Hike Kendall Peak

Kendall Peak is an easily accessible summit hike just off of Exit 52 of I-90 that offers spectacular 360-degree views of the entire Snoqualmie range. You’ll start out in the PCT parking lot where you’ll need a NW Forest Pass to park, or pay the daily fee. A permanent bathroom and backcountry access permits are available here, too.

There are two trail options to reach the upper portion of the PCT, which will lead you to a few summit route options.

The first way to ascend is via the Commonwealth Basin Trail. Start out on the PCT for only a couple hundred feet before reaching an unmaintained and overgrown trail on your left, the Commonwealth Creek Trail. Follow this narrow and bushy path over mixed rocks and dirt, where you’ll cross the Commonwealth Creek twice before taking a right on the official Commonwealth Basin Trail. In just a few hundred feet you’ll rejoin the PCT by taking a sharp left and following the switchbacks up to your summit route options. This map should help.

The second, easier, yet longer option is via the Pacific Crest Trail. Follow the PCT out of the parking lot for two miles before turning right to go uphill and start gaining the switchbacks that lead you up to Kendall.

Once on the switchbacks of the PCT, you’ll find a moderately trafficked bootpath that will let you walk on up to the summit ridge. Alternatively, you can continue to follow the trail all the way to the east side of the ridge, where you reach a pass, and where you will gain the ridge and embark on a class 3-4 scramble up to the summit. Watch out for loose rock on this route.

Had you continued past the pass on the PCT, you would have reached the Kendall Katwalk – a great extension to this hike. Looking south of the summit ridge, you’ll be able to see the two alpine Kendall Peak Lakes. Enjoy the panoramic Cascade views at the summit and be sure to watch each step on your way down!