Hike: June Lake + Loowit + Pika Trail, Cougar, WA

Getting There

Take Exit 21 from I-5 N (Exit 22 from I-5 S) for WA-503 S/Lewis River Road. It's 28.4. miles to Cougar. WA-503 becomes Road 90. Take NF-83 and drive 6.9 miles (north) to the June Lake Trailhead.

On my way there, after the washout, I noticed someone with signature MSHI colors: red hat, red shirt, walking the 83 road to June Lake. It was Alex. He was roving the south side as well. I offered him a ride which he declined, so I continued to the trailhead.

Alex met me there and we agreed to co-rove together up to the lake.

The Hike

Distance: 5.43 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,186 feet
Maximum Elevation: 3,854 feet

We hiked up the June Lake trail and chatted about our experiences as somewhat new MSHI mountain stewards. He had started very early in the morning and had plans back in Vancouver that afternoon.

We said our goodbyes and he headed back to the trailhead. I'd been wanted to hike the Loowit and decided to go for a bit toward the Worm Flows and return to the lake via the Pika Trail.

Just out of the trees, I was stopped for an equipment adjustment and heard two backpackers approaching. I waited for them and introduced myself. After chatting for a bit, I let them forge ahead. I kind of liked having other hikers in the lead since this was my first time on this part of the trail.

When I reached the boulder section, I was glad to see them in the distance as it confirmed I was still on the right path. The lodge poles or orange plastic markers help but you can't always see them. I did lose the trail for a little but but found it again by hearing their voices.

Loowit Trail through the boulders

more boulders

I made it to Chocolate Falls. It was dry but it was cool to preview the winter climbing route. I imagine it's a whole new scene when the area is blanketed in snow.

The backpackers were having lunch at the Loowit/Worm Flows junction. I said hello again and went up the trail for a bit. There is a bit of elevation gain and I wanted to start the trek back to June Lake.

Chocolate Falls

Chocolate Falls

I had to backtrack a little to find the trail. Thank goodness for digital maps and GPS because it wasn't obvious for quite awhile. I was somewhat luck to see the sign for the Pike Trail. It was a densely forested section of trail. In hindsight, if I'd missed the turn, I would have ended up at Marble Mountain.

The trail is narrow in spots but well-traveled and not hard to follow. I made it to the boulder section. Nothing but rock hopping. I stopped for a bit and had some food. I knew June Lake was just on the other side of this field of rocks.

I just had to be careful not to fall or step on a "wobbler". It was slow going but the hillside at June Lake grew bigger.

In about 30 mins, I made it to the other side. I was so happy to reach firm ground again and the familiarity of the the lake. I stopped at the water to see if any visitors were there but I was alone.

I started my hike back to the car. I was happy to have explored somewhere I'd never been. I knew I could advise visitors that much better.

Start of the Pike Trail, more boulders

Where is the path?

Hike: Ape Cave - Upper Passage, Cougar, WA

Getting There

It's 28 miles from Woodland to the Cougar. There are a couple of gas stations here. Continue east on SR-503 which becomes Rd 90 for 9.5 miles to Ape Cave. Looks for the sign to Ape Caves, June Lake, Climber's Bivouac, Ape Canyon & Lava Canyon which is Rd 83. It's 0.3 miles to Trail of Two Forests and 0.7 miles to Ape Cave.

The day before I did a mentor hike on the 83 road and was staying at the Cougar RV Park & Campground.

I had a mentor slot but no one had signed up so I just tried to do my regular routine.

The Hike

Distance: 2.64 miles
Elevation Gain: 377 feet
Maximum Elevation: 2,444 feet

It'd been a minute since the last time I was in the in the cave. I was here with the 2024 Volcano Naturalist class in March but only went through the lower cave. Before that, the last time I was in the upper passage was Aug 2023.

I figured it was a good time to explore the cave again since it was rainy above ground. Visitors at the entrance were huddled under the shelter with the signage. It was just too crowded to do my regular thing with the visual aids, etc.

This hike is a bit lean on photos but I always love the view of the exit since the skylights let outside like pour into the cave.

It's such a magical place and I didn't have too much trouble climbing up the Lava Falls obstacle.

Hike: June Lake + Pine Marten, Cougar, WA

Getting There

The Trail of Two Forests is 28 miles from Woodland to the Cougar. There are a couple of gas stations here. Continue east on SR-503 which becomes Rd 90 for 9.5 miles to Ape Cave. Looks for the sign to Ape Caves, June Lake, Climber's Bivouac, Ape Canyon & Lava Canyon which is Rd 83. It's 0.3 miles to Trail of Two Forests and 0.7 miles to Ape Cave.The Marble Mountain parking lot is 4.6 miles north of the ToTF on NF-83.

This was my 2nd mentor session with new MSHI mentors, first for the 83 road. I'd stayed at Cresap Bay and met the mentees at the MSH headquarters in Chelatchie.

We stopped at the Trail of Two Forests, then headed up the Marble Mountain Sno-Park. 

The Hike

Distance: 4.45 miles
Elevation Gain: 532 feet
Maximum Elevation: 3,143 feet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the ToTF part, we met some USFS interns from the north (Randle or Toutle, I can't recall.) We asked them if we could practice visitor interactions with them and they agreed. After ToTF, they were headed to Ape Cave.

I was off to a rough start as a Mentor. Rod did most of the talking with the "visitors" while Paul and Jenny hung back. We didn't stay there for too long since the others seemed to want to get out on the trail.

As I'd done with Christoph, we parked at Marble Mountain and took the Pine Marten trail to the washout then walked the road to the June Lake Trailhead and up to the lake.

At the washout, we noticed a couple of mountain bikers getting ready to ride the road to Lava Canyon. Paul and Jenny hung back, while Rod and I chatted.

We continued to the trail and up to the lake. We stopped there for lunch, then hiked back to the cars. The whole time, I was hanging back with Rod while Paul and Jenny zoomed ahead out of sight, not seeming to want to engage with visitors.

At the washout, we met a car with two women that weren't sure their car could make it through. Jenny disappeared somewhere. Maybe a bio-break but didn't communicate that to the rest of us.

I didn't take any pictures and I almost immediately felt like I wasn't really leading very well and was preoccupied by that.

Photo of June Lake from a different day

Paul and Jenny obviously wanted to hike a long distance and didn't enjoy being "held back" by the slowest in the group. Instead of seeing it as learning opportunity, they were impatient and I was privately annoyed.

When we reached the cars again, Paul and Rod declined my offer to drive us through the wash to take a look at Lava Canyon and the Lahar Viewpoint, both areas that one would rove during a shift.

Jenny was the only one that wanted to go. We chitchatted a bit and hiked down the end of the paved part of the Lava Canyon Trail. I'd already called Columbia and gone "out of service" so we didn't really advertise ourselves as MSHI volunteers.

Hike: Falls Creek Falls, Carson, WA

Getting There

From Portland/Vancouver, take I-84 to Cascade Locks, then cross the Bridge of the Gods and head east on WA-14 through Stevenson to the Carson. Take the Wind River Hwy and go for 14.4 miles. Just after the Carson National Fish Hatchery, take the right (north) on NF-30 (Meadow Creek Road). Go for about 2 miles and take a right on NF-3062. The road is pretty bumpy with dips and potholes but I saw lots of low-clearance cars that made it to the trailhead parking lot. It's about 2.5 miles from the turnoff.

I really wanted to hike something new. I think I'd had my sights on a Gorge hike but nothing seemed feasible (Multnomah Falls requires a parking pass and there were cars everywhere at Eagle Creek.) I remember seeing some pictures from this waterfall on IG.

I really didn't know what to expect. I was wondering if it was going to be a deserted trail like Bunker Hill but to my surprise the parking lot was huge and it was mostly filled with cars.

I immediately thought, "I'm gonna knock this out, then split to somewhere a bit quieter."

The Hike

Distance: 3.63 miles
Elevation Gain: 755 feet
Maximum Elevation: 2,081 feet

The trail is pretty rad, to be honest. There's not much elevation gain and your always within earshot of the creek.

The route reminds me a bit of Forest Park but with water! Near the end of the trail, you start to catch glimpses of the water as the noise level rises. It was sunny out but the shade and breeze made it so nice.

There were a bunch of people hanging out: taking pictures, sitting and chatting, a teenager exploring around the boulders. 

I was in awe of the double waterfall. Spectacular. I can see why so many people love to come here.

I only stayed for a little while before starting back for the trailhead.

This would be a good place to bring someone who doesn't hike much, or with dogs, or to have a picnic.

Hike: Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife, Randle, WA

Getting There

From Randle, WA, head south on WA-131 towards Lewis Road for 2.7 miles. Continue on NFD-25 for 3 miles. The turn into the trailhead parking lot is on the left. The actual trail is called the Oldgrowth Loop Trail.

In the morning of the 2nd day, James, our crew leader, made bagel breakfast sandwiches. It was rainy June weekend.

Breakfast time

My car "tent" and actual tent

The Hike

Distance: 1.76 miles
Elevation Gain: 237 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1,268 feet

From my IG entry for this weekend: 

"On Sunday, after breakfast and packing up camp, we caravanned over to the Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife/Oldgrowth Loop Trail. I was on a 3-person crosscut team, and got some time using the saw.

I learned a ton about sawyering and using the OHLEC process for sizing up a cutting task. I think I would like to go for "A" level sawyer certification."

As you can see, I didn't really take any of my own photos. I was focused on learning some new skills and I didn't want to possibly damage my phone (or even be worried about it) while out there.

Dawn (ACL) and Jane were visiting from the Seattle/Olympia area for the weekend. They are both skilled sawyers and generous with their knowledge. 

On Saturday, we were on chainsaw teams but on Sunday, Dax, Jane, and I were a 3-person crosscut team. We were not in a rush so had ample opportunity to talk about the process and make sure were all had a chance to take the lead.

Using a crosscut saw with another person takes some skill. It's as much pulling as keeping the blade from binding in the cut while the other person is pulling and to be in-sync. It also takes a lot longer than a chainsaw so there are rest breaks and chances to change position, footing, and stance.

These blades are like antiques as are the cast-iron handles. There are cutting surfaces and notches to scrape the shaving from the cut to keep things moving smoothly.

I appreciate the James intentionally builds time into our project days for learning and transfer of skills to the n00bs.

In fact, I'm signed up for TKO's 3-day chainsaw certification course in October 2024. I'm glad to go in with some prior experience and safety awareness.

Dax and I cutting a log with a crosscut saw

Cropped group photo of the weekend crew

After leaving the work site, we all reconvened at Huff n Puff just west of Randle for a milkshake and snack.

Hike: North Fork Loop, Randle, WA

Getting There

From I-5, take US-12 east toward Yakima. At Randle, go south on WA-131. About one mile down the road, take the left onto Cispus Road and follow southeast for about 8 miles. Continue on NF-23 for another 2.8 miles. The North Fork Campground is on the left.

The trailhead is adjacent to the bridge over Tyler Creek between the main campground and the group camp.

The Hike

Distance: 1.44 miles
Elevation Gain: 547 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1,797 feet

This was mostly a logout trail work party. As with Cispus, I was the swamper on the small chainsaw crew. My main tool of choice is the McLeod. I was also part of the decision making, following the OHLEC process.

O = Observations (when approaching the cut site, objective)
H = Hazards
L = Leans (and Binds)
E = Escape Plan
C = Cut Plan

As a swamper, my job is to make sure the cut area is prepared properly. This includes clearing the cut site of debris that might damaging the saw, tripping hazards, digging under log so blade never touch dirt. I'm also paying attention to any snags, being on the ready to help the cutter, keeping an eye on the trail for any hikers and preventing them coming through the cut site until it's safe.

We stopped for lunch a spot with this amazing view.

I don't recall exactly what we were discussing but it kind of looks like we're evaluating the hazards and deciding the angle to make the cut so it's far enough off the trail.

 

 

As a member of a chainsaw, sometimes you help carry the heavy equipment to give others a break.

Hike: Hummocks Trail, Toutle, WA

Group photo of MSHI volunteers

Getting There

From Castle Rock, just off I-5, take WA-504 east for for 43.3 miles to the MSH Science and Learning Center. Then, take the cloverleaf turn and follow the road for 2.4 miles to the Hummocks Trailhead.

View from Elk Rock Viewpoint on Hwy 504

I'd originally planned to camp at staff housing at SLC but Sarah said she wasn't camping at the Climbing Steward training and when I looked at the roster, only one (or two) others had signed up. I decided to stay the night in Castle Rock. I had volunteered for gate duty, only letting in MSHI volunteers, since the visitor center didn't open to the public until 10am. When I arrived Abi and Karen were going through the gate. I parked at prepared for the arrivals.

Not long after I was there, my co-mentor for hike pulled up and helped me screen folks. We might have let in one or two cars that shouldn't have but NBD. It was great to chat and get to know each other, and figure out how we would coordinate with our group of new volunteers.

We spent the morning at the SLC at a big group, getting an overview of the role, some radio practice, and got to hear a typical USFS ranger talk so we would know what level of information visitors might receive. Several returning volunteers gave a 2-min talk about the different areas volunteers can rove. Mine was for 83 & the southside. I remember talking and making sure I made eye contact with folks on both side of the room but it was a blur. I forgot to talk about Ape Cave!

We had lunch inside and outside on the balcony overlooking Coldwater Lake.

Coldwater Lake and MSH from SLC

After lunch, we all drove down to the Hummocks Trailhead and reassembled into our groups. I had one passenger carpool down with me. We gathered near the trail and I gave a little bit of information, expectations, and we did our "in-service" call to Sarah. I suggested taking the counterclockwise loop: there were four groups so it ensured we had ample space.

The Hike

Distance: 2.38 miles
Elevation Gain: 269 feet
Maximum Elevation: 2,567 feet
Duration: 2h 30m

After getting our things together, we assembled near the trailhead and I review the plan for the hike and expectations and called in to Sarah to practice checking in with dispatch.

Since there were 4 groups, two took the clockwise loop and two took the counterclockwise loop. The weather was damp and overcast but we were bundled up appropriately.

To be honest, it was challenging to lead a group for the first time, even though I had a co-mentor. We quickly caught up to the other group on the CCW loop so I stalled to give them some space but ultimately picked the same spots to stop and chat. I tried to channel my mentor from last year, Christoph, and delegate to folks to do mock interactions, personas like "this is my first time here, what are we looking at?". I also tried to remember the things we covered when I was here with the 2024 Volcano Naturalists.

I also tried to use the opportunities to talk about the terrain while keeping tabs on the time and asking my co-mentor Dean to chime in.

It went by pretty quickly. Soon we were at the lookout where the loop trail meets the Boundary Trail. We stopped to chat about the mountain, hummocks, and take another group photo.

Back at the packing lot, we assembled again for closing remarks and check out with Sarah on the radio.

I had one person carpool with me and I have to return the radio, so I said goodbyes to the rest of the group and drove back up to the SLC.

I was glad the day was over and I'd done all the things a mentor should. Sarah reassured me that I did great and was so happy to see me step into a leadership role.

USGS photo of Hummocks, Volcano Hazards Program January 13, 1984

Hike: Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Trail, Yacolt, WA

Getting There

I took L-1200 out of Washougal to get there. It's 7 miles up a gravel road from the end of the pavement on Skamania Mines Road and it's 18 miles from Washougal. You can also reach the trailhead from the north via Yacolt.

The road was in great shape, very few potholes or washboards. Looks like it was recently re-graveled, probably for logging. I saw some new access roads and big pile of gravel along the way. No snow on the road at all, accessible to all vehicles.

Last time I tried to get to the trailhead from the north (Yacolt), the day after the Volcano Naturalist field trip to Ape Cave, I only made it part of the way. The road was closed due to active logging operations. 

There was several cars park down the hill but I found 2-3 open spots next to the pit toilet for parallel parking. Guess those cars belonged to morning hikers.

The Hike

Length: 6.80 mi
Elev. gain: 2,149 ft
Moving time: 3:09:26
Avg pace: 27:52
Calories: 1,915
Total time: 3:33:19

I still remember my first time up this trail in late August 2020, and how haggard I looked when I reached the top. I was still ramping up my hiking in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. I had also purchased my first pair of Keen Targhee IIIs.

This most recent hike was number 6. It's challenging and very rewarding. Two days before Christmas 2023, I hiked up and encountered a lot of snow. I also shot a bunch of amazing pictures including this one. 

I was glad to be out there again. Another post-cracked-ribs hike. Things are getting easier and I'm able to hike without too much discomfort.

It was definitely a tough hike, esp. the first climb through the rocky tread and the second one past Pyramid Rock. I took my time, drank my electrolytes, and didn't pressure myself to be in any hurry.

I remember seeing a guy with a large pitbull that had labored breathing. I felt bad for the dog but didn't say anything. I encountered them not far up the trail; the owner was giving the dog some water.

When I reached the top of the first ascent, I was crisscrossing the trail, picking a path through the large rocks. A swelling of buzzing emanated from the bush on the southeast side of the trail. Yikes. They sounded agitated. Not something I wanted to deal with today (or ever!). I thought about telling folks coming down about it and to stay clear but as I got further away, I judged that I really didn't have a precise location and the intel wasn't valuable.

I passed a few people coming down. I noticed the places we'd stopped for a break and for lunch when I was hear last summer for my first WTA trail work party. 

Once I was past the long, rocky section, I knew I was in good shape and could finish strong. After the turn, past the campsite on the left, I met two hikers coming down that told me all 5 mountains were out. There was still a pad of snow on the trail but I followed the edge of the trail until I couldn't, then got onto the snow. I was slushy but I didn't punch through. At the top, there wasn't any snow.

I made the left turn and went up to the highest point, where the old fire lookout pad was located. There was a group of folks that looked like trail runners and another two hikers. I made my way to the edge and soaked in the view of the nearby Cascade Mountains: Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, and Mt Adams. I also inspected Sturgeon Rock and remembered reading a trail report of a SAR helicopter dropping off and picking up crew (for practice).

I like to give folks some space and decided to take my lunch on the other side of the mountain. I had that side to myself and enjoyed the views of the southern Cascade peaks: Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson. I took off my pack and ate my sandwich. I need to try to slow down on these and really absorb the scenery.

Eventually, I started my descent. I noticed the group of trailrunners was packing up to go down. I was just ahead of them and hoped to give them space going back to the trailhead. I stopped a few times but never heard them.

Near Pyramid Rock, I encountered the guy and his wheezing pit bull :(. Poor doggo. I knew they still had a challenging hike ahead... and long descent. I don't know if the dog was miserable or what. I didn't say anything to the guy and he didn't meet my eyes when I was going to say hi. In hindsight, I wondered if this guy was pushing his dog unnecessarily. Or maybe, the dog had some kind of terminal issue and he was just trying to give it a few more outings. Maybe the group behind me would noticing something I didn't and talk to the guy.

I kept my pace and felt good. I remember hiking a few years ago and regularly having IT band issues on the descents. It's been awhile since I had issues; guess I'm in relatively good shape. Maybe a summit attempt of Mt Adams is doable.

I finally reached the parking lot and most of the cars were gone. A good day!

Heading up the trail, Pyramid Rock in the middle

Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, Mt Adams

Mt Hood & Mt Jefferson (far distance)

Mt Jefferson

Mt Hood

Looking back at the highest point (trail to lookout slab)

Pyramid Rock