Mt Margaret via Norway Pass

This weekend we'll head down to the Mount St. Helens area for a hike to Mount Margaret, a challenging but incredibly scenic summit in the Mount Margaret Backcountry.

The hike follows the Boundary Trail from Norway Pass, climbing through open slopes and forest before reaching expansive views of the surrounding Cascades. Along the way we'll get views of Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens, and from the summit we'll have panoramic views toward Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Spirit Lake, and St. Helens Lake.

We'll be making friends, staying fit, being polite and having fun!

We will first meet at the south lot of the Green Lake Park & Ride. Carpooling from there is encouraged, but you are also welcome to meet us directly at the Norway Pass Trailhead.

### Hike Info

Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~11 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:~ 2,820 feet
Highest Elevation: ~5,780 feet
Location: Mount St. Helens / South Cascades
Trailhead: Norway Pass

The trail climbs steadily from Norway Pass before continuing toward the Mount Margaret ridgeline. The final section includes a short, steep climb to the summit.

The summit has excellent views in multiple directions, making this a great full-day mountain hike. We'll take our time, with regular breaks for food, water and photos.

### Parking / Entrance Permit

Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass

Please make sure you have the appropriate pass for the trailhead.

### Important Trail Conditions

Please check current trail, road, wildfire and smoke conditions before coming.

The Mount Margaret area can have little shade and limited water, particularly later in the season. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for changing mountain weather.

Dogs are not allowed on the Mount Margaret Backcountry portion of the route.

### Attendance

We try to keep our group size to around a dozen as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail and to reduce crowds and cars at the trailhead. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.

Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. When folks drop from the Going list, people are added from the Wait list.

### Carpooling

We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.

Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. Reimburse a minimum of $60 if one passenger, $35 for two passengers, and $25 for three passengers. Cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

### What to Bring

*Athletic clothing appropriate for mountain weather

• Rain/wind gear
  *Hiking shoes/boots with good traction
• Plenty of water
  *Snacks & lunch
• Sun protection
  *Bug spray
• Ten hiking essentials
  *Headlamp
• Hiking poles if you use them

Bring plenty of water! Water availability along the route is not guaranteed.

### Schedule

7:00 am: Meet at the south lot of Green Lake P&R
7:00 am: Leave for the trailhead
**~9:45–10:00 am: **Arrive at Norway Pass Trailhead
~7–9 hours: Hiking with stops for food, photos and breaks
**~5:00–7:00 pm: **Back at trailhead
~7:00 pm: Drive back toward Seattle
**~9:30–10:00 pm: **Arrive back at Green Lake P&R

Actual timing will depend on the group pace, trail conditions, and how long we spend enjoying the summit and viewpoints.