With temps getting lower, today was a nice day for a rare visit to Mt. St Helens backcountry.
Getting There & Trailhead
Took 25 and 99 from Randil remembering how miserable 26 was a couple years ago. Roads seem to be sliding at a faster pace than being fixed, so even though they are paved, it’s a very bumpy ride. No kidding - there was a party on motorcycles riding in front of me, and one guy got almost ejected on a particularly nasty bump, which made them all turn around soon. Definitely watch your speed for suspension’s sake.
The trailhead parks about a dozen cars and was half empty at 10.30 am on this Sunday morning. There is an outhouse that stinks but is stocked and usable. There is also a sign for the pass pay station, but I haven’t checked if it is stocked.
Hike
One of the most well-graded hikes ever. The trail climbs steadily yet mildly for pretty much the entire distance between the trailhead and Mt. Margaret, turning into ups-and-downs only less than a mile from the mountain. Almost no switchbacks, just a meandering trail contouring ridges while ascending - what a delight for both legs and eyes.
Stretch to Norway Pass is mildly overgrown, and is a berry paradise right now. There is a single blowdown to duck under.
Past Norway Pass, alpine meadows begin to take over. Wildflowers are well past peak but are still abundant.
Once past Bear Camp, picturesque rock formations are a true treasure of this trail. The hike ends with passing under towering Mt. Teragram and final aggressive but very short climb to Mt. Margaret.
No huge views today due to clouds covering top of Mt. St Helens and hiding Mt. Rainier, although I was still able to spot little parts of it. Still, an extremely worthy hike for just views of rocks at the higher elevations.
Timing & Crowds
- Up: 2 h 15 min
- 45 min from TH to Norway Pass
- 1 h 30 min from the pass to Mt. Margaret
- 1 hr at the peak
- Down: 1 h 40 min
- 1 h 5 min from the peak to the pass
- 35 min from the pass to TH
Only encountered about 10-15 people on the entire hike.
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