Trail #1 Boundary

Area Status: Open

The west end of this trail is open to hikers only (from Bear Meadows west). The east end of the trail is open to motorcycles, hikers, horses and bicycles (from Bear Meadows east).

The Boundary Trail is 53.7 miles long and has numerous access points and trail junctions. The trail once formed the boundary between the Columbia and Rainier National Forests. Now it marks the southern boundary of the Cowlitz Valley District. This was an important trail in the early history of the Forest Service as it was the principal route used by rangers on horseback patrols. The trail was well established by 1911.

From the west the trail begins at Norway Pass area within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. From Norway Pass to Bear Meadows the trail is open to hikers only. Enjoy excellent views of Mount St. Helens as you hike through the blown-down forest.

From Bear Meadows eastward the trail is open to hikers, horses, motorcycles and bicycles. From Bear Meadow to Elk Pass (4.5 miles), the trail is on a timbered, broad ridge, with occasional views of St. Helens along its length, this trail offers views of St. Helens, Rainier, Adams and a few glimpses of Hood. This area was glaciated repeatedly during the Ice Age. The marks of the glaciers' passage can be seen in the knifelike ridges and cirque basins all along the trail. The trail ends in the east at Council Lake.

Trail segments:

Boundary Trail #1: Hummocks #229 to Johnston Ridge Observatory, (Mount St. Helens 360-449-7800)
Boundary Trail #1: Johnsons Ridge Observatory to Truman Trail #207, (Mount St. Helens 360-449-7800)
Boundary Trail #1: Norway Pass TH to Norway Pass, (Mount St. Helens 360-449-7800)
Boundary Trail #1: Norway Pass TH to Truman #207, (Mount St. Helens 360-449-7800)
Boundary Trail #1: Norway Pass to Elk Pass, (Mount St. Helens 360-449-7800)
Boundary Trail #1: Elk Pass TH to YellowJacket #1A, (Cowlitz Valley Ranger District 360-497-1100)
Boundary Trail #1: YellowJacket #1A to Council Lake, Cowlitz Valley Ranger District 360-497-1100)

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	06/08/2023: Hummocks Trailhead and Johnston Ridge Trailhead for the Boundary Trail are unreachable due to a closure on State Route 504 at MP 43 due to an active landslide, Learn More. The Norway Pass and Elk Pass trailheads will reopen later this season as the snow melts off the road.
Restrictions:	This trail closed to ATV use.
Closest Towns:	Randle, WA; Packwood WA
Passes:	Some trailheads that access this trail may require a valid Recreation Pass.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Cowlitz Valley Ranger District (east section) Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument (west section)

General Information

Directions:

Norway Pass Trailhead: From Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer right in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Follow Forest Road 25 for 17.9 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 99. Follow Forest Road 99 for 8.9 and turn right on Forest Road 26. Follow Forest Road 26 for 1 mile and arrive at the Norway Pass Trail Head on your left.

Fee: $5/vehicle/day Passes: Recreation Passes may be used as form of fee payment.

Lat: 46.304474, Long: -122.082194

Elk Pass Trailhead: From Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer right in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Follow Forest Road 25 for 21.9 miles and arrive at the trail. The trail crosses Forest Road 25 road at this point.

Lat: 46.289336, Long: -121.968251

Council Lake Trailhead: From Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer left in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Continue to follow Forest Service Road 23 for approximately 32 miles and turn right on Forest Road 2334. Follow Forest Road 2334 for approximately 1 mile and turn right on Forest Road 2324016. Follow Forest Road 2324016 for approximately .5 miles and arrive at Council Lake.

Lat: 46.261031, Long: 46.261031