Mt. Saint Helena: Enjoy the Heat

Captain’s Log: Hike 4

After the fun of Tam and pain of Diablo, Helena didn’t have much to offer. The first stretch of the trial has some easy switchbacks and good shade. As soon as it connects into the main trail all trees vanish and it is an exposed dirt trail the rest of the way. On hot days or later in the afternoon it is scorching. Fortunately this is a short, easy hike so you can escape the heat quickly. The trail has a very gradual grade to it. It is an easy walk to the plaque at the summit. The views are amazing from the peak, but it definitely feels unearned based on how easy this hike was.  The hardest part was driving the winding road to the trailhead. Stop by Russian River Brewery on the way back to The Bay to make the most of this trip.