We started Ape Canyon Trail first, whose trailhead is a just few hundred meters away. It's 5 mile to Loowit Trail, and shortly before that we broke out of trees. The forest trail is well maintained, smooth grade, narrow, soft and dusty, with occasional view to Mt. St. Helen. Healthy old growth. Once in the open country, the trail is rocky and more dusty. I don't know why this trail is called Ape Canyon, because you are not in a canyon. There is a crack as seen on WTA's website.
We hiked about 0.5 mile more on Loowit until we reached this spring, where I filled more water, the only water source so far. I only brought 1 litre for the day, and a couple of cans in the car. We had a snack break here, ~11am. The temperature was barely 60°F, very pleasant walking. Enough upslope and fast pace, that I worked up some sweat. Once on Loowit Trail, the view is expansive. 
On the way back, we had to wait for Barbara, whose old boots were giving her blisters.Fall color was only just starting, still saw some yarrow, a couple of paintbrush, and one single dwarf lupine in bloom. Lots of vine maples. Lots of mountain bikers (may be more than hikers), so had to wait from time to time to let them go by.
Back to the car. Another toilet visit (now, it stank). Next, we hiked Lava Canyon Trail.
This is a very popular, well constructed (started with a wheelchair accessible pavement and then wide boardwalk) 1 mile loop. From the suspension bridge, we went down further along the water (in & out of the canyon), for a ~5 mile lollipop. Spectacular, the water is almost blue, canyon walls are deep and vertical. I can not believer that I had never hiked here before, nor there was still so much water. On the opposite spectrum, our hike leader today, Mark, this is his 4th time here this year! He said there wasn't a lot more water in July.
After the suspension bridge, the trail gets steep and narrow at times. Just watch your step. So many waterfalls, big and small, rocks. At one point, there's a long ladder, almost vertical. Had to wait for your turn. 
Across from the ladder is the unmarked spur trail goes sharply to the right, and up to the "Ship". Here, we had our belated lunch, overlooking the gorge and the last two waterfalls we walked by. Much better and clear view here. There're quite a few places to get close to the tumbling water. 
Towards the bottom, where the rusty metal bridge is, water is wide and tepid, and canyon wall. I was happy to wash sweat off my face. Across the bridge, the trail is washed off. This side, another sign for Lava Canyon. It seems to go on and out more. But the dramatic view is over.
Back tracked to the suspension bridge. Now, we crossed it. It's a one way affair, so you have to wait for your turn. This one really bounces. In the middle of the bridge are fantastic views of the water. Now we walked on all the boardwalks, and the rock outside of the boardwalk to get closer to the blue water. Lots of people here. We met one lady who's 89!In a couple of weeks, this should be even more rewarding when fall colors are in full swing, as well as more water.
Total ~16 miles today. My phone registered 38K steps.
