Observation Peak

Overview

Elk Poop Mountain, oops I mean Observation Peak is located between Mounts Saint Helens and Adams in the Trapper Creek Wilderness which lies within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Observation Peak offers exceptional views of the above volcanoes. Views stretch also along the Cascade crest from Rainier in the north to Jefferson in the south. This peak is a former lookout site, hence the name. The lookout was destroyed in the 60's but the bare summit still has the views.

There are no less than 5 options for getting to the summit ranging from the Big Hollow Trail with 2700 feet of elevation gain to various trails up Howe RIdge with about 3200 feet of gain. The Howe Ridge and Trapper Creek hikes are between 13.2 and 14.4 miles round trip while the Big Hollow Trail is 9 miles round trip. (Note that the Big Hollow Trail involves a creek/small river crossing that can be impassable early in the year in high water.)

The forests you hike through are amazing. Filled with waterfalls, creeks, flowers and huge old-growth trees, you don't really notice there are no big views until you get near the summit. Some of these firs must approach 300 feet tall. There are also huge hemlock and cedar specimens. Elk also abound (as you can guess from the statement above). Came across a group of 5 very near the trailhead that elevated ("effortlessly scaled" doesn't really do these amazing beasts justice) the ridge in front of us once we were heard.

This peak is about an hour and a half from Portland and is well worth the trip if you enjoy monster trees, waterfalls and great views of the Cascade giants. All routes are just hikes but from what I have seen, the masses and crowds have not really discovered this area. Never seen another soul on it. Of note also is that this area of Washington in the Wind River Ranger District can be its own microclimate and receive healthy dumpings of snow when similar elevations are bare.

Getting There

For access to the Government/Mineral Springs trailhead, from Portland, take I-94 east to Cascade Locks and cross the $1 toll Bridge of the Gods Bridge (alternatively, you can get to this point from Vancouver, WA by taking State Route 14 west). Head east on SR 14 through Stevenson. Just past Stevenson, turn left at the sign for Carson, WA. Follow this road (Highway 30) north 14.5 miles through Carson and then Stabler and then past the fish hatchery to a junction. Go straight on Mineral Springs Road about a quarter of a mile to Road 5401 and turn right. Follow this road about .4 miles to its end at the trailhead.

For access to the Big Hollow Trailhead, drive the same route but at the aforementioned junction, turn right and stay on Highway 30 for 2.2 more miles (follow signs for Mt. Saint Helens). Go left on Dry Creek Road 64 for 2.3 miles to the trailhead on the left and park on the side of the road.

Red Tape

Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Wilderness Permit also required. These are free and provided at the trailheads.

When To Climb

March/April to November. Think about snowshoes on the fringes of this season.

Camping

Camping is allowed and there are many great spots along the trail to camp. Nothing formal though.

Mountain Conditions

Wind River Ranger District
(509) 427-5645

Images

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