Ape Caves
Cave is dark and cool, good for hot days
5 this month · 18 reports
South Cascades
Mount Margaret offers spectacular, expansive views of surrounding volcanoes, including Mount St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and Hood, with fall colors beginning to appear as of September 17. The trail is generally in good condition with minor obstacles. Snow-free conditions prevail. Road access can be rough, particularly on Forest Road 25 and 99, with numerous potholes and uneven pavement, but is generally passable for most vehicles with careful driving, as noted on September 17. Bugs have not been a significant issue in recent reports, with some mentioning they were not bad as of September 10. Parking is typically plentiful at trailheads.
Generated from 57 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road to the trailheads, specifically Forest Road 25 and 99, is frequently described as rough with numerous potholes and uneven pavement. Despite this, it is generally considered passable for most vehicles with careful driving, as noted on September 17. Some reports from earlier in the season, such as August 17, also mentioned the road being suitable for all vehicles but requiring vigilant driving.
While the trail is generally in good condition, there are a few specific obstacles mentioned. Some sections are narrow and run along steep slopes, which may cause concern for those with a fear of heights, as reported on August 22 and August 10. Additionally, there are reports of eroded sections requiring careful footing, such as one noted around 2.5 miles in on August 10, and another near the Norway Pass marker on August 16.
Recent reports indicate a lack of consistent water sources along the main Boundary Trail. Hikers are advised to carry plenty of water. One report from August 15 mentioned finding trickling water at Dome Camp, but this may not be a reliable source for all hikers.
Wildlife sightings have been varied. Elk have been heard and one was seen as of August 22, while a large herd of elk was observed on August 16. Mountain goats were seen near Mount Margaret on August 22, and a single goat was spotted on the Boundary Trail on August 17. Signs of bear scat were noted on August 17, but no bears were seen.
Cave is dark and cool, good for hot days
5 this month · 18 reports
Snow-free but watch for wind
4 this month · 61 reports
Fall color and four volcanoes visible
3 this month · 18 reports
Bad Step erosion is a hazard
2 this month · 15 reports
Mountain goats graze and wildflowers bloom
1 this month · 31 reports
Narrow and brushy sections, then postcard views
1 this month · 30 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
This is one of the most beautiful hike I've ever done, with the views constantly evolving and always interesting. I did it once before, at a time when visibility was limited by wildfire smoke and haze...
Beautiful trail, great views of St. Helens as well as Rainier, Adams, and Hood at times. In my opinion, the views you get of St. Helens are better along the Boundary Trail than from Margaret itself, b...
Arrived Saturday morning after making a stop at Science & Learning Center that opens ~10 am. Parked at Hummocks TH by the gate where the road is closed to drive to the Johnston at Ridge observatory. M...
We hiked from Norway pass trailhead to mount Margaret and then backtracked until we got to the lakes trail, at which point we like to panhandle Lake and camped overnight there.The road in was 99% pave...
I have always wanted to explore Mount Margaret backcountry area further, so on Sunday I decided to trail run fromNorwayPass to Moun Margaret. I forgot to read trip reports/WTA website on the Independe...
We had permits for Dome Camp Saturday night, and I carried 5 liters of water from Norway Pass TH in case we didn't find any. We didn't see any water at Bear Camp -or just couldn't figure out where it...
Due to Three Queens Fire, many trails on the Cle Elum Ranger district and within the Alpine Wilderness are closed.Closure Order 06-17-03-2026-32Thank you for understanding, stay safe!
I hiked to Mount Margaret from the Norway Pass trailhead.Trail terrain: Sand and dirt trail, some loose pumice rocks nearer the top. Trail is narrow, often running along the edge of a steep slope with...
For views, one of the absolute best I've ever done here in Washington. You get impressive views pretty much the entire way up. About two miles in is a fantastic view of St. Helens and Spirit Lake. Fro...
Hiked to summit of Mt Margaret from Lake Lillian trailhead. Couldn't see anything from the top, will have to go again in different conditions. Ascent took about 2 hours 15 minutes, descent took about ...