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, in the Mt Margaret Backcountry, is classified as a climb due to extreme trail conditions. Our counter-clockwise loop will start with an overgrown trail to beautiful lakes, ascend to views of Mt Adams and Mt Rainier, and then go off-trail to traverse Whittier Ridge. We'll see lots of Mt St Helens and Spirit Lake.

Anyone considering this climb should first study https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/whittier-ridge-lakes-loop. Successful applicants to this climb will have Mazamas profiles with strong summer 2021 conditioning and a background which includes scrambles in high terrain. Please also consider whether you have no more than a healthy fear of heights.

I recommend leaving Portland at 04:00 Saturday. The drive to Norway Pass trailhead (NW Forest Passes required) is very rough and optimal for higher-clearance AWD vehicles.

We will begin our climb at 07:00 Saturday. As our route is a loop, there is no turnaround time, but we will not turn onto the Whittier Trail after noon. Expect a return to Portland around darkness.

Required gear includes trekking poles and a climbing helmet. Recommended are long pants. A NW Forest Pass is required to park at Norway Pass.

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 120 miles
Driving Time from Portland 2 hours
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
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