Loowit Trail #216- Ape Canyon to Windy Trail

Area Status: Open

This 3.7 mile section of the Loowit Trail #216 begins at the Ape Canyon Trail #234 junction and ends at the Windy Trail #216E junction.

Wind around the east side of Mount St. Helens and enjoy views of the surrounding area. Travel over Windy Pass and then descend to the Pumice Plain. View miles of landscape transformed by the power of a volcanic eruption.

This intermittently maintained trail traverses the east side of Mount St. Helens. In places the trail location is identified by wooden post route markers and rock cairns.

Connections:

Ape Canyon Trail #234 provides access to this section of the Loowit Trail. Windy Trail #216E connects Truman Trail #207 to Loowit Trail #216.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	03/19/2024: While snow is melting quickly, the Loowit Trail is still snowbound. As the snow continues to melt, the streams and rivers around the mountain are running extremely high. Expect snow on trails above 3,000 feet.
Fees:	No fee or pass for trail use, however a $5/vehicle/day or a valid Recreation Pass required at some access points including Ape Canyon Trailhead, Climber's Bivouac Trailhead and Windy Ridge Interpretive Site. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Usage:	Light-Medium
Busiest Season:	Summer
Restrictions:	Off-trail travel, bicycles, camping, fires and livestock are prohibited to protect sensitive natural features and scientific studies between Windy Pass and the South Fork Toutle River. This 10 mile section must be completed in one day. See Mount St. Helens Map for information. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Research permits are required for off-trail travel.
Closest Towns:	Cougar, WA; Randle, WA
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers