Probably my favorite trail is in Washington State on the slopes of Mt St Helens. The description on the following web page is pretty accurate. However, on my first trip this year in July I found the blooming lupine on the Plains to be somewhat reminiscent of Dorothy and the field of Poppies - although in purple! Geologically the Pine Creek mudflow, Plains of Abraham, and the rumble of rock falls on the upper slopes of Mt St Helens make this trip a must! Ape Canyon is a narrow cleft in the ridge line that separates Pine Creek from Swift Creek. Three other volcanic peaks can be seen from points along the trail: Mt Hood, Oregon; Mt Adams and Mt Rainier, Washington. National Forest Parking permits, required at the trailhead, can be purchased (self service) at Ape Cave or Lava Canyon. Help the National Volcanic Monument out and purchase one!!

Links:
http://www.nwsource.com/outdoors/sc...biking&rt=41391

Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument:
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm/

US Geological Survey - Cascade Volcano Observatory:
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/

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Dave