Boundary Trail, Truman Trail - Pumice Plains, Loowit Falls, Windy Trail & Plains of Abraham - Windy Pass Loop — Saturday, Jun. 1, 2019

Our group did an overnight backpack starting and ending at the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO).

Route (we used the Green Trails No 364S map): JRO-->Boundary Trail-->Truman Trail (207)-->Loowit Falls-->Windy Pass-->Plains of Abraham (camped here)-->Windy Ridge-->Truman Trail-->Boundary Trail-->JRO.

Total mileage is around 25 miles.

The trail was in good condition, clear, and snow-free with a few exceptions:

• Windy Pass still has some snow cover, but we crossed the one snow patch easily with no equipment. After that, it's a steep climb up with a severe drop-off. Be cautious! The other side of Windy Pass was essentially scree for a 1/4 mile and we slid down parts of it. I would not recommend Windy Pass to anyone with kids, fear of heights, or inexperienced backpackers.
• There are some washouts that you must navigate through in the section from Loowit Falls and the Plains of Abraham.
• There are a few snow bridges to cross going from the Plains of Abraham along Windy Ridge, but I expect those will be melted out in a week.

We never had a problem finding water and seemed to pass a clear flowing stream at least every two-three miles. That being said, you'll likely need a lot of water since there isn't any tree cover and you'll be exposed to the sun the entire hike.

The backcountry camp on the Plains of Abraham is a sweet little spot. There aren't many established sites to put your tent and the tree coverage is minimal so it can get windy, but it has in-your-face views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Helens! Easy access to a stream nearby and a herd of mountain goats hanging out on the hillside.