Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop
Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop

Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop

Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop

Distance: 8.4mi
Elevation: 1,411ft
Time: 3.5-5h

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The Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop is an 8.4mi lightly trafficked hike in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This hike is rated as moderate but requires some consideration before taking on. There’s a section of trail that is very hard to make out and leads to a narrow path on the side of a mountain with a dramatic dropoff. If you’re not keen on exposure or routefinding, try another trail. If you love a bit of adventure, give this one a shot.

Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop Map

Getting there

The trailhead for the Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop is at the Windy Ridge Interpretive Site at the end of Spirit Lake-Iron Creek Road.

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About

Backcountry Campground

No

When to do

June-November

Pets allowed

No

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Poor

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Loop


Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop
Elevation Graph


Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop Description

The Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop is an exciting hike with varied terrain. This trek feels truly remote in some parts and offers lots of challenges for a moderate hike. It feels like you’re getting up right next to a volcano on this trail- which you are!

We don’t recommend this hike for those who aren’t confident in their routefinding or who dislike high exposure. There is a section of trail that becomes very faint, and users report being led into an unsafe boulder canyon by accident. When you do find the faint trail, it takes you through a high, exposed trek on the side of a mountain that would likely feel very unsafe for some. Use your judgement and turn back if you’re uncomfortable.

Beginning from the Windy Ridge Interpretive Site, you’ll take the gravel Spirit Lake Iron Creek Road to where the trail splits. Most users prefer clockwise, so go left. You’ll navigate the steep, rocky terrain, making sure to watch for the game trail instead of taking the large boulders through a canyon. Loop around on Loowit Trail (keeping right) to pass beside Alpine Butte. Stay right to close the loop and return on the gravel road.

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