Boundary West, Boundary Trail & Mount Margaret — Friday, Jun. 15, 2007

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens

Parked at Johnson Ridge Observatory and headed up Boundary 1 as far as possible. Trail was clear and easy until the north facing slopes just before St. Helens Lake. The snow patches were short enough (100 yards) there to cross and find the trail again on the other side. Views were great when the clouds allow. The Arch just prior to St. Helens lake is incredible. Trail was snow free once it rounds to the east facing ridge by St. Helens Lake. Intermittent snow patches thereafter until we finally lost the trail for good at the Margaret Camp, just below Mt. Margaret. We traveled another 1/3 mile looking for the trail, but could not locate it. Trail was in good condition from my perspective and minimal elevation gain (1600' gain from Trail 207 connection) for attaining that high of country. Wild flowers blooming between the snow, even at the highest points. Approximately 23 mile round trip made for a tiring day. Weather was sunny, raining, sleeting, snowing, blowing hard to no wind. Typical high country weather.