Loowit Trail Near Shoestring Glacier/Muddy River

[sheilakpdx]

Hello,

Has anyone been on the Loowit trail at Mt St Helens between June Lake and Ape Canyon recently? If so, can you report on the trail conditions? I have read various (older) reports about slides/deep scree/danger on this stretch and am wondering if that is still the case. It looks like it is snow free now and we are careful hikers and intend to hike with poles. Many thanks -

[teachpdx]

I was on the Loowit around Ape Canyon / Plains of Abraham last week, and there were plenty of people making the round-the-mountain trek. It's definitely passable, it seems.

My direct experience is from two years ago, and there was definitely plenty of scree, some exposure, and rocks sliding down the canyon walls above us. But you can get that essentially anywhere on the Loowit. Unless you have balance or steadiness issues, a set of poles should get you through just fine.

[sheilakpdx]

teachpdx, thank you so much!