Mt. St. Helens - Spirit Lake/Mt. Margaret: 11 miles, 2,240' gain, 5,858' peak

Get an up-close look at the volcano (USGS and the geology permitting). See a dramatic post-eruption landscape still recovering from Mt. St. Helens' 1980 eruption. Some areas have 45 year old trees, some have shrubs and flowers — lots of them! — and some are practically empty, with just grass or even bare rock. The flowers will be abundant — glorious, gorgeous, and intoxicating!

Bring binoculars and cameras. This is an all day, stop-and-go ramble. Pace averages 1½ miles/hour, including lots of breaks. Feel free to stop and photograph flowers or the scenery.

It's a three hour 6 minute drive, 140 miles, each way, from Salmon Creek Park & Ride, due to NF 25 being closed. Estimated return to Salmon Creek at 9:00 (Sunrise: 5:37 AM sunset: 8:53 PM)
My planned route:
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Dinner - optional - at the Lone Fir Cafe
Posted 1:00 PM July 14