APE CANYON HIKE

St Helens in the Fall, Photo by Jayne Ashworth

This is a wonderful hike which starts out on the margin between the Muddy River Lahar (see photo above) on the left and lush second growth forest to your right with spectacular views of the east side of St. Helens.  At 1.6 miles we enter into old growth forest with huge hemlocks and Douglas firs and views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.

After a ridge run, we come out at the top of Ape Canyon.  Here we have close-up views of the dwindling Ape, Shoestring, and Nelson Glaciers; the blast zone to the north and the Plains of Abraham.  In this awesome setting we'll have lunch and savor the experience.  In high spirits we roll back down to the trailhead and the drive back to Portland.

You'll want to wear sturdy boots, and carry a backpack with rain/wind gear, warm clothes, and 2 quarts of water.

Please let us know when you would like to go.

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