Weekend Gem-The American Ridge Semi-Loop
The view from Goat Peak of Bumping Lake and beyond…
The American Ridge is one of Central Washington’s finest ridge top rambles, especially in mid-June, when snowbanks can provide you with the necessary water for an amazing camp on this mostly dry ridge. This 26.5 semi loop combines the PCT for the best of both worlds for the semi experienced backpacker, a isolated ridge with stellar views, abundant wildlife and a touch of route finding in the mix for a bit of fun. Combined with a great section of the PCT with a well traveled tread, lots of subalpine lakes for a dip and miles of wildflower filled meadows to boot. Really, the only things to consider are the driving conundrum and which way to hike this fabulous trip. Well, the 48 minute drive between Chinook Pass and the TH on the Bumping River Road isn’t terribly long, so gather up a buddy with a rig and make the trip. I suggest doing the ridge section first, just in case you have a route finding trouble and I feel that it is better to get the more challenging section out of the way in this case.
With rough thunderstorms about, Rainier shows off as the sun goes down
Starting out in the beginning of the Ridge by Cedar Springs, this gradual but ernest climb winds it way up to Goat Mountain where views in all directions are spectacular. This might be the last time you see another person on this semi popular local summit, as another “ass kicker” of a trail winds its way from the American River to the north. This is where the adventure begins, as the ridge follows open meadows of flowers or fields of rocks 12+ more miles going over and around several knobs and buttes passing dry basins populated with elk as it makes its way to the PCT. Pick a nice flat spot on top of the Ridge near a snow drift for water and enjoy an epic sunset across the Western Cascades. A fantastic one mile side trip before the PCT delivers you to Cougar Lakes, with nice camp spots and a view of dramatic House Rock. Or, stay on the trail and stay at picturesque American Lake with its open shores and waterfall that pours into its icy waters. Once on the PCT, travel north through a snow drift or two through Dewey Lakes Basin with ponds and lakes seemingly all around you, the side trips are literally limitless. The trail winds its way down through fields of flowers to Chinook Pass as this trip comes to an end, enjoy your “reward beer” and relish in this Eastern Cascades classic that few complete.
Big Basin on the American Ridge
Flower meadows for miles on the PCT near Chinook Pass