Toutle Trail [FS #238] from Kalama Horse Camp to McBride Lake follows the Kalama River and is 4.6 miles. Only horse hooves and droppings were seen on the trail, no bootprints. The first 0.8 mi follows the river, then moves up along the bluff 100' above the river. The tread is primarily pumice and ash which is fine grain and at times slows down the gait. The bluff trail is at the edge and cornices make the going dodgy as it is falling away. Kalama Ski Trail (blue diamonds on the trees notes the ski trail) joins the Toutle Trail at 0.9 mi then diverges at 2.1 mi. Forest Road 8122 is at 2.4 mi. A camp site is at this junction. Cross the road and proceed through an older forest with a higher canopy. At this point the Kalama River is near the same level and near the trail. Proceed to McBride Lake end (elev 2680). Snow on the trail was patchy and started appearing around 2600'. The trail is braided due to the wear, horse use, and trail cupping is severe in places, especially at the upper bluff beginning with the switchback.
The trail proceeds past McBride Lake and meets The Cinnamon Trail [FS #204] and return (out and back 9.2 mi). The Cinnamon Trail is a loop that returns on the South side of the Kalama River back to the Kalama Horse Camp. This junction is at FR 81 at Red Rock Pass. From Red Rock Pass the Toutle Trail #238 heads North for 5 miles. Crossing the road, the trail proceeds across a lava field - a very well maintained trail for 0.5 mi. After a mile in, at elevation 2900' the snow fields were too deep and I gave up. I'll come back in July. Beautiful view of Mt. St. Helens looking North. Five items of trash were hauled back. Leave no trace - if Sasquach can do it so can you.
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