This Sunday we were out with a small group to do Butte Camp Trail on Mt. St. Helens. The trail stretches from Red Rock Pass to the Loowit trail. This is on the South side and was spared from the eruption destruction that happened on most of the mountain. Butte Camp it a lovely pocket of a green with a small creek running through it and would be a great place to camp. The hike was not a big one at around 8 miles and 1600 ft. gain but fit in well on this day.
The first part of the hike is on the Toutle Rive Trail.
Our destination is just above tree line and to the left.
After a couple of mile we start on the Butte Camp Trail.
Much of the trail to Butte Camp pass through a wooded area.
Butte Camp is in a protective bowl with a nice little spring fed creek running through it.
Fire Ring at Butte Camp
Dan, Dinah and Rian at our break at Butte Camp.
A view from the trail of the rim we are heading to. These switch backs go through some great old growth Hemlock.
Lori and Rian make there way across a trail section with some exposure.
Looking back to Red Rock Pass where we started.
Looking off to Mt. Hood
Mt. St. Helens from the Loowit Trail Junction.
Looking over to Monitor Ridge.
Jeanette with the sign at our trail junction with the Loowitt Trail
We hiked a ways down the Loowit trail before turning around and heading back.