Looking for something different on the first weekend of October (our traditional golden larch weekend), Eileen, Doug, Steve, Deb, and I did a backpacking circuit around Mt. St. Helens on the Loowit Trail. We had rain and sun and a fabulous experience completing this outstanding gem of a trail circuit. Here is our trip itinerary and a few photos.
Day 0: Hike into June Lake.
Day 1: Hike from June Lake to South Fork Toutle River Gorge.
LoowitTrailNearButteCampDome
DougRopingIntoColdspringCanyon
EileenSurveyingSouthForkToutleRiverGorge
Day 2: Hike from South Fork Toutle River Gorge to Pumice Butte Spring.
A new classic.
I am pretty sure that route is more difficult now than when the Loowit first opened. Erosion has made those radiating stream channels steeper and deeper. There was no need for handlines in the early years.
More challenge makes it more satisfying!
Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
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Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
Hi Jim, Great trip report. We're considering a similar route and wondering if you recall any potential tent locations at the start between June Lake and Monitor Ridge - or was is solid talus in this section?
Thanks!
Hi RFTC - I don't recall anything really appealing in that section of trail. It was all either sloping or rocky, but you might find something a bit off of the trail. Best wishes on your trip!
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