This hike follows Trail #234 from the Ape Canyon trailhead for the first 5.5 miles to the junction with the Loowit Trail #216, which goes completely around Mt. St. Helens. This hike follows the Loowit Trail north for 1.8 miles to the junction with Trail 216D.

The hike begins a modest climb along the edge of a mudflow from the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Compare the devastation of the mud flow area with the area where the trail is located, and you get some sense of how cataclysmic the eruption event was to the non-blast side of the mountain.

The hike takes you through a young immerging forest for a little over a mile, then you are treated to one of the few remaining old-growth forests which flank the mountain. Most did not survive the eruption of 1980. At this point the trail begins to climb more steeply, and you will encounter a number of switchbacks.

As the trail proceeds to the head of Ape Canyon you will experience a bit of up and down hiking. With each ridge you climb, you are higher than the one before, even though you may drop some elevation in between. Also, with each ridge you climb, you get better and better views.

At about 5.5 miles you will come to the head of Ape Canyon. Be cautious as the sides of the trail are very steep. Here you meet up with the Loowit Trail #216. Proceed to your right and follow this trail uphill towards the Plains of Abraham.

In about a half mile you will enter the plains and if your are there at the right season, you will encounter a fantastic floral display. And if you are there during good weather, you will be treated to outstanding views of Mt Adams to the east, and Mt St Helens itself towering above you.

Muddy River lahar field

From Woodland, WA
From the junction with I-5 follow SR503 east from Woodland, WA approximately 23 miles to the junction of the Lewis River Road with SR503. Continue east on the Lewis River Road another 4.4 miles to the junction of Forest Road 81 just before you get to Cougar. Continue east through Cougar on the Lewis River Road, which becomes Forest Road 90, for about 7.4 miles to the junction of Forest Roads 90 and 83. Turn left on FR83. In about 1.7 miles you will pass the road that leads to the Ape Caves, but continue north on FR83. In another 1.3 miles you will pass the junction to Forest Road 81, but bear right and continue on FR83. In about 3.8 miles you will pass the parking area for the June Lake hike, but continue on another 4.2 miles to the parking area for the Ape Canyon hike. The parking area for Lava Canyon is just a bit further, so don't confuse them.