Ok, so prior to the hike is the road there.... road is clearly a equivocal term. It felt more like a slalom course which necessitates weaving from one lane into the other all while calculating the odds another vehicle performing the same maneuvers is not hurtling toward you around that hairpin turn with the precipice awaiting the outcome of the event. Good luck! The road is sunken in a majority of areas, buckled, and broken along the edge. I recommend a good 4 wheel drive vehicle and a slow pace, and perhaps a last will and testament completed prior to embarking. I was there on perhaps the last day the road was passable, with a large number of elk hunters at the overlooks peering down through binoculars for their elusive prey. I did get a chance to see their quarry, on the "safe" side of the mountain. I was the only one hiking along the path to Loowit Falls, and did not see another soul until well after 1 pm on my way back. This made the hike kind of spooky. The hike was fairly easy throughout, just stunning in its bleakness and views of the devastation and the slow return of life to this area. The views of St. Helen's, Rainier, Hood, and a mostly cloud covered Adams was almost heart breakingly beautiful. I cannot recommend this hike strongly enough. I am sad that it will probably be next spring before I can do it again. Even if I will have to again face a trip on that "road".

I wanted to hike on the devistated north side of Mount St. Helens so see how it looks after 30+ years since the eruption. Driving there was no problem. There are many spots you can stop at to look at the mountain, Spirit Lake or some other sights. I started my hike at Windy Ridge. This place was windy. I believe it was a 2 mile hike to the trailhead for #207. If you haven't noticed the lack of vegitation by now you will as you continue along the way. I really would have thought more gorwth would have occurred by now. This is one hike where you are exposed to the sun the whole time while traveling a rocky path. I followed this trail until I hit #216 and followed the signs to Loowit Falls. The whole trail is a fairly easy hike. There were a couple of deep ravines to cross but nothing too bad. About half way there you will come across an oasis which is the only place where you see any substantial vegitation. This is one of the few spots where you could refill water. Another stream I came across looked like chocolate milk flowing. The falls were nice. But there was no way of actually getting to the water from this trail. I took a break here in some shade from a rock. because of the lack of vegitation, you get planty of good views of the devistated area, Spirit Lake, Mt Adams and even parts of the crater area. If you do this hike, expect it to be hot and take plenty of water. Sun screen and/or a good hat are also a must. I encountered about 20 other hikers that day so it wasn't crowed with people. Everyone should do the hike at least once just to see the effects of the eruption.

Park at the Wind Ridge area, and from there take the service road at the end of the parking lot 2 miles to the trail head at the end of the service road. These first 2 miles you can do on mountain bike. From there it must be on foot only. I took the lower route (207) to (207A) then (216) west all the way across the blast area for about 6 miles, and returned up to Loowit falls and back to the start. Total trip about 16 miles and 7 or so hours. The trip is an awesome trek across a primal landscape. Well worth it. Lots of elk. Many washes and debris plains, and a few streams. The best water source is headed back between Loowit falls and the trail head. The other streams come out of the crater and are full of grit, but this one is clear and cool, coming off one of the snow fields on the rim. You'll recognize it by the growth. This is a landscape you will never forget! My third time out here. To me doing it solo adds to the solitude of the place.