Mount St. Helens - Monitor Ridge
1 week ago
Snow-covered at times; gear and expertise recommended
4 this month · 67 reports
Ape Canyon
South Cascades
updated 3 weeks ago
The Ape Canyon trail is currently in good condition with no snow or significant bug issues reported as of October 19. The road access is suitable for all vehicles, though some minor dips and potholes should be noted. A notable obstacle is a "bad step" or trail erosion spot, particularly along the section connecting to the Loowit Trail. This area involves loose gravel and a steep drop-off, making trekking poles advisable, September 20, August 10. Mountain goats have been frequently sighted on the Plains of Abraham, a highlight for many hikers, October 4. Parking at the trailhead can be limited, with the small lot filling up, suggesting an early arrival is recommended, August 7.
Generated from 17 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Ape Canyon
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.
The 'bad step' is a significant obstacle, described as a section where the trail has collapsed with loose gravel sliding into a steep drop-off. It was reported as hazardous in September 20 and potentially risky in August 10. Hikers are advised to take it slow and use trekking poles.
The primary parking lot at the trailhead is small, with space for about 5 cars, and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, August 7. A larger lot with facilities is located a short distance east.
Mountain goats are frequently sighted on the Plains of Abraham, which is a major draw for hikers using this trail, October 4. They were seen heading back up towards the mountain around late morning in one report.
As of August 7, no water was reported anywhere along the trail. However, one hiker noted a spring running at a good trickle near the campsites north of Pumice Butte in early October.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent3 weeks ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
Started at 07:30 from an empty parking lot. There's room for maybe 5 cars, but there's a larger lot with toilet and garbage just a minute east.Very straightforward trail, nothing much to report other ...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
Capitalized on a clear fall day to check this trail out. Arrived to the trailhead just shy of 9am and snagged the last proper parking spot in the lot. Road was easily passable in a low-clearance sedan...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
The trail was in good shape with the exception of one spot along the rocky outwash section coming out of the forest where part of the trail had collapsed and was hazardous for some to negotiate.
Older2 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
What a beautiful trail! The first few miles are a gorgeous moderate climb through a truly lovely ecosystem. We turned around at what I’m guessing is where others have called the sketchy trail erosion ...
Older3 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
One of my favorites! The road up is paved so all cars should be just fine, just a few dips to watch for. Trail is in good condition, bugs were not a problem. Smells wonderful walking through the fores...
Older3 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
What a fantastic day on the Loowit today! (Even with the smoke.) Didn't see a soul for hours and hours, until about noon. Even then, it was one person. I did an out-and-back from Ape Canyon TH to Wind...
Older3 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
The forest road 82 is paved all the way, but has a few spectacular ruts and dips and I'd drive it slower a second time. Arriving at 08:00am on a Saturday, the small Ape Canyon trail parking lot was al...
Older4 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
Overall an incredible hike. Arrived at the trailhead at 7am, still 2 spots available in the parking lot (tho some had already parked along the side of the driveway). Couldn’t have asked for better wea...
Older4 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
For the 4th of July (since the weather was gorgeous), we hiked the Ape Canyon trail to the Plains of Abraham. The trail was in great condition, with only one log to climb over. It looks like there has...
Older4 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
Just here to second the previous trip report. I’d say the spot is not just ‘sketchy’, but fairly dangerous. It is about 18” wide 10’ long, out-sloped over a steep drop onto sharp rocks. It’s on uncons...