Mount St. Helens & Silver Falls
After a stop in Seattle to pick up our van, we are heading south for the next month, with plans to hit seven National Parks in Oregon and California. But first we have some non-NPS detours that turned out to be just as amazing.
Starting this trip by ducking into Mount St. Helens seemed only appropriate, because we’d finished last year’s trip at Mount Rainier. These two volcanoes are cousins, the only difference being that in 1980, Mount St. Helens blew her top! What’s left is quite remarkable.
The area around the mountain is run by the US Forrest Service (as part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forrest), and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is also affiliated with the US Geological Survey. So, while this is not a “national park” in any form, it is still preserved public land that gives off similar vibes to a Park.
Our stop at the visitor center found the peak socked in — no views. So we went inside, watched the video, learned, sat down with Junior Ranger book, got our badges, and went back to check the mountain again. To our great delight, she had peaked out, and we had a front row view as the mountain disrobed of the cloud cover and showed her majesty. A short hike part way out the Boundary Trail, and we needed to be on our way. However, we could have spent much longer hiking around the area, and would love to come back on a future trip.
Our destination the next day was Silver Falls State Park near Salem, Oregon. But first we spend a good part of the day in Portland hitting up some must-see spots like Voodoo Donuts, Pittock Mansion, Powell’s Books, Jackpot Records, and Breakside Brewing! We pulled into our Silver Falls campsite, just before dusk.
While sitting by the campfire, something brushed by leg. A little startled, I flipped on my phone flashlight to find…a skunk! Apparently he’s a friendly guy, known to cruise the campsite, but the fear of getting sprayed was a bit shocking. Remember to lock up your food at Silver Falls (and everywhere really….if it’s not the bears and skunks, it’ll be the foxes, raccoons, mice, or birds.)
A day at Silver Falls State Park hold serve with almost any National Park. The Trail of Ten Falls is an 11.4 miles hike with — you guessed it — 10 waterfalls, at least three of which you can walk behind. It’s a truly magical place, and we thank the Instagram influencers who put it on our radar!
Tired from the long hike, we hit the REI in Eugene before dinner and a late arrival at Crater Lake.
Wildlife sitings for the day: chipmunk, birds, slug, and that skunk!