MT. MARGRET BACKCOUNTRY THREE-DAY LAKE TRIP
Panhandle Lake
This trip is appropriate for backpackers in reasonable shape and strong children. It is an amazing family trip (max of three members)! We hike in 6 miles/10km to Panhandle Lake and camp for two nights. We are in the blow-down zone north of Mt. St. Helens. Closed to camping after the eruption in 1980 until 1999, this is a unique area of the world. Pristine lakes, streams, waterfalls, and blow down - there's no other place like it. This the only area open for camping in the blow down zone within the National Volcanic Monument.
Panhandle Lake is in a gorgeous setting with a population of eating-size cutthroat trout. And there is a solar potty at the campsite!
Access to the area is strictly controlled with the party size limited to four - your guide and three clients. You may not see anyone else once we leave the trailhead. Experience the effects of the blast of the 1980 eruption and witness the regeneration of life. This is the perfect trip to relax, explore, and enjoy the amazing scenery.
PRICE: 1 person - $850, 2 - 3 Persons - $450 each.
Scheduled Trip: We can do this anytime guides and permits are available.
Go to Sign-up, call (877) 965-5100, or e-mail us to reserve your trip.
SCHEDULE
DAY ONE
We leave Portland about 6 AM and drive to the Norway Pass Trailhead (3,640’/1,110m) on the northeast side of Mt. St. Helens. Here we load up and head out. 
At about 2.3/3.8 km miles we’ll take a break at Norway Pass Trailhead (4,508’/1,374m). Here we have an awesome view of Spirit Lake and the north side of St. Helens. We then traverse to the west about a mile and climb up to Bear Pass (4,980’/1,518m). Here we’ll have views of Mt. Rainier, Adams, and Hood. We descend, traversing around the valley, pass Grizzly Lake on our left and ascend to Obscurity Lake (4,348’1,326m). After a break we climb up 500’/152m over a pass, passing waterfalls and wildflowers, and drop down to our campsite at Panhandle Lake (4,492’/1,370m). After we set-up camp, you can explore, fish, pick huckleberries, or just contemplate the amazing scenery and wildflowers.
DAY TWO
We spend the day at Panhandle Lake to explore, fish, pick huckleberries, or just contemplate the amazing scenery and wildflowers. 
Good meals and a unique experience in an awesome location.
DAY THREE
Today we return to the trailhead and back to Portland. 
After a leisurely breakfast we break camp and pack-up. We climb up the 500’/152m pass and drop back down to Obscurity Lake (4,348’/1,326m). We continue on traversing around the valley, pass Grizzly Lake on our right, and work our way up back to Bear Pass (4,980’/1,518m), and roll downhill the last 3 miles/5km, backtracking past Norway Pass and down to the Trailhead.
Required Equipment
Sturdy hiking boots with lug soles; gaiters; Wool /polypropylene socks; Liner socks; Thermal underwear (polypropylene, or equivalent); Warm sweater, fleece jacket, or wool shirt; Short-sleeve shirt; Shorts; Warm pants (Not jeans!); Gore-Tex (or other water-resistant material) Parka; Wind pants; Mittens or gloves; Sun hat; Warm hat; clothes to change into at the car are nice.
TEN ESSENTIALS:
Whistle, Map, Compass, Headlamp/Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb or another flashlight), Extra food and Clothing (wool socks, more warm things), Sunscreen and lip protection, Pocket knife, Lighter or matches in waterproof container and firestarter, First aid kit (Please let know if you require drugs that will make you drowsy or dizzy.)
Sleeping bag and Pad
Fishing gear if planning to fish
Eating utensils - cup, bowl, and spoon. (My recommendations are a plastic quart-sized measuring cup with a handle, an insulated 12 oz. plastic cup, and a plastic/lexsan spoon.)
You will need a backpack large enough (5,000 cu. in. +) to comfortably carry your personal gear plus your share of group gear. Camp shoes, a Crazy Creek Chair, and a book wil be enjoyed.
OPA will provide: permits, guide, transportation from Portland to trailhead and return, great food, tent(s) with ground cloth, trekking poles, stove, fuel and pots, and water filter.
Oregon Peak Adventures can make arrangements for you to rent any needed equipment. Go to the Sign-up Form to make your reservation. Please call (503) 297-5100 or (877) 965-5100 or e-mail if you have any questions
For Equipment Recommendations click here.