Well maintained and a beautiful hike. Entered from randle. Lots of road work but they have a few areas now down to one lane, at least on the weekend, and we were able to get to the trailhead.

**Forgot my poles at Norway Pass TH on Sunday 7/23 at about 5pm. Please comment if you found them. Thank you!**

We spent 2 nights at Shovel Lake and fell in love with this beautiful paradise. Trail was completely snow free--looks like the last snow patches had melted out. Stunning wildflowers, many seemed to be at peak. It was very exposed and sunny, but there were usually a couple shady patches to cool down in, which was a really nice surprise. The views and the lakes were stunning. And although it felt like a slog now & then, especially in the hot sun, the constantly stunning views made the uphill sections much more enjoyable.

We hiked from Norway Pass TH, then the Lakes trail, then hiked up to Whittier Ridge as a day hike. Two people arrived on Saturday and camped without a permit right at the only lake entrance point. Thankfully it's at least a huge space so we didn't have to look at them from our camp. Still pretty uncool of them though, since probably most people book these permits to have solitude at their camp, and makes you wonder why you woke up at 6:45am to get the permit at all. Otherwise, we saw almost no one on the Lakes Trail heading in or out--most people we met on the trail to Norway Pass seemed to be heading to Mount Margaret. Beautiful area!

Road to trail is closed. Writing this report because the signage in the park wasn’t really clear where the road closed and road closure updates online weren’t either. And we weren’t the only ones who were confused. And there is no cell service and we had downloaded maps that didn’t indicate road closures.  Even with closure updates, it may look like you can take one part of FR25 to this trailhead but you can’t, as 99 is also closed to Cougar due to washouts. Roads to get there were in decent shape. What you’d expect for forest road but mostly paved with hard winter potholes. Nothing dramatic. 

Trip Report for Norway Pass, 9/24/22

This is a wonderful short hike (less than 5 miles r.t.) with a manageable amount of elevation gain that packs a big punch of views the entire way.  Ive had this hike on my must-do list for several seasons and finally made the time for it. 

First, the road to get to Norway Pass Trailhead is the windy, curvy, potholed long drive toward Windy Ridge.  And although they are fire roads, they are mostly paved so it is very manageable- just watch the big dips and potholes. 

We parked in the Norway Pass trailhead parking lot on a Saturday late morning.  Probably 20 cars there but few people, so assume folks were hiking Mt Margaret, Independence Pass, or overnight backpacking.  

The NP trail starts out on a very dusty section - its all ash here, but lots of new (40 year old) growth.  It gradually ascends and switchbacks the first mile.  We didn’t get on the trail until 11:00am and for a late September day it was pretty warm.  I would imagine this trail would be hot in the summer - glad we waited for later in the year. 

At about one mile with the signed intersection, keep right to Norway Pass for about another mile or more.  Here you will see Meta Lake below and views of Mt Adams.  We had a clear day and it was so beautiful and the fall foliage - lots of red leaves on the blueberry bushes - had begun.  Yellows too.  Eventually the switchbacks get into some shaded spots and you start to see views of Mt Rainier/Tahoma, as well.  The trail is pretty dusty the whole way and no water source, (so bring lots of water), yet there are trees and low lying flora throughout.  

When we reached the top of Norway Pass at the signed intersection, don’t stop here.  As other trip reports have shared, take a left up the short hill for a few more feet and the prize awaits.  Here is one of the most beautiful views of Mount St Helens and Spirit Lake Ive ever seen.  We picnicked at the top and took in the scenery - and had the whole place to ourselves before turning around. 

Throughout the day we encountered no more than 6 or 7 other parties.  This trail was not at all busy and one of the most stunning.  This time of year is perfect to go - cooler temps and the fall colors should be even more vibrant within a week or two.  And, thank you to the WTA volunteers (I assume) who have taken care of the bushwhacking in sections of this trail in the recent weeks - it would have been more challenging to navigate had it not been cleared. 

This is now one of my favorites for a short hike with stellar views!

Wow, if you’re looking to have your mind blown in nature look no further! Such a beautiful and unique area. 

We started our two night trip at Bear Camp, starting from Norway Pass. At camp heavy fog was rolling in and out but we were able to enjoy plenty of wildlife off a small trail south of camp. While there are some small pools of water near camp it tastes pretty swampy and I am not sure how much longer it will be there.

The next morning we awoke to heavy fog and some rain. After breakfast, we left camp set up and checked out Mount Margaret. Such a beautiful side trip - highly recommend. Still beautiful in the fog, and we saw what was either elk or very large deer along with lots of goats.

With conditions clearing up a bit, we decided to pack up and tackle Whittier Ridge (clockwise). After reading that a “69 year old fit dad” could knock this out, we decided we should be up for the challenge as well. While Helens and the other major mountains were obscured by clouds the views were still nonstop. The trail is a little tricky, you may need to double back a few times if you get side-tracked following goat trails. It is slippery and we definitely felt a little worn out with each passing peak. Overall the ridge took about 3 hours, with a small break or two. We were glad it was over with, but very happy with our decision to take this route with the outstanding views and access to the other lakes.

From here we continued on to Obscurity Camp. Once again, nonstop views along the way. Plenty of water at each lake and right along the trail near Panhandle. I don’t have much to say about Obscurity, except it’s a fine place as any to rest your head after a long day. Panhandle is a much more ideal place to stay as you are much closer to the lake and do not have to descend much.

The last day we headed back out, completing the loop and heading back to Norway Pass.

Currently tons of delicious berries along the trail and the fall colors are outstanding! Lots of goats. Bathrooms at each camp. We encountered only a handful of other hikers along the way.

#FirstTripReport