From Summit Post: Mount Whittier is the highest point in the Mount Margaret Backcountry - part of the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument - and is part of a ridge system located just north of Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake. The views of the St. Helens crater from atop the ridge are some of the best anywhere in the Monument. Mount Whittier likely does not receive too many visitors. The easiest trail approaches eastwards from Norway Pass - although most hikers likely visit the nearby and slightly lower Mount Margaret (5858') to the south. Visitors may also be deterred by the Forest Service warning: "The Whittier Trail #214, in particular, is very narrow and crosses steep cliffs; it is not suitable for hikers that are uncomfortable with heights." The old trail is largely unmaintained but has several sections of easy class 3 scrambling along a narrow ledge. It's fine if it's dry, but if not, you may want a handline for safety. Mt. Whittier could easily be combined with nearby Mount Margaret (5858') as a day outing. 

Activity Notes

Mt Whittier is a scramble route in the Mount Margaret Backcountry, a beautiful area just northeast of Mt St Helens that is the same as it ever was, as in it was left unaffected by the 1980 eruption. It is said by some to be a "dangerous" climb, but that's a matter of perceptions. No Mazamas climber I've ever taken on this route has been weirded out. We will do fine with climbing helmets and trekking poles, but in an abundance of caution this climb will be canceled if conditions are wet.

We are camping the nights before and after at Cowlitz Falls Campground SW of Randle WA. Why? This is a long climb, and I don't like returning home around midnight. 

Upon acceptance to the climb, all climbers will be asked to contribute $16 toward camping. This will be non-refundable unless the climb is canceled eight or more days in advance, which is unlikely. There will be a pre-climb meeting in camp at 19:00 Friday, August 7. Our drive to the campground will begin at 06:00 Saturday, August 8. It's an 80 minute drive from the campground to Norway Pass. I suggest leaving Portland at 15:30 Friday, August 7.

I highly suggest carpooling in 4-wheel drive, higher clearance vehicles; if you don't have one, please don't plan to drive solo. You may want to study our Friday afternoon drive and our Saturday morning drive.

I expect to begin climbing at 07:45. Our route will be a counter-clockwise loop that will visit lakes--and peak huckleberries!--where we can refill water bottles with quick filters, before turning south on the mountaineers trail to Whittier. The trail to the lakes is more overgrown each year, so long pants are advised. Our climb will ascend 3,400' in 14.4 miles. Expect views of Spirit Lake and Mt St Helens from close range, and we may also be able to spot Mt Hood, Mt Adams, and Mt Rainier. 

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 120 miles
Driving Time from Portland 2 hours
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
FIND AN UPCOMING ACTIVITY ON THE Calendar