Ape Canyon Trail

Overview

You can park right in front of the starting point. The trail is 100% singletrack that gradually takes you up the southeast side of the volcano, Mt. Saint Helens. You'll occasionally get openings with gorgeous views across the plains, a devastation spurred by its eruption in the 80's. Views are pretty unique as you'll see the direct path of the lava flow down the volcano.<br><br>Once you get near the top, you'll leave the forest and head into ashen volcanic plains (marked as the ending point on the trail). You'll have an amazing view with some of the Pacific Northwest's tallest mountains surrounding you. You'll of course have Saint Helens in front of you, however depending on the visibility you can also have a clear view of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams all at this point.<br><br>It's from here that you can decide to tackle The Plains of Abraham, which is one of the IMBA epic trails that tracks the rider around the eastern perimeter of the volcano. It's a very favorable ride (as an IMBA epic should be), but considering the altitude gain, it is covered in snow most of the year. It's recommended to try tackling it from July to October.

Trail Stats

Photos

Trail narrows with a drop off on the right side.

Trail narrows with a drop off on the right side.

The end of the Ape Canyon trail, once you leave the forest. This shot was taken close to dusk.

The end of the Ape Canyon trail, once you leave the forest. This shot was taken close to dusk.

Ape Canyon and June Lake Trail junction--go right to Abrams.

Ape Canyon and June Lake Trail junction--go right to Abrams.

Finally out of the trees. Ready for some Action.

Finally out of the trees. Ready for some Action.

Ape Canyon trailhead.

Ape Canyon trailhead.

The sign marker for the beginning of the Plains of Abraham, one of the IMBA epics.

The sign marker for the beginning of the Plains of Abraham, one of the IMBA epics.

What a crack.

What a crack.

Heading up Ape Canyon.

Heading up Ape Canyon.

Mt. St. Helens.

Mt. St. Helens.

Climbing the cliff above Ape Canyon. Note the tiny rider who is actually full sized.

Climbing the cliff above Ape Canyon. Note the tiny rider who is actually full sized.

The views. Enough said.

The views. Enough said.

Nearing the end of Ape Canyon Trail

Nearing the end of Ape Canyon Trail

Getting up close and personal views of Mt. St. Helens from the Ape Canyon Trail.

Getting up close and personal views of Mt. St. Helens from the Ape Canyon Trail.

Headed up the trail, about to enter the Plains of Abraham.

Headed up the trail, about to enter the Plains of Abraham.

Out of the trees and heading to the mountain. Almost to the hike-a-bike section.

Out of the trees and heading to the mountain. Almost to the hike-a-bike section.

FlowPhoto Co. riding past a pyroclastic gap with high consequences

FlowPhoto Co. riding past a pyroclastic gap with high consequences

Mt. St. Helens from Ape Canyon Trail

Mt. St. Helens from Ape Canyon Trail

Mt. St. Helens.

Mt. St. Helens.

Beginning our descent back to Ape Canyon from the Plains of Abraham, riding on pumice

Beginning our descent back to Ape Canyon from the Plains of Abraham, riding on pumice

St. Helens, Plains of Abraham. Found a hidden wheel-sized hole in a stream - oops.

St. Helens, Plains of Abraham. Found a hidden wheel-sized hole in a stream - oops.

Passing alongside some lava flow heading towards Mount St. Helens.

Passing alongside some lava flow heading towards Mount St. Helens.

Tags