Hummocks to JRO 6/1/14

[romann]

This past Sunday my dad and I hiked Boundary Trail from Hummocks trailhead to Johnston Ridge Observatory, and also added a short loop on Hummocks trail on the way back. This trail seems overlooked because it's parallel to SR-504 (so what takes to hike 2.5 hours up, can be driven in 15 minutes on the highway), but as a hike it's spectacular, the view changes all the time. Except for the last 3/4 mile to observatory, you don't see the road and the crowds.


(about 10 miles, 2150')

First off, we visited newly reopened Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center and got our wrist bands, which saved us the drive to JRO (NW Forest Pass gets you one free 'volcano pass' for the day). CRVC is now open on Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10 am to 5 or 6 in the evening. There's neat exhibits inside and a movie room, and *great* view of the lake from the balcony.








Then off on Hummocks Trail. Past the first junction, it looks like savannah for awhile, gently rolling hills, lots of grass/flowers and small alder groves. Lots of sun




These flowers (penstemon?) are everywhere


As well as ripe strawberries on the lower part of the trail (still in flowers higher up - much more to come!)


A few lupine - our timing was about right


Don't know what these are


The trail suddenly picks uphill, and after another short woods walk you get into more volcanic type of terrain






The mountain view never fully opened all day




Wildlife


Got a good look at Toutle River canyons - the landmark is so young it's not on any topo maps yet




'running roots'


Could see Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center over the lake


Wild currant


My dad checks new rockfall on the trail. It didn't present any obstacle to cross


Two hues of paintbrush




Pedestrian view of Coldwater Peak from the upper parking lot


After a quick lunch near JRO and more wildlife (brave and hungry army of chipmunks), we headed back and in 5 minutes again had the trail to ourselves. There are some exposed places along the trail we didn't notice on the way up, but going down had to slow on loose gravel.

Same views, better lighting






'the Earth before a Man' (there's something primal in this landscape)


Small lake/pond among the hummocks


More greenery


Wild clover


We made a brief stop at Coldwater Lake. There was a big group (mostly kids) kayaking back.


Another new thing we noticed at the lake - there is a rack with 4 (or was it 6?) aluminum boats near the restrooms, each boat had a USFS sign on it. Looks like a boat rental? Each boat is big enough for 2-3 adults, and can be conveniently carried by 2 people (or with some balance skills, by 1).

One last shot of St. Helens (I promise ), this is from Elk Rock viewpoint


Great hike on a new trail, still wondering how I drove by it so many times before.

[TheOtherBob]

Thank you for this update!

Coincidentally, my father is coming into town tonight for a hike. I've been wanting to take him out to Coldwater Peak, but wasn't sure about what the snow is like up there and was thinking of taking him out to Table Mtn instead... but it looks like things are pretty clear out at JRO.

Has anyone else been out to JRO recently? Any info on the snow level up there? It sounds like things are melting pretty quickly everywhere this year.

[Peder]

Yes, I love that bit of trail and it is often a great place to see elk! Obviously also a great place for parents: My then 80 y.o did JRO to the Hummocks (downhill) two years ago, while my kind daughter kindly drove the vehicle between the two points.

[Roy]

Nice tr Roman I see have to get back up that way things were still asleep when I was last there. If you get word that the road 99 and 25 open to the east side give me a shout. Its always nice when that side opens up to.

[-Q-]

Great report on a great trail.
I hiked this same exact route last fall when the road to JRO was still closed.
Had the entire JRO area to myself.
I highly recommend this hike during the off season, but as you found out, its super awesome at any point of the year.

[romann]

Thanks all!

My then 80 y.o did JRO to the Hummocks (downhill) two years ago, while my kind daughter kindly drove the vehicle between the two points.

I thought about it, too - that is a perfect shuttle hike. All-downhill is great for family and friends who don't regularly hike 5+ miles up, but still want to see nice scenery. And, the road access is great.

Thank you for this update!

Coincidentally, my father is coming into town tonight for a hike. I've been wanting to take him out to Coldwater Peak, but wasn't sure about what the snow is like up there and was thinking of taking him out to Table Mtn instead...

The trail on the east side of Coldwater Peak (not visible in my photos), the last mile to the summit, holds snow into July. You may go to the viewpoint of St Helens Lake (1 mile short of Coldwater summit) all without snow, then backtrack to Harrys Ridge viewpoint. Would still be a great hike.

Nice tr Roman I see have to get back up that way things were still asleep when I was last there. If you get word that the road 99 and 25 open to the east side give me a shout. Its always nice when that side opens up to.

Thanks Tom. I am already watching the road to Norway Pass trailhead. And last year they were slow to open it (after July 4?) - don't remember exact date.

Great report on a great trail.
I hiked this same exact route last fall when the road to JRO was still closed.
Had the entire JRO area to myself.
I highly recommend this hike during the off season, but as you found out, its super awesome at any point of the year.

Thanks! It was actually very quiet hike on that nice Sunday, surprisingly so - except for the upper 3/4 mile I think we met only one group. There were 3 or 4 other cars when we started but everyone else might've been doing Hummocks loop while we did Boundary trail first so we didn't see other hikers.