Mount St Helens conditions.

Submitted Mon, 05/24/2010 - 6:01am by DAnderson

As of late May 2010 conditions at higher elevations around Mount St Helens remain snowbound.  The Gifford Pinchot National Forest website indicates that roads around Mount St Helens that are above 3,000 to 3,500' elevation have snow on them.  The June Lake Snotel at 3440 foot elevation on the south side of the mountain indicates the snow pack is where it was near the end of March before our recent bout of chilly wet weather brought snow levels down to winter levels.  Currently Forest Road 83, the road to Ape Canyon trailhead parking lot, is open as far as the June Lake Trailhead, about 4.5 miles from Ape Canyon Trailhead.  We will need some warm weather before this area opens up.

Road open to Ape Canyon trailhead

by DAnderson - 2010-05-26 09:57

Forest Road 83 is now open to the Ape Canyon trailhead!  However, there is probably still snow on the Ape Canyon Trail as there is still 43" of snow at the June Lake Snotel as of May 26, 2010.

I tried to get up there two

by mksath - 2010-05-26 17:16

I tried to get up there two weekends ago. I have 4 wheel drive f350 thats was enough to get passed the stuck mini van from illinois, but still made never made it within a half a mile of the trail head before I didn't want to chance it any more. Still lots of hard packed snow on road. Skamania County Sheriff that was up that way made it sound like stuck vehicles were daily occurance. Don't chance it ride Lewis River Trail instead it was in real good shape for the time of year.

Snow pack is melting!

by DAnderson - 2010-05-27 13:33

The snowpack at 3440 foot elevation on the south-side of Mount St Helens is down to 39"!  Ape Canyon theoretically is not rideable.  But, Smith Creek as an out and back should be doable - below the snow line - if you know where to access the descent to Smith Creek Trail.