The routes on the south side of Mt. St. Helens are popular with snowmobiles, as well as skiers (alpine and cross-country), snowshoers, climbers, hikers, dogs, and did I mention snowmobiles? You can get away from the snowmo routes somewhat, on a system of well-marked ski trails that only sometimes cross paths with the motorized crowd. The Redrock Pass route is not one of them.
Is it worth it? On a clear day, the view of Mt. St. Helens's old south side is unsurpassed. When there are low clouds and fog, you won't see a thing, and this becomes just another easy road ski.
Photo: Denis looks down one of the cave openings, surrounded by snow banks.
We snowshoed through very heavy, soft spring snow, along road 8100 to Redrock Pass in about an hour. Scramble up onto the rocks on the north side of the road for views. There are miles of great winter campsites north of here (but call the ranger station about camping, because I got conflicting information).We had cloudy weather and a limited view of the mountain's flanks.
On the way back, we left the road on a 120 degree bearing and cut across a broad, flat valley that is a lava flow with caves scattered about. They are actually underground lava tubes, like the Ape Cave, in which the ceilings have broken through to the surface, so they're possibly all connected. This late in the season, the warm air from the cave entrances melts the snow above them, so the caves are very easy to find. We found three large enough to fit into, but we weren't equipped to spelunk them. Our bearing brought us back to the road at the Road 830 intersection (to the Climber's Bivy, the starting point for your Helens ascent, if you have a climber's permit). From there we returned to the van for Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, scotch, and sleep.
Stats: 2.2 miles one way, elevation gain 400', high point 3100'.
Getting there: From I-5, take 530 east. Pick up your permits at Jack's Market (reservations for permits may be required). Go through Cougar, where 530 becomes Hwy 90. Turn left on 83 and follow it to the Cougar Sno Park (permit required). Ski north on the snowed-in road.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.