Mount Saint Helens #Hikes (Post 1) - #SaturdaySnapshot

This past week I spent three days and two nights in the Mount St. Helens area of Washington state. The adventure was organized by the Auburn (WA) Senior Activity Center and included transportation, lodging, and guidance on several hikes. We had a great time. I took so many photos that I'll post about this getaway for the next several weeks. 

Today's snapshots are from the Johnston Ridge Observatory in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. First, we saw an informative video and exhibits about the volcano's 1980 eruption and the devastating aftermath. Scientists are observing the mountain's renewal without interfering in any way... a case of letting Nature take its course. 
[Click on photos to enlarge.]

These panels tell the stories of some of the casualties, as well as the survivors.

It's hard to believe much of this barren area was once a thriving, old-growth forest.

The top of Mount St. Helens was obscured by clouds when we visited the observatory. However, the destruction caused by the eruption is evident. 

Now, thirty-eight years after the eruption, weathered tree-sized logs provide proof of the strength of the blast. Some had rocks embedded in them.

A few women from our group took a short hike in the Mount Margaret Back Country area.

The clouds lifted the next day and we got a good look at Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake from the Norway Pass Trail. I'll post those photos and more in the coming weeks.

Thanks for stopping by!

Links to more info:
Johnston Ridge Observatory
Johnston Ridge Observatory - Fees, etc.
Mount St. Helens Hikes

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. 

To participate: 

Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

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Skookum Flats / Tipsoo Lake #Hike - #SaturdaySnapshot

Sometimes when plans have to be changed, the alternative ends up being just as much fun! Yesterday, the senior center had a hike scheduled for the Tipsoo Lake / Naches Peak Loop area of Mount Rainier National Park. However, as our van neared that elevation, clouds of smoke billowed in from wildfires raging elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Here's what that looked like. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

We did take the easy walk around Tipsoo Lake, and I captured the eerie scene. The temperature was 39 degrees! 

We all agreed it wouldn't be healthy to take a strenuous hike in smoky air (and besides, we wouldn't be able to see the beautiful scenery on the Naches Peak trail) so we went to a lower elevation and hiked on the Skookum Flats Trail.

Cleaner air, warmer weather, and a new trail for me. Sometimes things work out just fine!

If you're curious about the spectacular views from the Naches Peak Loop Trail, you'll find photos from last autumn's hike here: Naches Peak Loop Trail

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. 

To participate: 

Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

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Spunky Girl - #SaturdaySnapshot

The hikes and walks I've been on recently have been repeats, and I've already posted photos from their high points. So today I'm posting a couple of pictures of my adventurous granddaughter. She's seven years old.

Rock climbing at Auburn's Rec Center.

Ziplining at Northwest Trek

Tackling the mud pit at an obstacle course (at age 5)

I'm a lucky grandma to have this wonderful girl in my life.

Emmons Overlook, #MountRainier - #SaturdaySnapshot

Last week I posted a picture of the White River near Greenwater, WA. Several days after that excursion, I joined the senior center group for a hike in Mount Rainier National Park and got a view of the White River at its source - the Emmons Glacier. (Click on photos to enlarge.) 

Our first good look at the Emmons Glacier
and the small lake below it.

A shady spot for lunch with a gorgeous view.

Our hike had only 300 feet of elevation gain, but the starting altitude of 6,400 feet made the air a little thin. The trail to the overlook wasn't difficult, except for the last stretch that led to this viewpoint. Whew!
The view was worth the climb. That ribbon of white (lower left) 
is the White River. The lake really is that color.

Beauty - no matter which way we looked.

This trail was more fun to walk down
than up. We kicked up a lot of dust, too.

We took a short detour to explore Shadow Lake.

A selfie to prove I was there.
I love my new hat.

Even though I've lived in Washington State for fifteen years, I never tire of the sight of magnificent Mount Rainier. It takes my breath away! The views on this hike were truly amazing and worth the uphill trek.

More about Mount Rainier's glaciers and the Emmons Glacier in particular here: Glaciers
Info and map of hiking trails from the Sunrise Visitor Center here: Sunrise Area Trails

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. 

To participate: 

Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

West Metro Mommy Reads