The trek to Ape Canyon is a 10-mile out-and-back trail that gains 1,400' to a maximum elevation of 2,800'. The trailhead is located in Washington's Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, 1.75 hours northeast of Portland.
I was first to the trail on Thursday; 8:45am start. The lower portion runs parallel to a wide lahar flow and climbs through one of the only remaining stands of old-growth forest on Mt St. Helens. The 1980 eruption destroyed 150 square miles of forest.
The beautiful fall day had to have been peak leaf season. However, the shady trail and brisk air warranted gloves for most of the journey.
After gaining substantial elevation, the trail emerges from the forest onto a wide volcanic plain that offers panoramas in all directions. Mt. St. Helens resides directly in front, with clear views of Mts. Adams and Rainier in the distance.
Eventually, the trail comes to the precipitous edge of Ape Canyon, named after a legendary Sasquatch sighting in 1924.
The trail ends at the Loowit Trail, but wandering north a bit longer pays off with huge views of Mt. St. Helens eastern flanks. Of note, this trail is popular among mountain bikers and, apparently, with bugs in the summer.
I returned to the trailhead by 1:15pm (4.5 hours RT), feeling content with the hike and its welcomed change of scenery. I am excited to revisit this area next year in anticipation of climbing Mt. St. Helens!
