Home Up Four Day Loop Three Day Lake Camp

 

Mt. Margaret Backcountry
Three Day Lake Camp

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 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 and is full 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.

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

bulletDAY ONE
We leave Portland about 6 AM and drive to  to the Norway Pass Trailhead (3,640’) on the northeast side of Mt. St. Helens.  Here we load up and head out. At about 2.3 miles we’ll take a break at Norway Pass Trailhead (4,508’). 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’). 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’).  After a break we climb up 500’ over a pass, passing waterfalls and wildflowers, and drop down to our campsite at Panhandle Lake (4,492’).  After we set-up camp, you can explore, fish, pick huckleberries, or just contemplate the amazing scenery and wildflowers.
bulletDAY TWO
We spend a full 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.
 
bulletDAY 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’ pass and drop back down to Obscurity Lake (4,348’). We continue on traversing around the valley, pass Grizzly Lake on our right, and work our way up back to Bear Pass (4,980’). and roll downhill the last 3 miles, backtracking past Norway Pass and down to the Trailhead.

EQUIPMENT LIST

CLOTHING for possible sun, rain, wind and cold nights:

Sturdy hiking boots with lug soles; gaiters; Wool or polypropylene socks with liners; Thermal underwear (wool, 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; Balaclava or stocking cap and scarf/neck gaiter; and headband.  Clean clothes to change into at the car are nice.

TEN ESSENTIALS:

Whistle; Map of area: (I have the Geo-Graphics Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, 1998); 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 (Absolutely no drugs or medicines that will make you drowsy or dizzy.)

OTHER

Trekking poles (required!), Liquids (at least two qts.); Handkerchief; Toilet paper; Small insulation pad for sitting on or Crazy Creek style camp chair; Sunglasses/goggles; Insect Repellent; Fishing Gear and License if you're going to fish; camera and film/memory cards. Camp shoes and a book will be appreciated.

CAMPING GEAR

Sleeping bag and Pad

Eating utensils - cup, bowl, and spoon. My recommendations are a plastic quart-sized measuring cup with a handle, an insulated 12 oz. plastic cup [available from REI], and a plastic spoon.

You will need a backpack large enough to carry your personal gear plus your share of group gear.  Porter Support is available!.

OPA will provide: permits, guide, transportation from Portland to trailhead and return, great food, trekking poles, tent(s) with ground cloth; stove, fuel and pots, and water filter.

Oregon Peak Adventures can make arrangements for you to rent any needed equipment. 

Please sign-up using our secure form, call (503) 297-5100 or (877) 965-5100, or e-mail if you have any questions

For Equipment Recommendations click here.

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