Fagin's Hike of the Week- "Little St. Helens"

Update 7-8-2016
This hike is not near Mt. St. Helens but it is just west of Snoq Pass. On a clear day (that is more likely starting next week Tuesday July 12) there are great views. In fact view of Mt. Rainier.

The trail system is on a  de-commissioned logging roads that has been turned into several trails and is in the  Hansen Creek drainage.  Note you might find some bikes on the trail. Also next to the parking lot there is an area that some use for target shooting.  However, we went on a weekday and just saw two bikes on the trail and no target shooters were seen.

View from the top Mt. Rainier @ Dennis Long

View from the top, Silver Peak to the left

View of Kaleeteen on the way up @ Dennis Long

Michael taking a snack break on the way up@ Dennis Long

Beargrass @ Dennis Long

Gentle grade and mellow hike @ Dennis Long

Frank (dog) enjoying the views and snacks from Dennis

Driving Directions:  From Seattle, take I-90 east to exit 47. Turn south and then turn right at the T towards Hansen Creek Road (Forest Road 5500). Go 1.3  miles and then turn  left on Forest Road 5510. This will climb continuously for 4 miles ending at a gate and an old borrow pit. Park on the left

Trail stats:  8 mile loop and about 1300 foot gain. We started on logging road (see photo below) and hiked about 1.5 miles to the trail to your right (Hanson Ridge Trail). The hike about 1.6 miles to a junction and go to the upper trail on the left and go about .22 miles and there is an unmarked trail (but with some flagging) and follow the faint boot path. Go about .9 miles to the broad summit. Retrace steps to trail and once make on the main trail finish the loop but going left on the first trail junction. 
 

 

We started hike by going left on the logging road
and we finished the loop hike which is the trail on the
 right and marked "Harris Lake Trail #1020)

Our route

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Disclaimer: There are many factors which you should consider in deciding whether to proceed with an outing, including the visible weather at the trailhead, the strength and experience of the party, snow and avalanche conditions, route conditions, etc. You are the final decision maker whether to proceed. West Coast Weather, LLC dba Washington Online Weather cannot be held liable for loss or injury arising from your decision to proceed, and expressly disclaims all liability related thereto. Redmond, Washington USA. Also, please bring map-compass and GPS to help with trail directions as our directions are our best estimate.
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