hiking Mount St. Helens, Washington

One of the best hikes in the world is scrambling Mount St. Helens Monitor Ridge (information page).

But when a hiking buddy Rocco told me he was travelling to Portland, Oregon for a wedding, I insisted he and his partner hike Mount St. Helens.

“It’s only 53mi (85km) NE of Portland. You can’t miss this opportunity!”

Luckily, Rocco’s partner is a keen hiker, as well.

They won’t climb the famous peak, instead dayhiking the devastated volcanic landscape. It’s fascinating.

Check this trip report by Jack Olsen, for a glimpse:

Much to my disappointment, we witnessed no eruptions today. Nonetheless, it was a great nine-mile hike on what is likely the youngest, naturally-formed terrain we’ve ever traversed.

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Today’s challenge was to mantle a seven foot pole with a four inch diameter and then just for sake of a picture, perform the yoga pose known as Vrksasana or Tree-Pose. Please excuse the sloppiness of my pose; I was wearing jeans and have gone at least a year without practice.

Mount St. Helens « Read What I’ve Got to Say