2011 Edition
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A nice day. Cool and overcast starting out but sunny and not too hot as the day
progressed. A nice breeze most of the time.
This hike starts out near the Lava Canyon trailhead. The first 4 miles or so are in the
forest and is a little boring (IMO). There are a few good views of Mount St. Helens
and Mount Adams along the way but the bugs are unbelievable. You'll definitely want
to bring along some Deet!. Once you get out of the forest there is no cover and no
shade at all. I like it out here... very few people, great views and the opportunity
to be in the wildreness yet close to civilization. Lots of wild animals out here.
There's not a lot of water out here except for streams created by the snow pack melting.
It was not a particularly hot day... I brought 4 large bottles of water which was
sufficient but certainly not too much.
Getting there: From I-5 take Washington State Route 503 to Cougar. 503 turns into
Forest Road 90. About 5 miles past Cougar turn left onto FR 83. Lava Canyon is at
the end of this road, 11 miles from FR90. The roads are paved all the way. 0.2 miles
before you get to the Lava Canyon trailhead, there is an unmarked left turn that
goes to a small parking area and the trailhead. If this one is full, there is ample
parking at Lava Canyon. A NW Forest pass is required.
Here's more information about
Ape Canyon,
Lava Canyon and
the general area.
Also information about hikes on the other side of
Mount St Helens.
The South face of Mount Saint Helens.
Mount Adams
There's still a fair amount of snow out here although it is well packed down
and easy to traverse. Not on steep ledges where one slip could be fatal like it was
going to Coldwater Peak last weekend.
There's not much out here around the base of the mountain. But there are a few
sign posts that keep you traveling in the right direction.
The Plains of Abraham. Windy Ridge is just to the right of this picture.
The road to Windy Ridge, which the Forest Service says is closed due to deep snow
is on the other side of this hill, at roughly the same elevation as the road you see
in this picture. See any snow? I didn't. Of course the road to Windy Ridge is
20-something miles long so it's possible the deep snow is further down, by the passes.
The trail straight ahead goes around the hill and into Windy Ridge. A distance
of about three miles. The Truman trail is just to the left and goes over to the
Johnstone Observatory. The Plains of Abraham is to the left of this picture.
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