On May 29th, NWTA hosted a work party on the Pine Creek Extension Trail near Mount St. Helens, marking the completion of a project that has been more than a decade in the making. With this final push, the vision of establishing a connected trail route from Marble Mountain Sno-Park to the Ape Canyon Trailhead has officially become a reality.
When NWTA first presented this proposal to the US Forest Service, there were several key goals behind the project. One major objective was to help alleviate the congested and limited parking situation at Ape Canyon by encouraging riders to access the trail system from Marble Mountain Sno-Park instead.
Another important goal was accessibility. While experienced mountain bikers often view Ape Canyon as an intermediate ride, the reality is that it can be extremely demanding. Creating a route from Marble Mountain opens the door for newerriders and those looking for a more approachable experience to enjoy riding at Mount St. Helens.
For advanced riders seeking a bigger challenge, connecting Marble Mountain to Ape Canyon, the Plains of Abraham, and back creates an unforgettable all-day adventure.
When this project first began, several important trail connections were missing. The Pine Marten, Sasquatch, and Pine Creek Trails already existed, but there were significant gaps between Sasquatch and Pine Creek, as well as between Pine Creek and Ape Canyon. Longtime mountain biker Vaughn Martin played a critical role in helping piece the route together by identifying abandoned logging roads and old hunting trails that could serve as connectors.
Once those connections were identified, Kelley Hinkle dedicated substantial time to flagging what the USFS now refers to as the Jack Pine Trail. This trail begins where the Pine Creek Trail ends and travels along the lahar down to Road 83.
NWTA collaborated closely with the Growlers Gulch stewardship team to submit the trail proposal and request the necessary NEPA review. Developing a new trail within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is no small task, and we are incredibly grateful to the US Forest Service, especially Recreation Program Manager Camille Stephens, for helping see this project through. Oftentimes, getting a trail approved requires a lot of patience, and this was no exception.
This completed route is an incredible asset to the region, and we encourage everyone to experience it for themselves. Opportunities to mountain bike alongside an active volcano, ride along a lahar landscape, and take in views of nearby Mount Adams are truly unique.
A huge thank you goes out to all of the volunteers who contributed substantial sweat equity over the years to make this vision a reality. This trail exists because of your dedication, persistence, and passion for trails.