Rampart Ridge Loop, Comet Falls — Thursday, Jul. 31, 2025

Having done Comet Falls as an out and back, I was intrigued to try it as a loop with the extension of Rampart Ridge by way of Van Trump Park.  A friend had met us for the day hike, so we had two vehicles, leaving one at Longmire and the other at the Comet Falls trailhead. Without the two vehicle option, you would face a long back on the NPS road. The climb to Comet Falls was great again, with fabulous wildflowers: twin flower, various louseworts, rosy spirea, pentstamon and many more.  Pikas in scree slopes en route.We climbed up to Van Trump Park and then back via Rampart Ridge, crossing Van Trump Creek over a log foot bridge.  Good water sources on the way except for the last 3 miles along Rampart back to Longmire. We did partway to Mildred Pt but decided against the whole route due to bad trail condition. But great view of Mt St Helens up Mildred Pt trail and from Van Trump, of Mt Adams and the Tatoosh. Marmot along upper reaches of Van Trump Creek. I probably would not do this loop route again though and keep Comet Falls as an out-and-back because Rampart gets very tedious and long without much to see. The first part after Mildred Point intersection drops down with lots of switchbacks and elevation loss. After that, a steady straight slog along the ridge without views.