Tried hiking Lava Canyon but because of rain the night before it was really slick! So after doing the top loop, we moseyed down to June Lake. This trail is really easy but really cool stuff to see! We saw several large perfect fairytaleesque amanita mushrooms, a couple waterfalls, great views of the mt and lava flows. A fairly busy trail but looks like it would be an awesome snowshoe-very picturesque.

Three of us started at 7 am at the June Lake trailhead (2800 ft.) and did the trail clockwise. There were about 6 cars at the trailhead. The trail to June Lake is a gradual ascent. At the lake there was only one tent. I have seen as many more tents there in the past. The initial part of the Loowit Trail was very rocky and we climbed a long the boulders although it wasn't difficult to follow. We continued to gain elevation up to the 4800 ft mark around mile 7. There is some drop and gain through a couple canyons before we reached the beginning of the descent to the south fork of Toutle River around mile 11. We dropped down from 4700 ft to about 3100 ft over 2 miles when we reached the river. There is a steep area at the end where there is a rope to assist you in the last few feet. We topped off our water (with a filter). The river was flowing just enough to make crossing a little sketchy. One of us was able to jump across using a wet log that was in the middle. Myself and the other were able to get across in two quick steps getting our feet wet. We didn't care because it had been very cloudy up to this point and now it began to rain. We began the steep ascent back up to over 4000 ft. in about 1 1/2 miles. At the top near a junction with another trail we began looking for a camping spot. We had hiked about 15 miles. That is when it really started to pour. It was just after 3 pm so we made a quick overhang from a tree with a small tarp to decide what to do. We were at the edge of the restricted area and knew we were not going to be able to make it through. When there was a break in the rain we quickly set up our tents. The temperature dropped to the 30's and the rain continued pretty heavy. I was warm in my sleeping bag by 6 pm and sleeping by 7 pm. The rain stopped from about 10 pm until around 4 am when it started up again pretty heavy and the wind was whipping pretty good. We were going to wait it out but it didn't appear that was going to happen soon so we ate breakfast and packed up. We hit the trail again around 8:15 am. The rain let up after awhile and the sun broke through the clouds for just a few minutes over the plains. We went up to windy pass before going down and back up several canyons. There was water in 3-4 of these but was mostly very muddy. If it wasn't raining there may not have been water running. We made it back to June Lake Trailhead at 3 pm. We hiked 16-17 miles that day. The trail was not hard to follow although in some of the Canyons the footing is a little sketchy. (Not recommended for kids). In the rocky areas just make sure to follow the rock Cairns and Trail posts and you will have no problems. It was a great hike but due to the weather we never saw the summit once. We had no regrets.

We hiked Swift Creek trail to Worm Flow climbing route. On the way back, we side tracked along Pika Trail to June Lake. No snow on route till maybe the top 1000' from the rim. You can hike on Worm Flow for 3+ hours without snow. You may see snow patches here and there on other sections. Pika Trail is all boulders. June Lake is very small and shallow. But pretty enough. Flat lake shore for sitting. A waterfall flows down to the lake, with perfect reflection. To the left, there's another small waterfall, not as pretty, but it's an easy 5 minute walk. Now photos: Almost bare Mt St Helens: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QqNp3LfwSKc/VO40fXLjk8I/AAAAAAAAFtg/fkEksjt-x4A/w1026-h412-no/20150222_121039_StHelens.jpg June Lake with the waterfall: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F22JYWXm8lM/VO43_AmNptI/AAAAAAAAFto/SipoOOWm62Y/s1600/20150222_145546_JuneLake.jpg The small waterfall to the left of the lake: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VYmEMRyGER4/VO5FhA76k9I/AAAAAAAAFt4/S6bwq2rtJn8/s1600/20150222_rainbows.jpeg

About a year ago, I got in my head that I wanted to circumnavigate Mount St Helen's in one day using the Loowit Trail. This summer I finally felt that I was conditioned enough to make this journey. I should point out that I did this as a trail run, so packed just the essentials and was moving quickly. Started in at the June Lake TH around 0700 and quickly gained access to the Loowit trail after about 1.5 miles. It wasn't long after that when I hit the lava fields. Be advised, these are slow going and require a lot of "boulder hopping", take it slow and be careful as the rocks are lighter than they look and will move on you. For a bit I was concerned at my pace navigating these fields, but a couple of miles past the climbers route, you put these behind you. The biggest obstacle after that was the Toutle River drainage, you really have to drop down to cross this. There are ropes to assist you if you need them at the drainage, and you are going to get wet. Once you cross, you head back up and things even out as you top out of the drainage. Despite the hardships, you are rewarded with a very diverse landscape that will leave you gaping. Unfortunately, I did this on a rainy day and wasn't treated to views of the mountain itself. Crossing the blast plain is incredible with one major fording spot. From there you can cruise up and over to the Plains of Abraham and more incredible landscapes. As you round about to the south side again, be prepared to drop down in and back up out of some major drainages. After going for about 25 miles, these get to be a challenge. Finally, you drop down and at about 31 miles I hit the June Lake Trail and back to the car. Total mileage was 32, elevation gain was 7,000 feet. of note, water sources are limited, about five around the entire mountain. A great adventure!

Just wanted to give berry fans the heads-up. The huckleberries (blue and purple) are bigger and better than I've seen here in a few years. Significant because the June Lake trailhead is one of the few picking spots requiring no hiking for those who love huckleberries but aren't inclined to do a lot of walking. Moreover, it's a shorter drive for most people than is the Indian Heaven Wilderness. Go get your hands purple!