I decided to return to Mount St. Helens again since last week's Boundary trail (west) hike via Hummocks Trail which I really enjoyed. This time I wanted to hike the east side of Boundary Trail from Johnston Ridge Observatory. Also, this week happened to be the 36th anniversary since May 18, 1980 eruption.
After spending a short time visiting Johnston Ridge Observatory, I started out my hike from the trailhead right by the observatory building. The trail is paved part of the way to the vista point upon the hill and eventually splits into two directions....one (paved) loops down to the main parking lot and the other (dirt) continues along the ridge towards Boundary Trail (east) which interconnects to Truman Trail.
As you hike along the route, enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount St. Helens on one side and the rocky peaks and mountain valley on the other. The views are quite dramatic and show such a contrast....moon like terrains devastated by the eruption vs. rocky mountain peaks with deep green forest. Wildflowers are just beginning to bloom in colors of spring adding to the scenery.
There was a sign which said "Boundary Trail is closed at 1.5 miles/Devil's Elbow due to slides", but the slides area is restored and safe to pass Devil's Elbow although it is very exposed and sheer drop, so use caution when you traverse Devil's Elbow.
Take in the stunning views at the vista point of Devil's Elbow....Mount St. Helens directly facing to north, Pumice plain, Spirit Lake and Mt. Adams. From this point on, the trail slightly descends and soon meets with Truman Trail. There the options are either to continue Boundary trail towards Mount Margaret/St. Helens Lake or take Truman Trail towards Mount St. Helens pumice plain/Loowit Falls. I ended my journey right before Truman Trail and turned around. The trekking distance was about 2.5 miles one way from the observatory.
This is a great hike with fantastic views without much elevation gain. With wildflowers fully blooming soon (hopefully), the hike will be totally exquisite!
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