vTrail Ape Canyon Trial

Ape Canyon Trail 234

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Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

Distance:

5.5 miles one way

Hiking Time:

3 hours

Trailhead Elevation:

2800 ft

Elevation Gain:

2400 ft

Season:

June - October

Difficulty:

Moderate

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Heavy

Users:

Hikers, bikers

Region:

Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Maps:

USGS Smith Creek Butte
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is required

Driving Directions:

From Seattle take I-5 South to Exit #21 to Woodland, SR 503 East, continue on SR 503 for about 34 miles to a junction signed for Ape Cave, Lava Canyon, turn left on FR 83 and follow it for about 11 miles to the trailhead on the left side of the road.

Trailhead:

Good parking, no water, no restrooms (restrooms available at Lava Canyon Trailhead).

Trail:

June 24, 2002

Please, make sure you have enough water with you on this trail. During dry season water may not be available. From the trailhead the trail quickly reaches Muddy River Lahar. The river carved a large area beneath Shoestring Glacier at the time of eruption, when about 20 feet of the thikness of the glacier melted and rushed down the valley . Lahar consisted of 85% of rock and ash and 15% of water and mooved at the speed of 45 miles per hour. From the cliffs above the river bed, a great view opens up on Mount St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and Muddy River valley. The trail turns right (north-west) and gradually climbs up the river bank. In about 1.5 miles it crosses a small creek, gets steeper as it zigzags on the slope. You may need repellent in this part of the trail. As the trail climbs higher, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mount St. Helens come into view from time to time. After the trail reaches the ridge it evens up, leaves the trees and quickly reaches Ape Canyon, offering great views of Mount Rainier, Mt. Adams and the canyon . In about 0.1 mile a post marks the junction with Loowit Trail 216. About 0.1 mile up south and below Loowit trail there are two nice campsites. They can be a great place for hikers taking the Loowit Trail 216. There is no water available in this area during drier season. Stunning views of the Ape Canyon, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Muddy River valley . Following Loowit Trail 216 to the right (north) for 1.7 miles will bring you to Plains of Abraham and Abraham Trail 216D. Turning left (south) will bring you to the junction with June Lake Trail 216B in about 5 miles.