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http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/328/vfrdvfrsthelenjj.jpg)
While some of the roads approaching Mt. St. Helens from the east have deteriorated in the last few years, it is still one my personal favorites. Unique views of volcanic destruction and nature's ability to recover along with some of the curviest roads in the PNW make for a great ride. Tight corners, bumpy pavement repairs, pumice debris, and tourist traffic give the road a double black diamond rating, best be cautious the first trip.
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http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9173/wrsatlite.png)
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http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/4066/vfrdvolcanolays.jpg)
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http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9334/vfrdcurves.jpg)
From the walkway to the upper viewpoint, in addition to St Helens, you get a nice view of some of the other volcanoes in the Cascade range
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http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7171/vfrdstairs2.jpg)
Mt Adams to the east
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http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/4060/vfrdadamsfar.jpg)
with a little zoom
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http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/9323/vfrdadamzoom.jpg)
Rainier behind Spirit Lake
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http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6889/vfrdspiritrainier.jpg)
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http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2506/vfrdbones.jpg)
Mt Hood to the south
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http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6519/vfrdhoodfarjj.jpg)
Video starting at the edge of the blast zone, about halfway up Windy ridge.
http://www.vimeo.com/6348137.
VFOr, Sep 7 2009, 01:18 PM(IMG:http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/328/vfrdvfrsthelenjj.jpg)
While some of the roads approaching Mt. St. Helens from the east have deteriorated in the last few years, it is still one my personal favorites. Unique views of volcanic destruction and nature's ability to recover along with some of the curviest roads in the PNW make for a great ride. Tight corners, bumpy pavement repairs, pumice debris, and tourist traffic give the road a double black diamond rating, best be cautious the first trip.
(IMG:http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9173/wrsatlite.png)
(IMG:http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/4066/vfrdvolcanolays.jpg)
(IMG:http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9334/vfrdcurves.jpg)
From the walkway to the upper viewpoint, in addition to St Helens, you get a nice view of some of the other volcanoes in the Cascade range
(IMG:http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7171/vfrdstairs2.jpg)
Mt Adams to the east
(IMG:http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/4060/vfrdadamsfar.jpg)
with a little zoom
(IMG:http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/9323/vfrdadamzoom.jpg)
Rainier behind Spirit Lake
(IMG:http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6889/vfrdspiritrainier.jpg)
(IMG:http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2506/vfrdbones.jpg)
Mt Hood to the south
(IMG:http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6519/vfrdhoodfarjj.jpg)
Video starting at the edge of the blast zone, about halfway up Windy ridge.
http://www.vimeo.com/6348137
.
Very nice. Been there myself.
Mount St. Helen's Caldera in the background. The photo was taken from Johnston ridge:
(IMG:
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/redrider826/DSCN0941.jpg)
Mount Rainier. The photo was taken from Tacoma:
(IMG:
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/redrider826/DSCN0896.jpg)
The Oregon coast:
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http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/redrider826/OregonCoast-4.jpg)
That looks like the coast from the last scene in Goonies. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
I know that part of Goonies was filmed in Astoria, Or.
But back on topic, I will have to put Mt St. Helens on my list.
Great pics and vid. That Mt. St. Helens road is so much fun. I've been through there three times in four years - absolutely love it.
I haven't been up that way in a couple of years, and then the east approach to the crater (Windy Ridge) was closed. Used to love riding east and west sides, but the east roads have deteriorated some, especially between Randle and Windy Ridge. Don't miss that section at all.
The pics and video were great, thanks for sharing, and for reviving some fond memories. That's a beautiful anniversary VFR.
Was looking for a camping spot east of Mt. St. Helens and came across a Moto Guzzi rider who invited me to join their annual Washington campout. What a great bunch of folks, with some very cool bikes. A Saturday night cedar plank salmon cookout and Sunday morning breakfast, with lots of river chilled cold beer and other beverages contributed to a lively atmosphere. I was the only Honda rider there, a total outsider, but still managed to enjoy myself.
There are also some very nice twisties in the Mt. Adams area. Damn, I do miss riding up that way. But Idaho ain't all bad, and eastern Oregon is most drool-worthy.
Nice write up! Someday I'll make it to those parts...
Nice pics. Off topic but what kind of bags are those? They look good on the bike.
EmeraldVFR, Sep 7 2009, 11:39 AMMount Rainier. The photo was taken from Tacoma:
(IMG:http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/redrider826/DSCN0896.jpg)
Rainier has its own unique scenic qualities, but the road isn't nearly as fun
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http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/9564/vfrdx.jpg)
(IMG:
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4099/vfrdaz.jpg)
ncblkvfr, Sep 7 2009, 02:48 PMNice pics. Off topic but what kind of bags are those? They look good on the bike.
Chase Harper Stealth saddlebags, not quite big enough for multi-day riding, but good for day rides.
VFOr, Sep 7 2009, 07:46 PMEmeraldVFR, Sep 7 2009, 11:39 AMMount Rainier. The photo was taken from Tacoma:
(IMG:http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/redrider826/DSCN0896.jpg)
Rainier has its own unique scenic qualities, but the road isn't nearly as fun
(IMG:http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/9564/vfrdx.jpg)
(IMG:http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4099/vfrdaz.jpg)
EXTRA NICE senic photo's (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
