Highlights: Wildflowers are blooming, water is flowing through most streams, ropes are in good condition.
First time visiting St. Helens and it didn't disappoint! I ran the Loowit loop clockwise from June Lake in just over 9 hours. Since I was unfamiliar with the trail, I took my time navigating the lava rock sections, but was always able to see the next wooden post or cairn. I was a little concerned about the heat and the scarcity of water through the first portion of the trail, but I had two liters on me and felt confident that I could get to the Toutle. The water there was flowing strongly and while it was a little silty my BeFree filter was able to handle it no problem. It was reassuring to know that water sources would be more consistent from there on out. The elevation gain graph doesn't really illustrate how much up and down you'll travel but traveling around the volcano was truly magical with gorgeous views of Adams, Hood, and Rainier. Gorgeous long and free day out in the mountains.
Stats: 9.5 hours, 31.3 miles, 7000 ft of elevation gain
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