Kendall Katwalk Trail Head — Attraction in North Bend

Hiked this on TUE, 7/18 Arrived at the PCT North parking lot with several vehicles and hikers already gearing up to go and a couple of happy trail runners returning by o8oo. Ample of parking still available then. By the time we got our packs ready to go and bodies mosquitoes sprayed, it was around o82o.

The trail is well maintained; a couple of blown down trees but not difficult to cross. The soil is nicely compacted until breaking out of the trees onto the first open rock meadows. Take in the views and greet Mt Rainier here before continuing as the shade gets thinner and the sun starts beating on you. Several groups of hikers along the way; either headed North or South, and everyone today with great trail manners

I think we summited to Ridge and Gravel Lakes around 11:4o. We didn't really enjoy being near the lakes as the mosquitoes quickly swarmed over us as soon as we were still. We took turns eating very quickly eating our 'fiberitos' while the other flapping away the beach blanket to rid of the squiters The other hikers were smart to eat just before nearing the lakes; took a quick in look about and turned right back! The lake view are great but not worth the bug bites

The return hike felt like forever Glad the trail is feet-friendly but found myself getting bored as not much view to look at. So, had no choice but to have philosophical conversations with my buddy Hahahah!

Happy...

I arrived on a Sunday morning 7/7 to do a solo hike. Parked at the trailhead at 0730 AM and the lot was only a fifth of the way full with plenty of parking. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. The weather was drizzly in the morning but eventually stopped and only clouds remained. I did this solo and sped hiked it so It took me 2.5 hours to ascend the 6.5-7 miles to the Katwalk. No views for me today, but an abundance of wildflowers. Continued onto Gravel and Ridge Lake until I hit 7.5 miles then turned around. Total hike time was just under 4 hours for the 15 mile out and back (included some jogging). Total elevation gain was 3,300ft. Will definitely return for the views on...

Hiking PCT section J, from Stevens, and the last day of the trip I was greeted with the views from here in the morning. Gorgeous. The trail runners are annoying because most of them think everyone else should yield the right of way, and I only had one dude thank me for it. I get it, there are protocols on who’s going up and who’s going down, but sometimes there are compromises needed when the path is narrow and I only had one couple compromise. It was annoying. All the people with off leash dogs are annoying too. A park ranger could hike this section and rake in a lot of money for the park from all this dog business. Still gets five stars for the view and the...