Trip Report: Ape Canyon Trail, Mt St Helens
When: 05/26/2019
Location: Ape Canyon Trail, Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Conditions:
Duration:
Difficulty:
Kid Freindly:
Pet Freindly:
Usefull links: www.fs.usda.gov
The Full Report:
I did this hike with my good friend and coworker Pemba. Plan to arrive early on weekend days. The parking lot is small and will fill quickly due to the popularity of this trail. This trail is simply fantastic. It follows the Muddy River through old growth forest up a ridge line before arriving at Ape Canyon and a junction with the Loowit Trail. There are several viewpoints along the way both towards Helens and towards the east. I believe Adams can be seen, especially once you reach the eruption zone, but pesky clouds were obscuring our view. Once you reach the junction with the Loowit trail how much further you proceed is all up to you. We chose to follow the Loowit heading North and hiked to the top of one of the small buttes immediately to the East of the trail.
From the top of the butte, you have unobstructed 360 views. You are practically on Helens, the Muddy River, Adams, and Mount Margaret wilderness.
This trail is versatile because it offers easy access to the Loowit and can be combined with other trails in the area to form a long day hike or an overnight trip.
Definitely will be back for a longer adventure. Go get it!
The Full Report:
I did this hike with my good friend and coworker Pemba. Plan to arrive early on weekend days. The parking lot is small and will fill quickly due to the popularity of this trail. This trail is simply fantastic. It follows the Muddy River through old growth forest up a ridge line before arriving at Ape Canyon and a junction with the Loowit Trail. There are several viewpoints along the way both towards Helens and towards the east. I believe Adams can be seen, especially once you reach the eruption zone, but pesky clouds were obscuring our view. Once you reach the junction with the Loowit trail how much further you proceed is all up to you. We chose to follow the Loowit heading North and hiked to the top of one of the small buttes immediately to the East of the trail.
From the top of the butte, you have unobstructed 360 views. You are practically on Helens, the Muddy River, Adams, and Mount Margaret wilderness.
This trail is versatile because it offers easy access to the Loowit and can be combined with other trails in the area to form a long day hike or an overnight trip.
Definitely will be back for a longer adventure. Go get it!