(For those not from the Pacific Northwest, Mt. St Helens is our local active volcano, having erupted terrifically in 1980 and continuing to emit steam, etc.)
The goal of the day was to hike to June Lake. Unfortunately we were not quite able to drive to the trailhead - there was a bit more snow than we anticipated! Fortunately, there is a snow park not far down the road. After a nice stroll we arrived as our "starting point".
The conditions were very icy - no new snow for about a week, with a thaw/freeze in the meantime. We were very happy to be on foot and not on skis. After a short time walking through the woods, we caught our first glimpse of St. Helens.
Soon we arrived at June Lake, which has this cute waterfall as intake. The flora at the lake is very interesting.
Take a close look as the tree trunk in the center of this next picture. :)
Adjacent to June Lake is a large lava flow. We hiked across the base of the flow towards the winter climbing route. Excellent views up on the lava flow!
We descended the "more difficult" winter climbing route, again thankful we were on foot and not on skis. (We ran across one skier who was carrying his skis across the snow - too icy for him.)
A great day in the great outdoors.
1 comment:
Great trip, Paul! Can't wait to get out on the ol' misery sticks with you and Iva!
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