Oregon Hikers

I started at 8:42 from the Johnson Ridge Visitors Center, elevation 4180’. Hiked east along Johnson Ridge for 2.3 miles, with views across the outwash plain to St Helens, to the junction with the Truman trail, elevation 4080’ at 9:42. Then north uphill for 2.2 miles to the top of the ridge overlooking St Helens Lake, elevation 5260’, at 11:01. This area was more sheltered from the blast, and there were small trees and lots of ripe huckleberries to eat — in contrast to the devastation of Johnson Ridge. Then 1.6 miles, going down a few hundred feet and through a rock arch, then across the slope above the lake, and up a side trail to the peak, elevation 5727’, at 12:14. Mt Rainier poked its huge presence above ridges to the north. Adams was mostly hidden in smoke, and St Helens was pretty hazy too. Started down at 12:34, and took the half-mile each way side trail up Harry’s Ridge on the way back. Got down to the car at 4:13. 13.6 miles, 3350’ gain, 7.5 hours.

One of my favorite places! I love your pictures, especially the panoramas and the picture of the new glaciers in the crater. Thank you.

Nice! Looks like fall colors have already started there.

Also, thanks for the numbers on distance/elevation. I thought it was no where close to 2000' elevation I've been reading about; 3000' feels much closer to what my legs were telling after doing it.

There were a _lot_ of huckleberries to eat along the trail near Coldwater Peak.

Ah, a very timely TR for me, as I was planning on doing this exact hike on Monday! Thanks for the info!

Nice panoramas!

Great concise TR!

How's the view from Harrys Ridge?

Did you see any elk? What about elk bugles?

Yes, there were a few elk bugles, but quite far away.

Harry's Ridge is a fine viewpoint, especially because its view includes more of Spirit Lake than you otherwise get. Its only about a mile and 350' extra to do on the way to or from Coldwater peak.

alanecharlesworth wrote:Yes, there were a few elk bugles, but quite far away.

Harry's Ridge is a fine viewpoint, especially because its view includes more of Spirit Lake than you otherwise get. Its only about a mile and 350' extra to do on the way to or from Coldwater peak.

My favorite to, was up there two weeks ago from the Norway pass side doing the Margie hike,those berries are huge up there we found some wild strawberries still in good shape never get over how good those are and the elk bugling amazing place.

Great tr best time to go that arch is pretty cool. Agree Harry's ridge is worth the time and devils elbow starts the hike out with a bang.

You can tell I am a big fan of this one

Amazing pictures. Lots and lots of great tr's coming from your direction, acw. Keep em coming, im a fan


I also like how you always post a map of your route and the day's stats at the end of your reports, nice touch.