Our Favorite Trails

Ape Canyon Trail

Ape Canyon Trail provides a grueling but ridable climb up to the Plains of Abraham, located on the east flank of Mount St. Helens. The contrast between the forested Ape Canyon Trail and the lunar landscape of the Plains of Abe is unbelievably striking. Pedal from dark green old growth to a gray landscape of pumice and mudflows. At the top, the pumice trail darts across the high plain. It’s fun, but watch for other trail users. One of my riding partners took a header into the pum because he was admiring Mount Adams in the distance. Better to stop to soak in the remarkable views.

Ride: Out & Back; singletrack, gated dirt road; views

Duration: 3 to 5 hours

Travel time: Portland – 1.5 hours; Seattle – 3.5 hours

Hill factor: Tough singletrack climb, short walk up stairs; 1,720-foot gain

Skill level: Intermediate

Season: Summer, fall


Users: Bicyclists, hikers

More info: Mount St. Helens National Monument, 360-247-3900

Nearby camping: Merrill Lake Campground, Lower Falls Campground

Nearest food, drink, services: Cougar