Little St. Helens

This often overlooked hike is a great 6.5-mile out-and-back to "Little St. Helens." The undemanding terrain is surrounded by a new-growth forest, frequent views, and seasonal wildflowers. The majority of the hike follows old logging roads that have been converted into singletrack as part of the South Fork Snoqualmie Riding Area. Because the trail network is still young you're not likely to have too much company (for now).

Begin at the trailhead and start up the Hansen Ridge Trail. Hikeers will complete about half of this road-to-singletrack converted trail before splitting off onto the Carter Creek Trail higher up on the ridge (marked Harris Lake Trail).

Continue along the Carter Creek Trail for about a third-of-a-mile until the switchbacks level off and the trail turns to the south (right). Turn to the left instead, and cross over a nondescript berm onto the decommissioned NF 810 road. Follow the road around the ridge for short distance, until the gradual climb leads to a saddle. Hikeers may wish to turn around here, as the actual summit ahead is a clump of trees that is hard to get to.

Either way, enjoy the expansive views before heading back to the trailhead the way you came. Alternatively, to make the hike more of a loop, it's possible to follow the rest of the Hansen Ridge Trail to the south where it ends on the Hansen Ridge Road Connector that will also lead back to the parking area.