Kendall Peak

Kendall Peak is a beautiful hike that features gorgeous Cascade views just an hour from Seattle. There are four peaks that are all roughly about the same height. The highest of them all is the 5,784-foot northern peak, and the other summits rarely have visitors. The most common trail and boot path also leads you right up to the northern peak. The standard route can be accessed from the Pacific Crest Trail parking lot just past the Summit at Snoqualmie (West) ski resort.

Once you start on the trail, follow it through the start of the Commonwealth Basin for about 2 miles up to a junction. Stay right at the junction to go to Kendall Peak (going left will lead farther into the Commonwealth Basin bringing you to Red Mountain). The first switchback is in about a third of a mile. The trail will cross a small stream and begin to follow another about a mile beyond the first switchback.

The fourth and last junction occurs about 1.5 miles beyond the second switchback; pay close attention, because you will be looking for a stump at roughly 5,200 feet. It is very large and partially obstructed on the left side of the trail. Fifteen feet past this stump you should be able to find a faint climber's trail boot path leading straight uphill. Stay right to hug the tree line, and this will take you all the way to the summit, leading below and beneath all four summits and eventually to the Kendall Katwalk if you so desire. On the summit, take in the views of Thomson, Snoqualmie, Red, Chair Peak, Bryant, Guye Peak and much more.