Mount Whittier Loop via Boundary Trail and Lakes Trail #211
14.2 mi
Distance
6 hrs 15 min
Time
terrain
2,146 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a moderate loop trail to Mount Whittier in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument.
This trail goes by Norway Pass, Bear Pass, Obscurity Lake, Obscurity Camp, Panhandle Lake, and Bear Camp.
As part of the Monument, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Public Tracks
Mt. Whittier
Not sure who said it was 13 miles. Gaia clocked 14.5 and my friend’s GPS said almost 16. Anyway, it was a gorgeous hike. We got a late start, left TH at 10:30am. We went clockwise at the loop. At the summit, you can climb out even further on the rocky outcroppings. I realize it says Whittier ridge trail, but I had no idea how much of the hike was a ridge. I’ve never done a hike like this one. It was very beautiful and you felt you you were in the middle of nowhere. It’s like you climbed to the top, but then in reality, you’re off to start another hike. The back half of the trail/loop kind of weaved over the ridges, down the mtn, and followed along the base of mtn by the lakes. Then to get you to the loop intersection above you, there’s roughly a 600’ elevation gain section to get there. Seemed to go on forever... lol. But it was super pretty and a hike you should do. Unless you have a fear of heights and don’t like to crawl over stuff. Overgrown in a lot of places.
