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Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
46.2489, -122.1362 Map & Directions
Length
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,000 feet
Highest Point
4,850 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate/Hard

FR 99 is closed beyond Wakepish Sno-Park for the winter season.

Find breathtaking views of Mount St. Helens and blazing autumnal hues on the Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham trail. Photo by Timothy Sjogren. Full-size image
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Ridges/passes

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
Saved to My Backpack

Climb to really excellent views of Rainier, Adams and Mount St. Helens via an exposed ridgeline before traversing east through hillside wildflowers, and ending at junction with the Loowit Trail in the center of the Plains of Abraham. Continue reading

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Hiking Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham

Climb to really excellent views of Rainier, Adams and Mount St. Helens via an exposed ridgeline before traversing east through hillside wildflowers, and ending at junction with the Loowit Trail in the center of the Plains of Abraham.

From the parking lot for Windy Ridge, hike around the closed gate and up a service road. Though gated, the road may still have traffic; scientists and monument staff have access to it, so be aware of the possibility of vehicles.

Views start immediately, with Mount Adams on the horizon to your left and St. Helens peeking around the ridge to your right. An unnamed, craggy edifice to the southeast is worth a few photos as well – the red rock and greenery growing atop it is reminiscent of Jurassic Park.

After 1.7 miles of this service road, you’ll arrive at a fork. Signed for the Abraham Trail, take the left-hand ridgetop route. With sheer drop-offs on either side and makeshift stepladders to hold the trail in place, it’s hard to believe that bikes are also allowed here.

Wheeze your way to the top of those ladders, and reward yourself with a breathtaking view of Mounts Rainier and Adams, the Dark Divide, and the Mount Margaret Backcountry. You’re 2.2 miles into your hike, just shy of your highest point on this side of the loop, but these are the best views. Continue uphill and at 4750 feet, the trail appears to fork.

Your route is to the left, descending gradually through a small grove of alder and wrapping around the flanks of a high point. As you hike, admire the flower show: lupine, penstemon and paintbrush – the usual suspects are here on gorgeous display. The trail drops to the Smith Creek drainage. Cross it, and head roughly south towards a junction with the Plains of Abraham.

At this junction, it's possible to wander further onto the flat Plains of Abraham, or on the Loowit Trail towards the mountain. Either way will add mileage to your 4.4 miles so far, but once you've explored as far as you want, turn around and come back the way you came. 

Hike Description Written by
Anna Roth, WTA Staff

Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 46.2489, -122.1362 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

FR 99 is closed beyond Wakepish Sno-Park for the winter season.

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From the north, drive I-5 to the exit 68 (for Highway 12 east), then drive 17 miles to Randle. From there, turn south (right, if coming from the west) onto State Route 131 south, and drive it for two miles to where it becomes Forest Road 25. Continue on this sometimes-rough road for 17.7 miles, and turn right onto FR 99. Drive Highway 99 to 17 miles to its end at Windy Ridge viewpoint. A pit toilet is available here. 

To approach from the south (Woodland), take exit 21 from I-5 and drive Highway 503 east to Cougar (this is about 29 miles). SR 503 turns into FR 90, and you'll stay on it for 19 miles before turning left onto Forest Road 25. Drive FR 25 for 25 miles to the junction with Highway 99. Drive Highway 99 to 17 miles to its end at Windy Ridge viewpoint. A pit toilet is available here. 

More Hike Details

Trailhead

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens

Abraham (#216.4)

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

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Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham

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