After trying Independence Pass and Ridge from Norway Pass the other day (see previous trip report) we decided to try them from the 99 road side.

The trail climbs to some great views of spirit lake and then crosses some gabions before coming to the split.

Independence Pass

The sign at the trail head says pass is in poor shape, which is an under statement. We crossed on washout before coming to a great view point and lunch spot. After the trail turned, there was another washout we chose not to try but it looked like you could get around it. Craig Romano shows it in his Hiking MSH book. So we didn't get to the Pinnacles.

 Independence Ridge

Next we back tracked to the split and continued up Ridge to see if we could get to were we turned around when coming from Norway Pass. Loads of ripe huckleberries!! After a mile or so there was a washout just below our previous turn around point. Looked like you could get through if you wanted to, but we didn't and turned around.

Harmony Falls 

Took the short trail down to Spirit Lake. Trail in good shape, recently brushed! There are lots of huge logs on the beach but you could probably scramble down to the water if you really want to.

*PICTURE WARNING FOR ANIMAL SCAT*

Road getting up was rough, just watch out for all the pot holes. The trail was very overgrown. We climbed over/under some branches, larger logs that were on the trail.

Got about a quarter of a mile before coming across this large pile of “fresher” scat on the trail. Not an expert by any means, but looked like omnivore, our best guess (and partly confirmed via Google after). Any other experts might be able to give a more definitive answer,

Made the executive decision to turn around since we weren’t prepared to deal with an animal encounter like that. Figured I would post about it though so that others are aware of a possible encounter in this area/trail

Trip report for Saturday, August 24 at Windy Ridge and Harmony Falls Trails.

Chose an unseasonably August cool and misty, cloudy day for a visit to MSH. But no matter the weather, it’s always a magical place and these two short mileage hikes are a wonderful place to see the force of nature from 44 years ago.

Windy Ridge lives up to its name as windy. Some of the lower stairs are in need of repair but overall in good condition.  It’s up, up, up to the overlook but worth it, even on a cloudy day.  No big views of the crater, but could still see Spirit Lake below.  Note, the RR are closed due to the lake construction project, so use the new rest area at Cascade Peaks overlook a few miles prior.

After the Windy Ridge ascent we drove over to the Harmony Falls parking area (room for about 10 or so vehicles).  This trail now allows dogs so we took pups.  The trail descends quickly in a tree covered area. There was a Grotto with a slow-trickle of water that would be a great way to cool off during warm days and the log was easy to navigate under. Trail in good shape, just a tiny bit muddy in a few spots. 

The trail continues down, and we found huckleberries, and a few thimbleberries, yum! No bugs at all as stated in a few trip reports from a few weeks ago.  Not sure if that’s because it was late August, or because of such a cool, wet day. 

The best part of this hike to me was seeing all the logs floating on Spirit Lake up close - it seemed surreal after 44 years post-eruption. It was eerily beautiful and calm.  Humbling to see the life of new growth all around on land, yet the destruction floating in the water.  

The return is a little bit of a thigh burner on way up back up, but it is short only 2.4 miles round trip.  Had no idea there was a hike available to reach Spirit Lake.  I imagine it would be even more beautiful on a blue-sky day, but no matter the weather, MSH is awe-inspiring. 

Biting flies are an issue on this trail. Some overgrowth of plants along the trail, but nothing else of challenge or out of the ordinary. 

Windy Ridge Trail: Some rock fill is needed in the steps along the trail. Hikers, use caution on this section of trail. 

The hike was great going in. there was one spot that was muddy and slippery and some soft spots on the edge of the trail. We did see a lot of bear scat but no bears. The view at the end made it worth it. the flies however were terrible, biting, blood sucking, annoying things. they were everywhere and would not leave us alone.