Mount St. Helens East: Forest Roads 25 & 99
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Roads 25 and 99 provide access to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument's vast blown down forest and views of the legendary Spirit Lake. These forest roads are typically open from late June until November.
On Forest Road 99, stop at one of eight interpretive sites, enjoy the views and learn about the volcano and eruption by reading interpretive signs. These sites include: Bear Meadow Interpretive Site, Blast Edge Viewpoint Monument Entry, Miners Car Interpretive Site, Meta Lake Interpretive Site, Cascade Peaks, Harmony Falls Viewpoint, Smith Creek Picnic and Viewpoint, and Windy Ridge Interpretive Site.
Other great opportunities include mountain biking, hiking and/or picnicking at Smith Creek and journeying into the Mount Margaret Backcountry via the Norway Pass Trail.
Lodging, gas and other services are offered in nearby communities. Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station, in Randle, WA, open to visitors daily during the summer season.
View the Accessible Adventures Video: Mount St. Helens East Side
ATTENTION: A section of Forest Road 25 will remain closed between just south of Clearwater Overlook and Elk Pass Trailhead. Access to Windy Ridge and Forest Road 99 is only possible from the north from Randle, WA. Travel to this area from the south section of Forest Road 25 is blocked.
General Information
Forest Road 99 conditions information:
For current conditions North of Bear Meadows, contact Cowlitz Valley Ranger District: (360) 497 1103.
For current conditions South of Bear Meadows, contact Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: (360) 449-7800.
Restrictions:
- No camping on Forest Road 99 within the National Volcanic Monument.
- Travel is allowed on approved trails only.
- Off-trail travel, dogs, livestock, fires, bicycles, and camping are prohibited to protect sensitive natural features and scientific studies.
- Research permits are required for off-trail travel.
Restricted access along Forest Road 25 due to a significant landslide and subsequent slope destabilization at milepost (MP) 26. Forest Road 25 is closed as a through-route until further notice. Forest Road 99/Windy Ridge is only accessible via Forest Road 25 via Randle, WA. Check current road conditions for Forest Road 25.
$5/vehicle/day at most developed recreation sites, or a valid Recreation Pass. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & District
Contact Phone: (360) 449-7800
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
