Hike: Harry's Ridge Trail, MSH, Toutle, WA

 

AllTrails map

Length: 7.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,584 feet
Type: Out & Back
Steps: ~22,000

Getting There

I woke up and started coding but was feeling restless. The weather was super nice and the day before kind of sucked. I called my mom to go on an impromptu field trip. (The EAAC trip to Johnston Ridge is $1000!). She had an appointment. Well, the idea was already in my head so I went by myself.

Not much traffic the entire route. The Hummock Trail parking lot only had a few cars. Some of the lookouts were empty, and the Johnston Ridge parking lot had about 20 cars, only 5 at the trailhead.

The Hike

The Boundary Trail is pretty mellow until it starts to drop down for Loowit, Devil's Elbow, Truman Trail. Then, the trail narrows and you have to got through some downed trees and snow.

Once you get up to the S Coldwater Creek, it flattens out again. There's a nice bridge but otherwise, just basic structures on the trail.

When I got to the junction for Harry's Ridge/Coldwater Peak I tool the "left", the peak. It was steep route and I was very aware of the time. I had 1 hr to cover 2.5 miles (according to the trail signs.) I started up the trail and was making progress until I hit the first snow patch. I found my way to the other side and back on the trail. I happened again and I found the detour. Suddenly, I found myself with nowhere to go... the trail had disappeared. I saw some track in the snow on a steep grade. I was tempted but not wise given the. time of day and not knowing what challenges await beyond this one.

I heard voices and thought "people!" Maybe I'd overlooked a detour and these hikers were coming back down. (Turns out it was hikers that had come after me and had run into the same snow patches and had turned around.).

I followed them back and chatted about the dead end trail. I wished them well and went to climb up Harry's Trail.

There were 3 older guys up there. One guy complimented my hat. Cool cats!

I ventured a bit beyond the monitoring equipment. On the way back up to the equipment, I chatted with the dudes some more and wished them a great rest of their hike.

I only saw two people on the way back: One guy that was close to the Harry's Trail turn and much closer to the Ridge (a woman in a colorful, tie-dyed outfit).

I was glad to return after coming here twice to snow shoe. I realized I didn't go very far - LOL.

The area seems "smaller" now. Norway is 11 miles but doable. I'd like to come back for that from this side or the other road. Also, I want to try the Coldwater trail again; redemption for my outing with Nick and Simon? years ago!.