Ape Canyon and Plains of Abraham

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Status: Caution! Access is closed by washout of Forest Road 83 near the June Lake Trailhead.

Steward: No Steward

updated by Scott on Sunday, May 13, 2007

Length: 23 miles
Type: Out & Back
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Aerobic: Strenuous
Technical: Intermediate/Advanced
Season: Summer/Fall

Land Status: GPNF, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Trailheads: From Hood River, go across the Columbia River and then head west on hwy. 14. Just after passing over the Wind River and before you reach Stevenson, head north on forest road 30. Stay on forest road 30 through Carson and over Old Man Pass. A couple of miles after cresting Old Man Pass, turn left on Curly Creek Road and follow this down to forest road 90. Head west on forest road 90 to forest road 83 in the town of Cougar. Head north on FS 83 11 miles, to its end at the Ape Canyon Trailhead. (2 hours) *The FS Road 83 was washed out in the fall of 2006 several miles from the trailhead, be sure to check on its status with the forest service before doing this ride.

Highlights: Riding on the flanks of a recently active volcano! The scenery on these trails is beyond compare.

Note: After climbing steeply up the Ape Canyon trail and traversing the Plains of Abraham, the trail drops down a steep slope via a series of steep hiking steps. Continue on the improved dirt road to the turn around point at Windy Ridge Viewpoint or shorten the ride by turning around at the top of these steps. Be sure to hike a ways down the Lava Canyon Trail after your ride.

Text from Adventure Maps, Purchase Map Here