May 24: McClellan Not Overlooked

With just two more riding weekends left before I head to Australia for the summer, I took advantage of the great weather to venture up to the McClellan Overlook in Washington for a spectacular view of the south side of Mount St. Helens, passing one stunning river and mountain view after another.

Heading north on I-205 and then east on Highway 14 this morning, I breathed in the soothing warm spring air, reveled in the feel of the sun on my back, and took in the delightful views of snow-topped Mount Hood rising into the deep blue cloudless sky to the east.

I skirted my way along the winding shores of the Columbia, drinking in the far-reaching water views of the river nestled between the evergreen-covered rolling hills on both sides. The river’s surface rippled lightly, and I could hear birds chirping as I glimpsed one delightful water view after another through the branches of the thick evergreens lining the banks.

At Carson, I turned north on Wind River Highway and proceeded to climb in elevation through the foothills of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Leaning from side to side and swooshing left and right, I continued north along the narrow road through the thick forest before turning left on Curly Creek Road and pulling into the parking lot of the McClellan Overlook.

Thankful for the unobstructed view of Mount St. Helens provided by today’s clear skies, I stopped to admire the snowy volcanic peak and surrounding mountainous ridge. With the Windy Ridge and Johnston Creek Lookouts both closed, this spot provides an ideal vantage point to see the aftermath of the 1980 explosion up close.

Continuing on Curly Creek Road, I crossed over the Swift Reservoir and made my way along its north side, bumping and jostling along the pothole-filled road underneath the generous canopy of deciduous trees and taking in more beautiful blue water views before heading south towards home. What a great day on the bike!