Falls of Abraham
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| | Difficulty:3B IV (v4a3 V) Raps:10+, max ↨200ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:Optional 5 min Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Volcanic Ash, Basalt, Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Late Summer
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46.2177, -122.1394
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Introduction[edit]
Falls of Abraham, named after the Plains of Abraham above, is a small canyon coming off of the northeast side of Mt. St. Helens. It features a variety of rock types and some interesting geology. The approach features some spectacular views of the mountain and the blast zone from the 1980 eruption.
This route is best run in late summer once the significant snowpack has melted. Be aware that the forest service often does not open access to Forest Rd 25 and Forest Rd 99 to Windy Ridge Viewpoint until late June or July, sometimes later, due to this snowpack. Though the route provides excellent views, the exit hike is long and exhausting, which should be taken into consideration, particularly on very hot days.
Approach[edit]
Park your shuttle vehicle at the Upper Smith Creek trailhead. Drive 1.5 miles to the Windy Ridge Viewpoint parking lot.
From the parking lot, head south past the gate onto the Abraham Trail. About 10 minutes into the walk, you'll get a great view of the canyon from across the valley. At around 1.6 miles, you'll come to a junction with the Truman Trail. Stay left and continue up a narrow ridge, eventually going up a series of sand ladders. Continue along the windy, narrow trail until you reach the Plains of Abraham and a spectacular view of the mountain at its base. The canyon is the first major drainage you come across.
Descent[edit]
10+ rappels. Most are under 100', with a 200' angled slab rappel towards the end of the canyon. Many small drops can be downclimbed around the main drainage, though it is often steep downhill bushwhacking. Bring plenty of anchor building materials.
After the main canyon, the valley flattens out significantly. Follow the creek for about 2 miles. Stay true left of the creek when it opens up and come up onto a gravel plain. You'll soon come across the very obvious Smith Creek Trail.
Very low flow canyon by early August.
The upper section of the canyon is steep and committing. The lower section has some possible escape options as the drainage flattens out, but the terrain is very steep and brushy and an escape would be very difficult.
Exit[edit]
Take the Smith Creek Trail north following the ridge to the parking area. The exit will take you about 2 hrs. It is a fairly steep, sustained hike. Filter/bring water from the creek if possible. Avoid in hot weather.
Red tape[edit]
A fee of $5 is required for each vehicle parked at the Windy Ridge Viewpoint. Some recreation passes, including a Northwest Forest Pass, are accepted in place of the fee.
The Abraham Trail and Falls of Abraham are just outside of the restricted zones in the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This means off trail travel is permitted, however please stay on the trail on the approach and avoid trampling the sensitive vegetation.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
First descended on August 11th, 2018 by Jake Huddleston, Haruka-James Clay Lipscomb, and Barry Specht.
