July 09, 2012

The Best Hike Ever

A suspension bridge, two ladders, wildflowers, butterflies, waterfalls, dramatic rock cliffs, and more!
This is Lava Canyon near Mt. St. Helens.




The Suspension Bridge!!!!!

It was surprisingly springy. My friend is testing it out.


View from the bridge.



The trail meanders through forested areas with small waterfalls.
Then opens onto rocky cliffs with alpine flowers.
Climbing back out of the canyon, I thought I was going to die,
then there'd be ice cold water and all was well.



The suspension bridge with some people and a dog.

Dipper! One of four we saw. Love them.


A thirty foot-ish ladder descending into the moist canyon.


A trickle of water was perfect to cool off under.


The lush shady canyon was full of trickling brooks and birdsong.

The end of the trail.

View from The Ship.
On the way back we looked for The Ship. Our info indicated there is a sign for this
 fin like rock outcropping.
 We couldn't find the sign, but we found the trail.
We climbed a ladder to the top of the Ship where we had lunch and enjoyed more vistas.


A perfect place to soak our tired hot feet.



Mt. St. Helens from the drive out.

So many wildflowers: Penstemons (three types),
 Indian Paintbrush, Bunchberry, and ripening Huckleberries.

A perfect hike!

More info on this hike can be found here.


7 comments:

  1. What an adventure on such a quirky trail--you captured it well! I'm still all smiles, thanks for sharing it with me. I'm going to go research dipper tattoos now...♥

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    1. I think we should get matching Dipper tattoos. Ha ha!

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  2. This looks fantastic!!! We want to go. :)

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  3. What an awesome hike. I have never done this, but now I want to go!

    If you get a chance, drop by my blog. I have recently started blogging again and am happy to be back! You can also "Like" Hood Photography on Facebook! Thanks!

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  4. Fantastic photos ! Looks like it was a fun hike ! Papa and I have gone on some hikes years ago with water falls and beautiful scenery but those mountins are breath taking ! Have a good day !

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  5. Ooh that looks like an awesome hike- I love random ladders/bridges/structures in the middle of the woods... So rad. I look forward to seeing your dipper tattoo haha!

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