Mount Margaret (5840 ft)
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Miles: 1.2 miles ( from trail #214 and #1 intersection)
11.6 Round trip from Norway Pass Trail Head Elevation Gain: 200 ft (from trail junction) 3300 ft from Norway Pass Trail Head Clean Prominence: 400 ft |
Summit Date: 8-17-2015
Driving Directions: From Seattle Permits: Northwest forest pass Mt. Margaret Back Country Permits if Camping |
After scrambling the Whittier Ridge we decided to drop our packs for a bit in a small patch of woods and walk the short distance to Mt Margaret. The trail from the intersection of trail #214 and trail #1 towards Mt Margaret has a slow and steady pace, and with no packs on it felt like heaven.
The short spur trail that goes up to the Mountain was the hardest part as it was directly in the sun and moderately steep but should be navigable by anyone. Then again carrying a 28 lb pack along the Whittier ridge my have exaggerated the difficulty.
Either way the views are outstanding and if you want to touch the actual summit, you will have to climb 10 ft or so up the large rock right at the top of the hill. Otherwise off to your right is a nice bench with views of Mt. St. Helen's and Spirit lake. I imagine if the fire wasn't burning near Mt Adams you would be able to see it as well. From the true summit you can even see Rainier.
It was a nice side trip and I imagine a great day hike on a nice clear day.
*For a day hike take the Norway Pass Trail all the way to just below Bear Pass where there is a sign for Boundary Trail #1. Follow trail #1 Until it passes the Whittier Trail #214 junction. Continue to follow for about a mile until you see a trail break off to the right. There are no signs for the trail to the top but it is obvious.
The short spur trail that goes up to the Mountain was the hardest part as it was directly in the sun and moderately steep but should be navigable by anyone. Then again carrying a 28 lb pack along the Whittier ridge my have exaggerated the difficulty.
Either way the views are outstanding and if you want to touch the actual summit, you will have to climb 10 ft or so up the large rock right at the top of the hill. Otherwise off to your right is a nice bench with views of Mt. St. Helen's and Spirit lake. I imagine if the fire wasn't burning near Mt Adams you would be able to see it as well. From the true summit you can even see Rainier.
It was a nice side trip and I imagine a great day hike on a nice clear day.
*For a day hike take the Norway Pass Trail all the way to just below Bear Pass where there is a sign for Boundary Trail #1. Follow trail #1 Until it passes the Whittier Trail #214 junction. Continue to follow for about a mile until you see a trail break off to the right. There are no signs for the trail to the top but it is obvious.
Summit Views
Moun Margaret Summit Pin
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Mt. Margaret
Mt St Helens and Spirit Lake from the summit
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Mt Margaret and Mt St Helens
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