Cinnamon Trail — Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004

Dec 28, 2004 Cinnamon Trail #204: I-5 south to Woodland, then east along Yale Lake on 503. Turn north just before Cougar on FR 8100 for eight miles. The gate to Kalama Horse Trails Camp is closed, but off road parking and a short two minute walk gets you to Cinnamon Trail 204. The path through classic PNW forest is clean and clear and not difficult. My dog Deets and I enjoyed the old growth Hemlock and fir as we climbed towards Cinnamon ridge about 1000 feet above the trail head. Near the top we enjoyed a clear, close-up view of St. Helens; the snow was about eight inches deep, but firm. The trail continues up and east, looping down to Red Rock Pass, McBride Lake on Toutle Trail 238 and back to Cinnamon trail head. But we did not like the deeping snow, so we turn north on 8122 (unmarked), dropped down to Kalama River and returned by way of Trail 238. We met three small cow elk families and left on friendly terms. The shortened loop offers a fine 4-5 hour winter day hike.