Gifford Pinchot National Forest Windy Pass ~ The Plains of Abraham Hike Hike 34
Length: 5.5 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 800' Elevation gain/loss Season: Mid-Summer thru Mid-Fall Difficulty: Moderate Permit: NW Forest Pass Required
Volcano Alert
Call this number to see if this trail is closed: 360-449-7800 Features:
Now that the road is open from Windy Ridge
to the trail head of the Windy Pass Trail,
a person can hike a lot more of the north
and northeastern slopes of Mt St Helens.
Parking at the trail head, follow
Trail #216E.
This trail heads west as it gently
climbs toward the Loowit Trail #216,
which goes completely around Mt St Helens.
In season this part of the trail is
lined with unbelievably beautiful
floral displays.
When you reach Loowit Trail #216, bear
left and follow the trail uphill toward
Wind Pass. Looking north from the trail
you will be blessed with outstanding views
of Spirit Lake, Mt Margaret, Coldwater
Peak, and Mt Rainier to the north and
Mt Adams to the east.
As you approach Windy Pass, the trail
does a number of steep narrow switchbacks
When you reach Windy Pass you are
presented with incredible views of the
Plains of Abraham and vistas to the south
and southwest, including Mt Hood.
As you descend the ridge toward the
Plains of Abraham you will have exceptional
views of Mt Adams. Upon reaching the
plains, the trail crosses the level area
to the east to junction with Trail #216D.
Upon reaching this junction, bear left and
follow Trail #216D back to the trail head
where you began this hike.
During the wildflower season, this next
section of the trail is one of the most
floral and most beautiful anywhere! You
get alternating views of Mt Rainier and
Mt Adams.
As you approach the end of the trail,
you will encounter a very steep and very
unique stairway down this ridge. Use
caution at all times. The trail follows
the ridge line to the road, which you
will need to follow back to the trail head
where you parked.
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
