Mount St. Helens (Post 3) / Norway Pass Trail - #SaturdaySnapshot

The highlight of my overnight hiking trip with the Auburn Senior Activity Center was the hike up the Norway Pass Trail. The operative word here is "up." Not steep but relentless. However, the magnificent views were worth the trek. FYI: Our group consisted of ten women, including two senior center representatives. 
[Click on photos for a closer look.]

Ready to go.

Along the trail we snacked on huckleberries. I would have been afraid to munch on wild berries, but our knowledgeable leaders knew which ones would be okay to eat. These were perfectly ripe and sweet. Within minutes our fingers were stained blue.

On this beautiful day we could see both Mount Adams and Mount Rainier, two volcanoes in the Cascade Mountains.

Mount Adams on the horizon

The snow-capped crest of Mount Rainier peeking over the hilltops

Dead trees from the 1980 eruption still cover the hillsides surrounding Mount St. Helens, along with new growth of trees and wildflowers.

Bleached remains of trees on the hillside that were mowed down 
by the volcano's blast

When I got tired or out of breath, I set a goal of walking to a certain tree or clump of flowers on the path ahead and then would stop there to catch my breath. In this way, I made it to the top.

Almost there!

Here's the magnificent payoff: a million dollar view of Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake. Perfect place to stop for lunch, isn't it?

The white area on the lake's surface is a mat of trees blown down during the volcano's eruption. (Curious? You'll find more about this HERE.)

A before-and-after photo by the U.S. Geological Survey is posted on the "PBS News Hour" website - HERE.

The distance between the Johnston Ridge Observatory and the Norway Pass Trailhead isn't far... as the crow flies. The map below shows the route by car. The blue patch on the map, between the Johnston Ridge Observatory and Norway Pass, is Spirit Lake.

Thanks for going along with me on my visit to Mount St. Helens. I'll post a few more photos next Saturday.

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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