Started from Independence Pass TH. Ran the road + Smith Creek trail to Windy Ridge viewpoint. Truman trail from there across the plains to the Boundary Trail. Boundary trail around Spirit Lake to Independence Pass trail which took us back to the trailhead.
Water flowing on the Truman trail, lots to be had. Also a bit overgrown in the creeks and caterpillars are building nests(?)
Not much water once you get on the Boundary trail, so gorgeous even in the clouds. Snow as you get above 5000ft beside Coldwater Peak. Easily crossed in trail runners. Lots of snow up at the junction with Whittier Ridge trail, which we bailed on taking in the clouds. Boundary trail is such a gem, gorgeous views over the lakes and Mt St Helens, varied terrain as you climb up and around Spirit Lake.
Big slip on the Independence Pass trail, there is a reason the trail has a missing section on the map. We were able to make it through fine, and passed a number of other people on the same trail, not sure whether they passed the slip or turned around. Honestly it was a bit dumb, there is a goat track but its narrow and falling from it would be nasty. Take Independence Ridge trail instead.
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