Ape Canyon Trail, Mt St Helens - Washington State

(posted on behalf of Randy)

Hello

Mike and I rode the Ape Canyon trail in Washington State in Aug 2006. It is surely one of the greatest trails I have ever ridden.  The trail climbs up and then traverses the slopes of Mt. St. Helens  and takes you right through the 1980 blast zone. Along the way, you  get great views of 3 other major active volcanoes - Mt. Ranier, Mt.  Adams, and Mt. Hood. We didn't know it at the time but St. Helens  had just erupted again 3 days before our visit, which explains the  smoke coming out of the caldera in these photos.

The trail is technically challenging in places, and there are a few cliffside experiences to keep you awake. This was my 4th time  riding the trail and it is interesting to note the recovery (and lack of recovery) of the 1980 eruption as the years go by.

Trip photos available from http://community.webshots.com/user/randyandjody