Mt St Helens Monitor Ridge June 9

[IslandCougGirl]

I still can't believe I did this hike. I ended up going by myself but met up with a very nice hiker from Pennsylvania who was hiking it also for the first time. I thought I had prepared myself for how steep it was going to be but I was nowhere close. Reality was sooooo different. We had some fog at the bottom but once past it, had beautiful blue skies and could even see what I think was North Sister right behind Jefferson (used binoculars). The thought of walking down was enough to try glissading which was a blast even with my thin capris! My behind was bruised but my heart light! My iphone took better pictures than my camera-go figure. All told, I am so glad I did this hike but now I'm good-no more mountains for me. Well maybe Mt Hood someday


Pete and I at the bottom!


Go Cougs!


Awesome pano


Hood and Jefferson


Can't believe I climbed that!





Boulders were our friends (to sit on and breathe)

Almost to the monitor station

Adams peeking out

Was really questioning my sanity

Guess the only place I burned-hint, not my face.


My favorite mountain

[IslandCougGirl]

Could also see a peak to the left of Jefferson-Mt Washington?

[markesc]

Good pics! and you made it, so that's all that counts! Try doing it in August, it's a nightmare with the heat/sun/exposure going back down the entire day, not to mention the knee destruction going downhill! Good pics, and I Bet the ones from the dslr are better, just take more work to get them there. Congrats! Now time to do South Sister!

[Craig Romano]

Congrats IslandCoug girl! The climb is a classic!
Question for you-I was thinking about trail running the Loowit from Swift Creek to Butte Camp. What is the snow level currently at? Thanks in advance for your reply.

[IslandCougGirl]

Well there was snow all the way to timberline if that helps. I didn't use a DSLR on this trip just a Canon point and shoot-my T3i would be too heavy to carry up.

[kepPNW]

Awesome! I just love how readily people make friends on that climb. Seems there's always someone or some group that you just naturally get in sync with on the way up. Great new avatar, too. Looks like an all-around great day!

Could also see a peak to the left of Jefferson-Mt Washington?

Probably Olallie Butte? This guy?

• 
  Shot from about half as far away - Olallie Butte, Jefferson, and Three Finger Jack.

View from MSH.

[IslandCougGirl]

That probably was it although it looked like it was behind Jefferson but my eyes could've been playing tricks on me as tired as I was. Everyone we passed had a smile and a few words-was really nice.

[Roy]

Glad to see you went and did it after you friend backed out and you had a great day

Thanks for sharing.

[Sly]

Looks like you had a great time! I'm leading some friends up there next week. How was the parking situation? Was there a good boot track up to the summit?