Smith Creek

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Status: unknown

Steward: No Steward

updated by Scott on Sunday, May 13, 2007

Length: 27.6 miles
Type: Loop
Time: 4 to 7 hours
Aerobic: Very Strenuous!
Technical: Expert!
Season: Summer and fall

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

Trailhead: 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: Incredible scenery, remote trail sections and lots of exposure. The slopes leading down towards Smith Creek are loose and difficult to ride. Most of this ride is either within the blast zone from the May 18, 1980 eruption or was affected by flooding and mud flows.

Note: This loop is very long, strenuous and technically challenging. Be sure to bring extra water and food and allow for most of the day to complete the ride.

Text from Adventure Maps, Purchase Map Here