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Backpack and Camp at Ridge Lake

North Bend, Washington

Description

Added by Warren Behymer

The Pacific Crest Trail North Section J is well known for the Kendall Katwalk. But if you up to explore past the Katwalk you will leave the crowds of people and enjoy the peace and quite of the lakes along the trail.Setup camp here and Sunbathe, do a little bit of fishing and explore further down the trail to see Mount Rainier, Alaska and Joe Lake.Now that I have a real camera I am planning on heading back here to do some night time photography.

Start out from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) main parking lot, passing a picnic table in the shade, and coming upon a ‘T’. Stay to the right; the left is merely the connector trail from the upper parking lot. In another 100 feet, pass a gravelly overgrown trail on the left. This is the unmaintained Commonwealth Creek Trail, a portion of the original Cascade Crest Trail, the precursor to the PCT.

You'll continue on along the wide trail, climbing gently past the lush and varied vegetation lining the trail.

At the 2-mile mark, the trail breaks out into open talus, enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, then begins slowly dropping 100 feet. At 2.25 miles, a small waterfall on the steep uphill side of the trail alerts you to the stream crossings ahead. Two sequential crossings are aided by good balance and/or trekking poles. In high runoff, there is not enough room to avoid minor splashing. As always, be safe when crossing high water.

500 feet beyond, stay right at the signed junction and climb to a switchback, entering shady forest. After crossing a stream (the same one as below), the trail briefly follows a gravelly runoff bed into a rock formation. The trail can be lost here; watch for where it dodges sharply to the right, sometimes hidden in shadows. Continue on through old-growth forest.

At 4.25 miles, cross a nearly flat ridge top where large fallen trees bear evidence to a past storm. Camping is possible here, but there is no water. Traverse a steep hillside through beautiful old-growth forest, eventually breaking out into open talus at about 5000 feet of elevation. In season, the slopes feature a dazzling array of wildflowers, including lupine, paintbrush, phlox, penstemon, and columbine. This area is affectionately known as Kendall Gardens. The trail is steep, rocky, and exposed, offering unobstructed views of Lundin Peak and Red Mountain ahead, and Mount Rainier behind. At 5400 feet, the trail turns a corner to the right and changes heading to almost due east. Along the final up-and-down half mile, lingering snow can make the way treacherous; check trail conditions.

Cross the pass below Kendall Peak and welcome new views. Walk the narrowest portion of the Katwalk if you choose (150 yards). Or just drink in the views of Gold Creek Valley and the peaks of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

After crossing the Katwalk proceed another 1.5 miles through a bit a remaining snow to Ridge and Gravel Lake. Here there are plenty of campsites to set up and from here you can continue to explore.

Only 100 meters past Ridge Lake you will get an amazing view of Alaska Lake and Alta Mountain. If you continue another mile along what I call is a goat trail you get a stunning view of Mount Rainier. Continue around Alaska Mountain and get out of the winds and have lunch overlooking Joe Lake.

Driving Directions

From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 52 - “West Summit”. At the end of the ramp, turn left under the freeway onto Alpental Rd. In just 0.1 mile, take the first right, unmarked but featuring a sign in Forest Service brown announcing the need for a parking pass. In another 0.1 mile, the road splits. To the right is the main parking lot, large enough for over 50 vehicles. To the left is the stock (horse trailer) lot, and overflow parking. Both have vault toilets. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required.

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Fishing
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