Access: See directions for Bird Creek Meadows (descending via the road at the north end of the parking lot for about one mile to the trailhead in an open meadow on the north side of the road) or Bench Lake (hiking or driving steeply upwards for about one mile).
Water: Carry bottled water (Faucet water currently not available at Bench Lake). There are several clear streams through Hellroaring Meadows plus Heart Lake, but water from these sources should be chemically treated or filtered before consumption.
Permits: Carry a daily access permit available from signed pay stations at Mirror Lake, the Bird Creek Meadows Trailhead or at Bench Lake. Back country camping is no longer permitted at Heart Lake. Likewise, hiking off the trail or further west than Heart Lake is not permitted (It is very wet, buggy and in many places the vegetation is very dense and literally grows sideways in the upper valley, so movement west of Heart Lake can be very limited.). Note that Yakama rangers do check this trail and around Heart Lake on a regular basis looking for people where they shouldn't be.
The trailhead is at a helicopter landing area (rarely used) and has room for several autos. There is also a pit toilet at this location. The meadows at this location are densely populated with glaucous penstemon (penstemon euglaucus) and Rocky Mt. Canada goldenrod (Solidago lepida var. salebrosa). Their are decent photographic views with the flowered meadow in the foreground and either Little Mt. Adams or the southeast face of Mt. Adams in the background. Search the meadow for the best place to set up your tripod, but be careful where you walk so the 'tender' flowers aren't trampled!
The hike into the lower sections of Hellroaring Meadows is fairly level and short, measuring at most about one mile in length one way. The trail at first passes through fairly dense coniferous forest with Hellroaring Creek heard at several locations nearby on the steep, heavily forested slopes on the north side of the trail. After about one-half mile, the forest begins to open up with wet shrub-filled or sedge-filled meadows becoming apparent on the north side of the trail, along with a small stream. By about three-quarters of a mile, you will reach an area with rockfall which the trail crosses. At this point be looking for a trail which turns north (right) and crosses a small stream before crossing the meadow to the north. There should be several posts across the meadow with blazes on them (one visible just on the opposite side of the creek). Follow this trail out into the meadow. You will have to ford a larger stream (perhaps uncrossable during a heavy rain) or look downstream for a log to cross. The trail continues north for about another 100 meters and then ascends a small hill atop which Heart Lake is located. There are several old campsites around the lake which provide good locations for a picnic.
At the north end of the lake, look for a small trail which descends to the northeast. This will take you to Hellroaring Creek and within 100 meters, to a waterfall which is not a shear drop but probably more a rapid descent of the 75 degree slope. Unfortunately, it is hard to get a good view of the fall as it is viewed from above. Be aware that the slopes here are steep and slippery, so be careful especially with pet dogs and children.
Return to the trailhead via the same route.
Partial Plant Lists:
August 14, 2012: Hellroaring Meadows Trail to Hellroaring Falls
August 13, 2004: Hellroaring Meadows, Heart Lake & Hellroaring Falls
