Harry's Ridge June 2021 Trip Report

June 20, 2021

Mileage: 8.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 972 feet

Map:

This is a pretty moderate hike, and an amazing trail run!! Clarisse and I started off from the Johnston Ridge Visitors Center just before 7AM. We were early enough to have the whole trail to ourselves!

The views of Mount Saint Helens were perfect and the wildflowers were just starting to bloom.

The running was amazing. The trail is well graded, and pretty smooth. Still... around one mile in, I somehow managed to roll my ankle on the slightest downhill gravel section of trail.

I felt dumb, but Clarisse was really nice about it. Luckily, it was a beautiful place to lay on the dirt in pain.

I took a few minutes to let the pain roll over me and pass, but eventually I could tell the injury wouldn't be bad. Unfortunately, I'd avoid running, but I could finish this moderate hike.

This definitely makes the list of top five places I've rolled an ankle!

We saw a few small groups near the end of the trail, and more groups coming in as we were heading out. Most people seem to stick near the beginning of the trail (especially since the grand views begin right away). Even if you don't arrive as early as us, you can probably escape the crowds just by hiking a few miles in.

After, Clarisse and I got surprisingly great Mexican food in the middle of rural Washington at Chimis Family Mexican Restaurant.