Mount Catherine

Mount Catherine is a small peak that grabs the attention of many skiers at the nearby Summit at Snoqualmie Ski Area. The peak can be accessed via Summit at Snoqualmie or NF-9070 using the Iron Horse Trailhead. Mount Catherine's tight trees and difficult route finding will test even expert skiers. While the flanks of Mount Catherine hold skiable slopes, it's easy to get cliffed-out while skiing from the summit, so expert route finding and decision making is key.

Taking NF-9070 to Windy Pass will bypass the popular Summit at Snoqualmie Ski Area and make for a quieter experience. After parking at the Iron Horse Trailhead, skin out on the Iron Horse Trail for 0.75 miles until you see blue blazes marking your turn to NF-9070. After a quick dash through the trees you reach NF-9070. Hang a left and settle in for the next 3.5 miles on NF-9070. After reaching Windy Pass, hang a right and follow the blue blazes to Nordic Pass. From here, gain the ridge to the east. The prominent ridge will lead you to the summit as you work eastbound.

Several ski routes exist around Mount Catherine, but the north side holds better snow and has better tree spacing. If you are unfamiliar with the area, it may be best to keep your skin track in sight as you descend through the tight trees. Once you reach Windy Pass, make sure your best ski wax is on and enjoy the 3.5-mile ski back to Iron Horse via NF-9070.