Plains of Abraham
Location: Mt. St. Helens
9 miles total, 1,100' gained, starting from Windy Ridge
14 miles total, 2,100' gained, starting from Ape Canyon
driving directions
trail map
forest service site
weather forecast for this area
Described are both a partial loop (starting from Windy Ridge) and out and back (starting from Ape Canyon) hikes to the Plains of Abraham in the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Windy Ridge trailhead: Even from the parking area at the end of Road 99, the view of Mt. St. Helens is incredible. Carrying on the first couple miles, enjoy the greenery of the Smith Creek valley contrasting the desolation of Mt. St. Helens to the west. Unique sets of 'sand ladders' assist in making the uphill steps through the loose footing on the Abraham trail. Nearing the Plains, the scenery and views are unmatched. As you continue to shake your head in disbelief, reach the Plains and see if your definition of 'amazing' has changed. Head even closer to Mt. St. Helens on the Loowit trail, and cross over the high point of Windy Pass, 4,900'. Further views of the region are superb, and Spirit Lake shows itself later in the descent on the Windy trail.
Loowit Falls is highly recommended as about a 2 1/2 mile side trip (see trail map), making the hike about 11 1/2 total miles. These falls have their own uniqueness, cascading through the barren landscape, with Mt. St. Helens looming in the background.
The trails may have no water, have zero shade, and are often windy, so prepare accordingly.
Road 99 must be ungated to access the trailhead, which make not occur until late June. Making this a day hike shortly thereafter is a good choice.
Ape Canyon trailhead: The first four or so miles pass through a nice forest on the way to reaching the Loowit trail. Just prior to reaching this point, the landscape opens up and the immense views of the Plains are a short distance further.
This trailhead is accessed by Road 83 which generally opens earlier in the season than Road 99. Thus you can get to the Plains potentially in the spring for the flowers and cooler weather. The drive is also closer to the city. On the downside - unless you want a 20+ mile trip - the Ape Canyon route misses Windy Pass, Loowit Falls, and Spirit Lake, which you get from the Windy Ridge starting point.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for both trailheads.
14 miles total, 2,100' gained, starting from Ape Canyon
driving directions
trail map
forest service site
weather forecast for this area
Described are both a partial loop (starting from Windy Ridge) and out and back (starting from Ape Canyon) hikes to the Plains of Abraham in the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Windy Ridge trailhead: Even from the parking area at the end of Road 99, the view of Mt. St. Helens is incredible. Carrying on the first couple miles, enjoy the greenery of the Smith Creek valley contrasting the desolation of Mt. St. Helens to the west. Unique sets of 'sand ladders' assist in making the uphill steps through the loose footing on the Abraham trail. Nearing the Plains, the scenery and views are unmatched. As you continue to shake your head in disbelief, reach the Plains and see if your definition of 'amazing' has changed. Head even closer to Mt. St. Helens on the Loowit trail, and cross over the high point of Windy Pass, 4,900'. Further views of the region are superb, and Spirit Lake shows itself later in the descent on the Windy trail.
Loowit Falls is highly recommended as about a 2 1/2 mile side trip (see trail map), making the hike about 11 1/2 total miles. These falls have their own uniqueness, cascading through the barren landscape, with Mt. St. Helens looming in the background.
The trails may have no water, have zero shade, and are often windy, so prepare accordingly.
Road 99 must be ungated to access the trailhead, which make not occur until late June. Making this a day hike shortly thereafter is a good choice.
Ape Canyon trailhead: The first four or so miles pass through a nice forest on the way to reaching the Loowit trail. Just prior to reaching this point, the landscape opens up and the immense views of the Plains are a short distance further.
This trailhead is accessed by Road 83 which generally opens earlier in the season than Road 99. Thus you can get to the Plains potentially in the spring for the flowers and cooler weather. The drive is also closer to the city. On the downside - unless you want a 20+ mile trip - the Ape Canyon route misses Windy Pass, Loowit Falls, and Spirit Lake, which you get from the Windy Ridge starting point.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for both trailheads.
Access road, Mt. St. Helens, near Windy Ridge
Mt. Adams from Abraham Trail
Goat Rocks from Abraham Trail
Plains of Abraham
Mt. Hood from Windy Pass
Mt. Rainier from near Windy Pass
Spirit Lake from near Loowit Falls
Loowit Falls
Mt. St. Helens from Windy trail
Mt. St. Helens from Ape Canyon trail
Mt. St. Helens; jct of Ape Canyon and Loowit trails