Ape Caves
1 week ago
Cave is dark and cool, good for hot days
5 this month · 18 reports
Norway Pass
South Cascades
updated 1 week ago
The trail to Norway Pass is currently snow-free and generally in good condition, with only minor obstacles reported. Visitors have recently enjoyed spectacular views of Mount St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and Hood, along with emerging fall colors as of September 17. The road to the trailhead, primarily Forest Road 25, remains rough with numerous potholes and uneven surfaces, requiring cautious driving, though it is considered passable for most vehicles. Parking at the trailhead is ample, and the toilets have been recently rebuilt and stocked. Water sources are scarce after Norway Pass, and some trail sections may be overgrown with brush.
Generated from 18 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Norway Pass
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road to the Norway Pass trailhead, specifically Forest Road 25, is described as rough with many potholes and uneven surfaces, requiring careful driving. However, it is generally considered passable for most vehicles as of September 17. Some reports advise caution due to slumped pavement and unmarked rough spots.
The trail is largely in good condition with minor obstacles. One report mentions a sketchy step after Norway Pass where the trail thins and exposed support wire is visible due to slides. There are also some overgrown sections in wooded areas before the pass.
Water sources are reported to be scarce beyond Norway Pass. One hiker noted having to carry 6 liters of water for themselves and their dog on a hot day, as there were no visible water sources. Some small snow-fed streams were noted at Bear Camp, Margaret, and Dome campsites earlier in the summer.
There is plenty of parking available at the Norway Pass trailhead. The toilets there have been recently rebuilt and are stocked with toilet paper, though porta-potties were present at one point due to construction.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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...
Recent2 weeks ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
Stopped on the way up to Windy Pass and did this hike. This was our second hike of the day (after Ape Caves) and the constant incline felt tedious. We almost turned around after the first mile given t...
Recent3 weeks ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
My dog and I hiked from the Norway Pass Trailhead to Margaret Camp for an overnight stay. Monday was hot and dry, and despite the extra weight, I was happy to have 6 liters of water between us as ther...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
Great day in the MSH monument. Roads in were fine for all vehicles, but beware of uneven surfaces and potholes usually marked with paint but not always. Trail was in great condition up to a mile beyon...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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...
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
Bear Camp has water to filter. It is a trickle into a small pool and somewhat easily accessible to filter. A pump may be the best way to access quickly and safely. There is a (X) along the trail 120 p...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
After three years, it was time to return to WA's greatest ridge scramble, this time solo. SO incredibly epic. Some TLDR thoughts on the ridge are at the bottom of this report. I'll start from the begi...
Older2 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
Bottom Line:First time with prolific flowers! I typically hike this one in the fall and spring, when Mt St Helens has lots of snow and sets off the stark landscape of the blast zone. Right now, the mo...
Older2 months ago
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
This area is incredible! Stumbled on this while looking for a backpacking option farther afield from Seattle for the holiday weekend. We started at Norway Pass TH and camped at Margaret Camp for two n...