TRAVEL
Pacific Northwest
To celebrate my birthday Drew and I went on a trip to the Pacific Northwest for a week long hiking and backpacking adventure through Mount St. Helens, the North Cascades, Lakeshore Trail backpacking, and a visit to the cities of Seattle and Portland. For all my adventurous friends who would like to see views from our trip and want to trek though these mountain I would like to share our experience with you.
Day 1 Mount St. Helens
Monitor Ridge 10 miles round trip
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin. ~ Anthony Robbins
Drew had already completed this hike several years ago and his experience as a guide was quite valuable. For me it was my first attempt to climb a mountain and no travel guide would have prepared me for what lay ahead. As an active volcano with open crater and spectacular views and opportunities to view Mount Rainier this is an amazing hike.
Climbing is the most appropriate word to describe the impact you will feel on your legs as you are going up and down this mountain. This is steep rugged terrain with 2.5 miles of bolder ridge that leads to the top. It is not a technical route but quite a difficult climb and this comes from someone who considers themselves to be in semi good shape. I tend to run 3 to 5 miles per day or spend an hour or two on the elliptical machine and yet this hike took my breath away.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. ~ Helen Keller
We arrived at Seattle airport at around 6 PM and after car rental, dinner at a restaurant, and 3.5 hr drive we arrived at the Climbers’ Bivouac at 12:30 am. Delayed by a couple hours from our initial plan we grabbed a couple of hours of sleep in the car. We took our climbing permits, registered and then started the hike at 3:30 am in the morning.
The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything. ~ Frank Sinatra
The first 2.1 miles was not a challenge. With headlamps we hiked through a well maintained forest trail. It was beautiful – we saw several falling stars. Once we entered into the bolder field past the timber line the real work began. From there to the top it was pretty much climbing uphill through boulder fields. Having been to Grandfather Mountain this trail seemed like a beast on steroids. Our only aid for navigation was the refection of the route marker poles that show the direction to follow – all uphill. There was strong wind and dust, we had to use hands and feet to climb. Dust mask, goggles, gloves and a hat that that can be tied are highly recommended.
Are we there yet?
Approximately 8:30 AM in the morning a while after sunrise we reached the last section of rock hoping. The boulders were getting smaller and we started to hike through more small rocks and sand. As I looked back, I was in fear as the enormous piles of boulders that lied behind us. A rush of fear and exhaustion due to lack of sleep and energy overcame me and I had no idea how I would come back down. And there was the last section that lay ahead – the sand dunes as I call them. At this point I was so ready to turn around and head down and I would have if only not for a climber who just came from the summit. According to his words we were only half an hour or so shy of the south crater summit. Later I would learn that an hour was a more realistic climb. At this section we took two steps forward and one step back, it seemed so close and yet so far away.
“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” ~ Grandma Moses
And then we arrived it was surreal. I was scared to lean over and look at the crater as one could easily slide down over the edge. We could see great views of both Mount Rainier and Spirit Lake to the north, Mount Adams to the east, and Mount Hood to the south.
The way down was much more enjoyable. It felt like a great accomplishment to have made it all the way to the top. We hiked and took many pictures to share. It was hike worth attempting at least one time and checking it off your bucket list. I would highly recommend it.
Day 2 Seattle – Pike Place Market
Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. ~ John Lennon
We intended to backpack Lakeshore trail the day after Mount St. Helens’ hike. However, on the way to Chelan we got stuck in traffic. Thus, we decided to explore the city, visit Pikes Market Place and downtown Seattle. It was an adventure walking on the streets of Seattle. I sincerely enjoyed talking with vendors , bargaining on prices, eating a fresh caught wild Alaskan smoked salmon and smelling the ocean.
Day 3 and 4 North Cascades
15 mile backpack or 6.8 mile day hike / Elevation: about 2000 ft of ups and downs/ Stehekin
Day 5 Portland Oregon