March 13, 2009, Mt. Catherine, Hyak

After meeting up with three recent transplants to Cascadia (two Coloradans, one Arkansan), began skinning at the base of Hyak at around 12:30.  We followed the freshly groomed X-C trail behind Mt. Hyak and to the bridge, where we departed on a day or two old skin track.  After a rather steep, switchy, ascent, we reached the Mt. Catherine summit by about 3:00, and were greeted with spectacular views of Rainier, Mt. Stuart, the Enchantments, Chair, Kaleetan, etc.

We were amply rewarded by a descent through nicely spaced, old growth Doug fir, steep powder-filled chutes, and a bit of slalom coursing through the new growth at the base.
After skinning up the back side of Hyak, we were treated to a bonus run down the front in nice, semi-tracked out snow.

Thanks Marty, Chip and Ammen.