Elk in the Blast Zone


As I sit on top of the ridge, a large herd bull is minding his harem of 17 cows and calves. Several satellite bulls are circling and sparing on the periphery, but never close enough to engage the big boy.

All morning long the silence in the blast zone of Mt. St. Helens has been broken by the eerie bugles of bull elk.

Is there a sound that more symbolizes the wilderness?

Every elk hunter's dream

Every elk hunter’s dream

Sunrise on Mt. Adams

Sunrise on Mt. Adams

Paintbrush

Paintbrush

A hazy view into the crater of Mt. St.Helens

A hazy view into the crater of Mt. St.Helens

Golden Mantle

Golden Mantle

Hikers on the Boundary Trail

Hikers on the Boundary Trail

Boundary Trail leading to Spirit Lake

Boundary Trail leading to Spirit Lake

Elk keeping a close eye on your humble scribe

Elk keeping a close eye on your humble scribe

Spirit Lake (iPhone photo)

Spirit Lake (iPhone photo)

Lupine surviving in the blast zone

Lupine surviving in the blast zone

Blast Zone

Blast Zone

A hot day on the Boundary Trail

A hot day on the Boundary Trail

New vegetation in the blast zone

New vegetation in the blast zone

Categories: Washington Cascades HikesTags: , , , ,

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