Overview
Experience the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this introductory backpacking trip to Mount St. Helens. Designed for beginners who want to learn how to set up camp, from setting up a tent to filtering water. You will meet at the Woodland Park at 9:00 AM and head together to Red Rock Pass in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Prepare to hike from Red Rock Pass over lava fields and through the forest to your scenic wilderness campsite under the shadow of the mountain. This is a great, quick trip for beginners or those who can't get many days off to adventure -you still become fully immersed in nature and learn the essential skills for your next adventure. If you are concerned about physical abilities, please reach out. The pace will be slow and steady with plenty of time for photos and soaking in the amazing surroundings.
Highlights
Hike through ancient lava flows and open plains with views of Mount St. Helens.
Hands-on learning on how to pack your bag, pitch a tent, and manage camp stoves.
A night spent under the stars at a quiet spot.
Access to essential gear (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad).
Option to add on an extra day of hiking to Sleeping Beauty or Falls Creek Falls.
Total Mileage:
5-10 miles (2.5-mile/1,000-ft hike one-way to campsite, w/ optional add-on hikes at Sleeping Beauty or Falls Creek Falls)
Transportation Included?
Yes: Round-trip transportation is provided from the Woodland park and ride meeting location to the trailhead.
Tendency for Break
Frequent
Duration:
2 Days / 1 Night
Strenuous Level:
Light
Pace:
Slow and steady with frequent breaks to catch our breath, adjust gear, and take in the view
Max Group Size:
12 Hikers
Minimum Age:
15+
Experienced Needed?
No prior backpacking experience required! This trip is intentionally designed for beginners.
This experience is perfect for:
This is a relaxed entry point for absolute beginners and families who want to try a night under the stars without high mileage.
What's Included:
A professional guide to handle navigation and logistics.
Backpacking gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and trekking poles.
Trail Meals: Lunch and dinner on day 1, and breakfast and snacks for day 2.
Round-trip transportation from the Woodland meeting point, all necessary permits, and park entrance fees.
Loaner clothing (layers) available upon request.
What's Not Included:
Personal clothing
Toiletries and personal medications
Travel Insurance
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made 7+ days in advance: Eligible for a one-time fee transfer to a new activity or date.
Cancellations made 6 days to 49 hours before your activity: Eligible for a full refund minus a $100 fee to cover administration costs and guide compensation.
Cancellations made 48 hours or less (including late arrivals or no-shows): Not eligible for a refund or transfer. (Our guides will wait up to 15 minutes past the scheduled start time; please call if you are running late.)
By booking a guided activity, you agree to these cancellation terms.
Meet your guide
Trish Schales
Guide/Owner for Trails Diverged
My primary goals as a guide are to help people build confidence, feel comfortable as a beginner, leave no trace, and recreate safely. I know how it feels to be intimidated by a new activity, and I will always work to be sure you feel safe physically and emotionally so that you can enjoy our trip and learn something new.
During our time together, I will call upon of 6,000 miles of backcountry experience & Search and Rescue experience to help you enjoy the outdoors safely. I strive to provide a personalized experience that shows a different side of the world to my clients, and to help them gain a better and deeper understanding of the sites and destinations we visit.
My passion is helping people that don't have the income to "try out" backpacking and wilderness exploration. My goal is to make access affordable and safe, while building confidence and life-long memories.
I have Wilderness First Responder training and practice the Leave No Trace principles so that we can recreate responsibly and conserve our special places for generations to come. I also teach Wilderness survival classes and backcountry navigation - I take care of the planning and medical gear so you can relax and enjoy the view. I have been a dedicated Professional Guide since 2020, and I was awarded the prestigious REI Guide of the Year Award in 2024.
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