Tips for Mt. Catherine trip?

Hey Folks,

I'm planning to head up to Mt Catherine this weekend (if weather pemits). I searched for recent TRs and was wondering if there's a decent skin track up there right now or if we'll be breaking trail. It also sounds like a few people have run into trouble with a creek crossing... any advice on that one?

As it is now, I'm just planning on roughly following Martin Volken's route but am interested in input!

the snowpack hasn't been great up in that area judging by the lack of tr's and conditions at the resort. considering the snow lately though, it's probably pretty good chance you'll be routefinding and trailbreaking. the creek crossing is inevitable if you go up and over the hyak face (that is now operating). there is a bridge skiers right up the valley from the new old bottom terminal. good trees over on Catherine!

the creek is wide open...
after you get to the bottom back side of hyak skin to the west until you get to the grooomed cross country ski trail there will be a bridge then cut back to cathrine, it doesnt take to long.

If you skin straight up catherine and veer to the right you will go through very old growth trees with some bog downed trees with up to a 30 degree pitch before it cliffs out

If you veer to the left and gain a small ridge you will have the same old growth trees, but you can take a nice 30 degree coluir about 1000' down to the east.  

The south side of catherine has almost no trees and 35 degree pitch for over 2000'