Access: See directions for Bench Lake. The trailhead is on the north side of the lake across from the road down to the boat ramp (and opposite the camping and daily permit registration sign).
Water: Water throughout the season is only available at Hellroaring Creek. Water currently (2022) is not available at Bench Lake Campground (The spring box at the campground needs repair so the faucets near each campsite are inoperative.). Carry plenty of bottled water. Several small streams may be crossed early in the season and there are springs (hard to find) higher on the ridge. Treat all open waters with chemical purification or by filtering.
Permits: Carry the daily access permit (available at the signed permit station opposite the trailhead). Back country camping and travel off the trail are not permitted (the latter is not advisable due to the steep slopes and dense vegetation which make route finding difficult).
The Island Springs Trail originally led to a campsite high on the ridge (at this point, known as the Island on maps) which was frequently used until the 1960s when the Yakamas took over ownership of the area. No sign of the camp remains. Today, numerous campers from Bench Lake climb the trail which becomes difficult on its upper stretches for brief hikes, or as longer day hikes.
Note: The 2015 Cougar Creek Fire burned around and especialy around Bench Lake, heavily damaging timberlands there, resulting in numerous downed logs across the Island Springs Trail and burning the bridge across Hellroaring Creek. The trail down to Hellroaring Creek and out to the northern junction with the Hellroaring Creek Loop Trail #110 has been cleared each of the past springs, but it has been nearly a decade since the Island Springs Trail has been worked on. There will be numerous large trees down across the trail with dense stands of encroaching shrubs (sideways growing slide alders and snowbrush) that will make travel along this route very difficult (and unsafe) until a trail crew can get in and clear the trail and re-establish tread work to make the trail easy to find. Steep terrain and the numerous (emphasizing numerous) downed trees would make attempts at cross country travel very difficult.
From the Trailhead, hike northward for about 100 meters before descending about 500' in elevation fairly steeply to Hellroaring Creek. Cross the wooden bridge (The creek can be to forceful to ford in highwater!) over the creek and then turn sharply left as the trail follows the creek westward for about 50 meters through a very moist area (until midsummer). The trail then turns north, traversing a wet meadow of high grass and herbs (You will be wet from mid chest down during wet weather!) before climbing drier grassy slopes. Within another 100 meters you will meet the junction with the Hellroaring Creek Trail #110 which veers right (downstream). This is poorly signed with some old Forest Service signs laying on the slope across from the trail junction as the only indication this is not a game trail. The Hellroaring Creek Trail provides a good loop trail to hike back to the lake, taking another hour and more to return to the lake. Perhaps 50 years ago or more, the trail continued eastward along Hellroaring Creek to the Mt. Adams Highway, but this trail is now too hard to find past the downstream crossing of the creek.
To continue on the Island Springs Trail, continue straight, traversing drier grassy slopes with subalpine mariposa lilies (Calochortus subalpinus) and later, with numerous asters in bloom with numerous aspens visible upslope. Within 100 meters the trail enters coniferous forest and it curves north briefly before it crosses Island Springs Creek (easily forded). The trail continues upwards through dry forest with patches of shrubs and moist riparian areas. Look for the large old growth Douglas fir, western larch and ponderosa pine to be found along the trail. There are also numerous wildflower and shrub species along the trail which seem to be found no place else on the mountain.
Within one-half mile, the old trail becomes harder to follow due to large downed trees and later because of a slide which took the trail downslope about 10 feet or so. At this point, the trail must be bushwacked as it is faint due to much heavy growth of shrubbery, especially early in season. This is the first of numerous points where it could be easy to get lost if one doesn't pay attention. Refind the trail (probably slightly upslope). The trail continues perhaps another half mile up the slope before reaching the top of the ridge, traversing colorful wildflower slopes with numerous butterlies.
The top of the ridge makes a good point to rest and then turn back. There is no good viewpoint towards Mt. Adams from anyplace along the trail. If one continues on the trail, the trail remains visible for about one-half mile, climbing gently through open forest before descending into the broad valley of the upper Island Springs Creek. The official, visible trail usually ends where the creek (dry most of the year) drops sharply down from the ridge towards Hellroaring Creek.
An old trail continues steeply upwards towards Little Mt. Adams and the Ridge of Wonders beyond it, generally following the ridgeline. Those who venture beyond this point should be aware that there are numerous paths, and often they lead to deadends too low on the slope. If you venture up this route, do so with plenty of water and with the understanding that this is true wilderness. If you are injured, it will take a number of hours to get help to you. In addition, the trail is easily lost, and one can easily get lost, especially while descending.
To avoid problems, generally follow trails steeply upwards, trying to head towards the right or north side of Little Mt. Adams. Some of the trails have blazes on them, so try to follow them as best as you can.You may have to cross over numerous downed trees. After about one hour of constant climbing the forest begins to open up and you will encounter very sandy ground as you pass the north side of Little Mt. Adams.
At a rocky, sandy flat on the northside of this young cinder cone, there is an unofficial trail to the top. Stay on the trail if you wish to climb the cone as its slopes contain many rare plants on its slopes. Return the same way, looking for stone cairns marking the route before it descends into the forest.
August 13, 2012: Island Springs Trail #66 & Ridge of Wonders to Little Mt. Adams
August 25, 2005: Island Springs Trail #66
July 17, 2005: Meadows along Hellroaring Creek at Island Springs Trail
July 16, 2005: Island Springs Trail #66
September 5, 2004: Island Springs Trail #66
August 14, 2004: Island Springs Trail #66 - Mt. Adams