Hike description: You don’t have to spring for a helicopter tour to get great views of Mount St. Helens. This hike offers views along with a good dose of exercise. Boundary Trail No. 1 takes you up to some great views of Mount St. Helens and Harry’s Ridge is a great high point for viewing the volcano, Mount Margaret, Spirit Lake and, on a clear day, Mount Adams and Mount Hood. The trail is exposed, up high, on some steep slopes – not for the faint of heart or those not cheered by heights.
From the Johnston Ridge Observatory, follow the paved pathway up, then down to the memorial to those who lost their lives in the 1980 blast. From here the trail turns to dirt and begins a gentle up and down, with more dramatic views of the mountain and the Toutle River Valley far below. Evidence of slow re-growth is all around, and the fields of blue, purple and red wildflowers are stunning in early summer. At about 1.5 miles the trail hugs the slope of Johnston Ridge for a quarter mile to a viewpoint of the volcano and small tarns near Spirit Lake. Continue Northeast along the Boundary Trail, past the junction with the Truman Trail (at about two miles), until you arrive at the junction with Harry’s Ridge Trail at 3.3 miles from the trailhead. At the crest of the ridge are great views of Spirit Lake and the many dead trees still floating on its surface. Go south up the ridge for another half-mile for your true reward. From Harry’s Lookout you can gaze into the heart of Mount St. Helens and the lava dome, which occasionally spews a stream of bluish steam.
Directions: Drive Interstate 5 south to Exit 49. From the exit take state Route 504 east to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
Difficulty rating: 3 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round-trip: 8
Elevation: 200 feet
Best time of year: June-November
Map: Green Trails No. 332, Spirit Lake
Pass: Monument or federal lands pass or equivalent
Also: Since the 1980 eruption destroyed nearly all trees as far as 17 miles away, this trail is very exposed. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. You should stay on the trail at all times, since the plant life needs all the help it can get to recover in this fragile environment. Be sure to check the conditions before you go – the Johnston Ridge Visitor Center could be closed during periods of intense volcanic activity. If you plan to visit areas away from the visitor center, study your trail and road maps carefully. For example, the Johnston Ridge Observatory and Independence Pass are separated by just 15 miles of trail, but they are easily 65 miles apart by car. Since pet regulations vary, to avoid disappointment, be sure to check for current information before taking your pet along on this or any trip into the wilderness.
Info: For current road and trail information: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest: fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm; 360-449-7800; Johnston Ridge Observatory, 360-274-3962. “Day Hiking South Cascades” and “100 Classic Hikes in Washington,” both Mountaineers Books.
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
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