Before checking into our weekend camp (OK, cabin) at Ike Kinswa State Park, we decided to do a short lunch hike, since it has been years since we viewed Mt. St. Helens from the northeast side. Norway Pass checked all the boxes, so off we went, down Road 25 (a free amusement park ride) and Road 99 (MUCH better, thank you) to the short bit on Road 26 to the Trailhead. It was mostly sunny with temps in the upper 60's, perfect hiking weather. Unfortunately, this was the day that high level forest fire smoke started to descend on western Washington AND the day that the Packwood fire accelerated, so smoke was interfering with views by the time we returned to the trailhead. At 11:45 AM there were four cars at the trailhead, one belonging to the back-country ranger we met ten minutes into the hike. Bees found us right away, but the slight breeze and a bit of hand-waving took care of them.

We took off just past noon, amazed at the thick layers of ashy soil at the outset of the trail. Norway Pass is often characterized as an open hike, a "better hike it in the morning" sort of thing. While it is not exactly a forest hike, there are plenty of shady rest spots in the first half or so, next to trees or tall underbrush. I forgot how close we were to Meta Lake, and when we rounded a corner and got higher than the intervening hill, I couldn't figure out at first where that lake came from. (Are those kayakers?) The trail is in great shape over the first half; the brushing crew seemed to run out of steam in the second half, but it was easily passable. Berries were pretty cooked-looking and dried out, but on some bushes there were a few that qualified as plump, well worth the search.

The second half features a turn to the northwest that puts you on a long ridge walk in the SHADE, until you get near the Pass proper. When you see the "telephone pole tree" (the blasted "pole" that's close enough to the trail to touch it with YOUR pole), you're within 5 minutes of the Pass and trail junction. We took guidebook advice and headed left/south from the Pass a few more minutes to get a nice viewpoint for lunch, overlooking the volcano and always-amazing Spirit Lake.

The clouds to the east began moving a bit, so on the way back we finally got a look at Mt. Adams. Mt. Rainier tried to appear, but smoke from the Packwood fire and "normal" cloudiness kept it hidden that day, On our way out of the Forest, we learned that Highway 12 had been shut down at Packwood, which helped the decision making for the next day's hike.

Enjoy Norway Pass; the trail is smooth and easy, your sunscreen will only get a short workout along the trail, and the views and open country will make you want to continue on the Boundary Trail..to the Lakes Trail and beyond?

WTA Trail Crew! This was a very fun and determined crew, working in a beautiful area. In grand WTA tradition, Crew Leader Thomas kept everyone safe, we had BIG fun and got LOTS of work done!

Brush overhanging the trail on the uphill side tends to force hikers to the outside of the trail, which causes slumping and other damage. Our team used gas-powered brushing tools, similar to hedge trimmers, to cut overhanging brush WAY back. One team would work ahead, using loppers to remove large diameter bushes and branches. Then the brush cutters came through, quickly mowing the  bushes, followed by "swampers" who tossed the cut brush downslope and raked the trail.

And yes, we all were wearing earplugs!

Despite the dusty heat, we were able to clear out what seemed like miles of trail. Hikers and mountain bikers thanked us for our service.

From Seattle, the trailhead is about 150 miles, but man, for the paved forest roads, this terrific work party, and the spectacular scenery, it was well worth it!

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Drove from Iron Creek campground up FR 25, then up FR 99. The turn for Norway Pass is clearly marked near the Miner's Car monument (worth stopping here). Careful driving on FR 25 especially when it is shady - it's hard to see all the bumps.

Three cars at trailhead at 9:30am. Pit toilet and hand operated water pump outside. It's a steady ascent and I'd recommend going as early as possible as there is only intermittent shade. The first half mile or so is very sandy. 

There were beautiful wildflowers, bees buzzing, and nice views of Klickitat (Mt. Adams) and Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) while going up. As the trail ascends, there are portions where it is overgrown. It's not hard to see the route, but you do have to be comfortable brushing through the growth. In a few areas, you should step carefully as trying to avoid branches can lead to stepping off the edge of the 1-person wide trail. A trekking pole helps avoid the steep hillside.

You'll get a sign post about 1.1 mile in and another at 2.2 saying Norway pass. Keep going and follow the trail down and to the left to get a great view of Spirit Lake and St. Helens.

Garmin tracked 4.45 mi and 1037 ft gain. Trailhead says 4.4 mi from 3640 to 4500 ft (860 ft gain). 

THURS AUG 11 -- FRI AUG 12

Hiked from Norway Pass TH along the Boundary Trail then camped at Bear Camp.  In the morning, continued westward along the Boundary Trail to Mt Margaret and Margaret Camp before returning to Norway Pass TH. I'm tagging nearby Lakes Trail on this report in case it's of interest for anyone.

Bear Camp was awesome --> from both tent platforms, views of St Helens and Rainier, with Adams hiding just behind a small hill immediately to the east --> the camp is close to the main trail but still decent privacy --> two little streams still trickling. Whoever cancelled their permit middle of the week, THANKS for making it available!

Mt Margaret was spectacular --> 360 views from St Helens to Adams to Rainier and west toward the coast --> views included Coldwater Peak, Saint Helens Lake and Spirit Lake --> the peak is just an easy little uphill stroll from the main trail

Pretty terrain everywhere --> I was kinda expecting the terrain to be all ashy/dusty like my previous hike up to the St Helens crater rim, but I was pleasantly surprised that there was so much grassy-bushy-green foliage along the trail and all southward down the ridge toward Spirit Lake --> that said, there isn't really any consistent overhead tree coverage, so plan for lots of sun exposure

A few tips:

--> SPEND SUNSET OR SUNRISE AT MT MARGARET PEAK. At Bear Camp, I was so pleased with my views that I stayed there for dinner and sunset.  The next morning, as I reached the peak of Mt Margaret, I regretted not having walked the easy mile there the night before - hot water boiler for tea, binoculars and stunning views of the sun setting on all three major peaks, per above.  At Bear Camp, you see the crater and upper half of St Helens but from Mt Margaret, the view also includes all of Spirit Lake, so it's even more dramatic

--> WATER. One of the tiny streams running near Bear Camp is easily accessible (and viewable) from the main trail.  The camp site maps at Recreation dot gov state that the streams originate from springs, but for what it's worth, to me it appeared they were fed from some of the remaining snow patches.  Along the Boundary Trail to Margaret Camp, I saw just a few other trickling streams, likely fed from snow patches.

--> TRACTION.  None necessary whatsoever, I encountered maybe 1-2 tiny snow patches on the Boundary Trail

--> MARGARET CAMP.  The two tent platforms were tucked just north of the Boundary Trail, with a little hill blocking direct views to St Helens.  That said, it'd be just a few minutes to walk to unobstructed views.

--> PANHANDLE CAMP.  I didn't hike there or anywhere along the Lakes Trail, but at the TH, I chatted with a couple who'd camped there the night before.  They loved it, including that the water was awesome for a swim in the midday sun.  They also said the Lakes Trail was brushy, but not enough to require long pants, gloves, etc.  R & N, thanks for the advice to venture over to Mt Margaret and climb to the peak!

--> ROADS.  To access Norway Pass TH, I took 25 south from Randle, then west on 99, then just a tiny bit north on 26.  This route had some rippling and dips and short stretches of gravel, but very manageable in my low clearance car.  On my return toward Randle, I first tried to take 26 heading north from the TH, but in the first mile I encountered more severe buckling and other obstacles than in all of 25 the previous day.  I reversed myself, choosing instead to return via 99 and 25.

***

PIC 1: near Norway Pass

PIC 2: from Bear Camp, looking north toward Rainier

PIC 3: from Mt Margaret, looking south toward St Helens

PIC 4: from Mt Margaret, looking southwest toward Saint Helens Lake and Coldwater Peak 

***

I'm happy to answer any questions, I'll check the comments section periodically.

Enjoy!

Hiked up  to the pass to photograph the Milkyway.

The road past Swift Reservoir has some pretty nasty spots to watch for.. uplifts in the road, uneven road, frost heaves. 

The trail in places is overgrown with vegetation.

Bugs, there were out so bring Bug dope.