Hamilton Buttes, Quartz Ridge-Summit Prairie, Blue Lake Creek & Timla Wapykt — Friday, Aug. 4, 2000

South Cascades > Dark Divide

The trail begins near Mud Lake, just off of rough rd 7807. It is possible to drive a bit past the lake, but you will be stopped by a wash out at any rate. From the lake, walk a bit around the shore and gaze backward at the rocky butte towering above. That is your goal. Walking past the wash out, the road/trail curves then begins climbing and meets another old road (probably from a lower trailhead). Keep left along a level stretch, then climb very steeply the last section to the summit. Mt Adams is the star attraction, but Rainier is visible as is Mud Lake far below. Blue Lake Butte Tr - 8/4 Trail begins near the Mud Lake cutoff on rd 78. It climbs about 500 feet then swings around the butte and comes to a nice viewpoint of Mt Adams and the Hamilton Butte area. To the north is a brief window through the trees towards an unnamed ridge. The trail now loses its elevation gain as it drops to join the main Blue Lake trail. Since I had been to the lake before I turned around. E Canyon Ridge/Squaw Creek Tr - 8/4 The map and trail sign do not agree on a name. At any rate, the trail drops a bit then begins a steady climb through woods first then along an open slope. There is a view northward to Rainier. Where the trail began its final drop I turned around. On the way back I was treated to a great view of Adams. To the right were Table Mt and Council Bluff. Anyone doing this trail from rd 5601 should drive a bit further to Lake Takhlakh esp in the afternoon for a stunning view of Mt Adams rising above the lake shore. Summit Prarie Trail - 8/3 From road 90 this trail climbs 2500 feet (over 3000 with all the ups and downs) to a former LO site. In the first hour the trail clinbs gently heading westward, then crossed a road and heads north. The next hour the grade steepens until it moderates when passing through small meadows of corn lily and lupine. In one upper meadow is a nice view of Mt Adams if you turn around. Blowdowns are everywhere, some of the larger ones have permanent detours around them. The trail makes a brief eastside traverse of a ridge, giving the first unobstructed view of Adams. Unfortunately, the trail then drops and climbs steeply before reaching the last ridge crest and making a final push to the summit. The best view is of Adams; Rainier and JUmbo/Sunrise Peaks are partially blocked. St Helens far to the west is partially blocked by a ridge.