy with Kristie (who’s not the biggest hiking fan).
This was my second time to Kendall Katwalk, and it was a strikingly different experience than the last. Two years ago, the sky was blue, the huckleberries were ripe, and I could see for miles. Today, I was enshrouded in fog and clouds the entire trip. There were moments on the Katwalk when my visibility was reduced to 50′. I couldn’t see the ends of the trail, nor could I see the bottom of the cliffs. Very eerie hiking on a ridge in heavy fog, but a lot of fun. I stuck around for an hour, hoping the fog would lift for some better pictures. It barely did.
That is one of the disadvantages of getting on the trail so early. Sometimes you beat the sun. As I was pulling out of the parking lot at noon, sure enough, the sun was dominating the sky. The trail to Kendall Katwalk is about 11 miles roundtrip, very gradually gaining 2700′. I highly recommend it, sun or not!
