Gifford Pinchot National Forest Mt Margaret Back country and Mt Whittier Hike 84
Length: 14.2 Mile Round Trip Elevation Change: 3630' Cumulative Elevation gain Season: Mid-Summer thru Fall Difficulty: Very Difficult - Very Dangerous Permit: NW Forest Pass Required. If you plan to camp you need a special permit.
Volcano Alert
Call this number to see if this trail is closed: 360-449-7800
ATTENTION:
Please note that this hike description
includes the traverse of the Mt Whittier ridge line. There is NOT a useable
trail along this ridge. Weather and time have destroyed any sense of an
adequate trail in this area. In places there are not safe
ways across steep areas, and therefore the hiker must scramble with no visible
trail. Travel this area entirely at your own risk. Northwest Hiker takes no
responsibility for your safety and does NOT encourage anyone to attempt this
traverse.
Features:
This area referred to as the Mt Margaret Back country is
no doubt the most remote area of the entire Mt St Helens
National Volcanic Monument. This remoteness creates
unique opportunities for solitude and the likelihood of
observing wildlife.
This hike is one of many that begins at the
Norway Pass trail head. You will follow
the same trail as far as the junction to
Trail #211 which takes you over Bear Pass and
down the north side of the Mt Margaret complex.
Upon reaching the junction to Trail #211, turn
and continue climbing to the ridge, which is called
Bear Pass. This ridge is a worthy hike in itself.
From Bear Pass you have excellent views of Mt Rainier
to the north, Mt Adams to the east, Mt Hood to the south,
and of course you are staring into the throat of Mt St Helens.
The trail then descends to Grizzly Lake about a mile below.
Remember, you need a special permit to camp at any of the
lakes in this area. There are designated camp areas which
are the only places you have permission to camp. You must
obtain the permit from the Park Service.
There are many incredible areas to hike and camp on this
northern slope of the Mt Margaret complex. There are a
large variety of wild animals that one can encounter. Pets
are NOT allowed into this area. And if you camp, you must
use extreme caution as to not encourage the local wild life
from partaking of your groceries.
If you decide to make a loop out of this hike and return via
the Mt Whittier ridge line, you must be aware of the inherent dangers
of this back country travel. There once was a trail across Mt Whittier, but
it has long since eroded, collapsed, vanished, disappeared, and otherwise
been abducted by space aliens.
Do NOT try to cross any areas that pose a danger to your being. I
do NOT encourage anyone to hike this ridge. The maps show the trail, so
I am sharing with you what I know about it. I make the trek, so
obviously, it is possible. There are those of you who are a 100
times more skilled than I am, and in far better shape, not to mention
a couple days younger, so it can be done..... by some people.
Please feel free to email me if you want more specific information.
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
