A hiker moves carefully along a narrow, exposed section of the Whittier Ridge Trail
Looking at the first section of the ridge
A hiker begins the early section of the trail. The start of the trail is visible on the left edge of the ridge in the background
Navigating the first of many narrow and exposed rock ledges
A stunning and beautiful view of Coldwater Creek in the valley below from the ridgeline
Ascending a short and steep scramble near the gateway section of trail
Hiker descending a narrow section of trail into the 'gateway' section of the trail. Boot Lake is visible to the lower left, and Goat Rocks in the distance.
Picturesque views of the valley below are framed by the sheer rock walls
Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the rocky valleys to the east of the ridge
Scrambling up narrow spines of the ridge requires focus on foot placement and checking that handholds are secure
Looking back down the steep and rugged trail. The trail on the left descends down to the gateway, and climbs steeply along the ridge in the foreground.
Mountain goats (bottom right) provide the majority of trail maintenance along the Whittier Ridge Trail
The trail can be difficult to follow-- in this picture, the trail extends along the stepped rocks to the hiker's right, and back left over the ridgeline (just over the two small trees directly beyond her backpack)
A steep descending section of trail requires proper footwork
Mt St Helens in the distance and beautiful view over the Coldwater Creek valley
A spiny ridge of rocks that continues for two miles of steep trail
A moment of slight reprieve among the trees and shrubs (and a wider section of trail!)
Late day sun casts rays and shadows over the valley floor below
Carefully navigating the rock ledge, some as narrow as one and a half feet width. Appropriate footwear is required to grip dirt and soil in some locations
This is the second of two trail indication markers along the ridge. Although the trail appears to disappear, this is in fact the safest route of travel
A snapshot of the ridge from approximately 3/4 of the way across (travelling north). Mt. Margaret to the right.
A steep ascent from under the rock ledge below to the ridgeline above.
A graveyard of tree trunks is a stark reminder of the destruction that occurred along this ridge when Mt St Helens erupted in May, 1980
The trail becomes slightly wider and more grassy along the north section
Enjoying a secluded starry night above Snow Lake is well earned after a grueling ridge traverse
A beautiful view of the sun setting over Snow Lake at the northern edge of Whittier Ridge
A view of the talus field spur trail junction, as approached from the Lakes Trail 221
A view of the talus field spur trail junction as viewed from the beginning of the washed out trail. Note that some rocks and sticks have been placed to divert use from this trail
A view of the talus field spur trail junction as approached from the Whittier Ridge Trail. Be careful to note this location and turn right (northeast) to access the Lake Trail
Outdoor Project map with noted location of spur trail junction for clarity