11 miles of hiking • 2000' elevation gain •
Left from the South Climb Trailhead around 11:00 am. You climb for 1.3 miles through last years burned forest to the Round the Mountain trail, which heads east towards Bird Creek Meadows. The trail was in good condition with minimal snow patches. Flowers have started along much of the trail, though large patches of bare dirt are prevalent. Once you enter the Yakima Tract after 3.5 miles, it's like someone turned on a switch and the green grass, flowers and beautiful streams start flowing. Meadow after meadow, with the promise of more flowers to come surround you. After 4 miles, the trail intersects the Blue Lake trail, which you can hike down to gorgeous Crooked Creek waterfall. We returned up to the Round the Mountain trail and headed for the Hell Roaring Viewpoint trail at about 5 miles. You can hike up 1 mile to an amazing overlook of the Hell Roaring creek canyon, and massive Mt. Adams, red tinted Little Mt Adams and the Ridge of Wonders across the chasm. Perfect weather, great hike.
