Trail #1: Boundary- Hummocks to Norway Pass TH to Bear Meadow Interpretive Site
This section of Boundary Trail #1 is open to hikers only.
Hummocks to Johnston Ridge
Beginning at its intersection with the short loop trail Hummocks #229, this 4.6-mile section of the Boundary Trail #1 offers hikers the opportunity to see firsthand the effects of the May 1980 eruption. Views of Mount St. Helens and North Fork Toutle River valley are among the sights.
Begin at Hummock/Boundary Trailhead and take the Hummocks Trail #229 for 0.5 miles to its junction with Boundary Trail #1. Elk can often be seen around the junction, grazing in the grassy meadows. The trail crosses debris avalanche deposits before beginning the steep and steady climb of Johnston Ridge. Switchbacks cross patches of blast shattered stumps and blown down trees. After the initial 1200-foot elevation gain, the trail traverses Johnston Ridge, offering views of the debris-filled North Fork Toutle River valley and Mount St. Helens. The trail then passes Loowit Viewpoint, climbs 200 feet in 0.8 mile, and brings you to Johnston Ridge Observatory, 4.6 miles from the junction with Hummocks Trail.
Johnston Ridge to Truman Trail
From Johnston Ridge Observatory this section of the Boundary Trail #1 travels east towards Spirit Lake to its junction with Truman Trail #207. Head south on Truman Trail #207 just east of Spirit Lake or continue north along the Boundary Trail #1 to Coldwater Peak then east to Norway Pass. This section of the Boundary Trail is beautiful hike through the Mount St Helens blast area offering up views of Spirit Lake, Loowit Falls and the Mount St. Helens crater.
Harry's Ridge Trail #1E is an 0.8-mile spur trail off the Boundary Trail #1 that provides outstanding views of Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens.
Truman Trail to Norway Pass TH
This section of Boundary Trail #1 runs 13.2 miles from Truman Trail #207 to Norway Pass Trailhead east to west. Most people accessing this portion of Boundary Trail #1 will start at Norway Pass Trailhead and hike west. Norway Pass Trailhead is a major access point to Mount Margaret Backcountry.
From Norway Pass Trailhead this maintained trail climbs steadily east to Norway Pass and then switchbacks up to Bear Pass. You'll pass junctions with Independence Ridge Trail #227A, Independence Pass Trail #227 and Lakes Trail #211. Boundary Trail #1 follows the north side of the ridge providing views of Meta Lake, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. Mount St. Helens remains hidden from view until the trail reaches a rewarding vista at Norway Pass which is one of the Monument's most dramatic views. Portions of this part of the trail are steep and little shade is offered. The trail continues east to traverse the Mount Margaret ridgeline. It then descends from Mt. Margaret and then climbs steeply to the Coldwater Peak area and its junction with Truman Trail #207.
Norway Pass TH to Bear Meadow Interpretive Site
This section of Boundary Trail #1 starts at Norway Pass Trailhead and heads east to Bear Meadow Interpretive Site.
Enjoy excellent views of Mount St. Helens as you hike through the blown-down forest within the Monument. The trail winds in and out of patches of green and standing dead timber. You will observe that many trees were protected from the searing blast winds by high ridges deflecting the main force of the eruption, leaving some trees only singed and others untouched. Take a side trip to explore the eerie shores of Ghost Lake (via Ghost Lake Trail #1H) which is surrounded by the gray skeletal remains of what was once a lush green forest. As you walk look for small trees that survived the eruption because they were shielded beneath a blanket of snow!
As you continue you will enter a forest that is much like the one that once surrounded Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake before the Mount St Helens eruption in 1980. You'll access views of the jagged peak of Mount Hood and the lush young forest of the Clearwater Valley. This valley was salvaged and replanted following the eruption.
Care should be taken not to disturb developing plant and animal life along the fragile shoreline of Ghost Lake.
General Information
Boundary Trail #1 spans 32.4 miles, running from the Hummocks Trail at Mount St. Helens east to Council Lake within the Cowlitz Valley area.
There are a couple of areas near Loowit Viewpoint that may be a little challenging to cross due to previous washouts on the Boundary Trail. Use caution on these particular sections of the trail.
Summers can be hot and dry, fall windy and wet. Please be prepared. Carry the ten essentials. To protect plants, animals and scientific studies please stay on established routes whenever possible. Day use only along Hummocks to Johnston Ridge.
Snow covered slopes can exist into mid-summer. Hikers should be prepared for changes in weather and terrain. This section of the Boundary Trail is exposed with little shade or protection from wind, sun and rain.
- No fee or pass required at Hummocks Trail Trailhead.
- Site use at Johnston Ridge Observatory requires an America the Beautiful Pass or $12 per adult, children 15 and younger are free. An ANNUAL Northwest Forest Pass admits one.
- Windy Ridge Interpretive Site and Norway Pass TH both require a Recreation Pass or $5/vehicle/day. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
A Mount Margaret Backcountry Permit is required for camping in the Mount Margaret Backcountry. Camping is allowed in designated sites only. Permits are by advance reservation only.
No water along trail
Boundary Trail east of Norway Pass Trailhead is within the restricted area boundary:
- No livestock, bicycles, pets, or fires are allowed.
- Camping is allowed in designated sites with a Mount Margaret Backcountry Permit.
- Off-trail travel and camping are prohibited to protect sensitive natural features and scientific studies. Research permits are required for off-trail travel. Off-trail travel by people or pets tramples vegetation and impacts sensitive research areas
- No stock or bicycles.
- See Mount St. Helens Map for more information.
Restrictions in the Mount Margaret Backcountry:
- To protect natural features, pack stock and bicycles are prohibited in the Mount Margaret Backcountry.
- Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Hiking in this environment can pose the following dangers to pets:
- Little to no shade
- Little to no water availability
- Blowing dust and fine particulate matter
- Abrasive trail surfaces due to volcanic rock
- Hiking in this environment can pose the following dangers to pets:
- Fires are not allowed, plan to use a camp stove for cooking.
Address: 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd. Amboy, WA 98601
Phone: (360) 449-7800
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am - 4:00pm. (Closed Daily: 12:00 - 1pm). Closed: Tuesday and Thursday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Additional Information
Operated By
Forest Service
