Ape Canyon, Loowit Trail, Loowit Falls & Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham — Thursday, Jul. 13, 2023

We started our overnight from Ape Canyon trailhead around 10am heading towards Pumice Butte. Nice and cool in the woods for the first few miles. Views of St Helens and Adams from the north side of the butte, where we set up camp. After hanging out for a bit we set out for Loowit Falls.

Passing through the Plains of Abraham you're treated to great views of the aforementioned mountains and a beautiful Mars-like environment. I would say after this was the highlight of the trip - upon hiking over Windy Pass it really opens up. Incredible views of Rainier, Spirit Lake, and Mount Margaret backcountry. The area is bursting with purple lupine and we were blessed with the presence of a very large herd of goats. After checking out the waterfall we headed back to camp while taking in the golden hour washing over the landscape.

In the morning we watched a family of goats playing before we ate breakfast and packed out. Overall this makes for a lovely overnight with great options for side trips.

Beta: No snow on the trail. A bit of water nearby camp on the N side of Pumice Butte, but I doubt it will be there much longer. If my memory is correct about 2.5 miles down the Loowit Trail (all flat) before you reach Windy Pass there is a running creek of clear water, and we definitely passed several strongly flowing water sources after Windy Pass. Navigating up and over Alpine Butte - it can be hard to find the initial trail, but there is one that doesn't involve going straight up and over. This part of the trail a little slippery and narrow in places. No mosquitos for us but a few pesky biting flies in the woods.