9.0 hr
Overview
The Mount Margaret Backcountry has been a permit-only camping area since it was opened up a few years after the May 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens . With the thick forest growth blasted away, this is an area of exposed rugged prominences, serene lakes deep in glaciated bowls, and an unbelievable supply of huckleberries in late summer! Elk and mountain goats are the most frequently seen large mammals here, and from the Boundary Trail there are excellent views of Spirit Lake and Mount Saint Helens itself. You don’t need a permit just to day hike, and a fairly popular although challenging loop takes you to several lakes via the notorious Whittier Ridge Trail, a route hacked into the jagged knife-edged crest of Mount Whittier , the highest peak in the area. There is some exposure on this two-mile connector trail, and it’s not a recommended traverse for those with heavy packs or no head for heights. In addition, you should avoid the Whittier Ridge Trail in bad weather, especially when there’s poor visibility and ice. The exposure on Whittier Ridge and the brushiness of the Lakes Trail (wear long pants and full rain gear if the vegetation is wet), will be a good test of your backcountry trail skills.
Trail Stats
22.9 km
1155 m
1793 m
—
—
Photos
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.