Backpacking

Backpacking Areas

• Cowlitz Valley area

  The Cowlitz Valley area is administered by the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. This area is located in the Northern most portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington, and comprises about 575,000 acres of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Cowlitz Valley area is roughly located among three volcanic peaks:  Mt. Adams to the east, Mt. Rainier (Tahoma) to the north, and Mt. St. Helens Volcanic Monument to the west. A line connecting Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens following the Boundary Trail #1 makes up the southern boundary. On clear days this trail affords spectacular views.

  Nearby towns include Packwood, Glenoma, Morton and Ashford. The area has numerous campgrounds and over 500 miles of trails for a wide variety of users. Cowlitz Valley Ranger District manages four Wilderness areas including the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Glacier View Wilderness, Tatoosh Wilderness and William O Douglass Wilderness. Major River Drainages include the Cowlitz River, Clear Fork of the Cowlitz, and the Cispus River.

  Nearby attractions include East entrance (Blast Zone) to Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Mt. Rainier National Park. Mt. Rainier Information and Contact

• Trail #90 Angry Mountain

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail climbs up steep switchbacks towards Angry Mountain. After entering the Goat Rocks Wilderness, it reaches an open ridge and the grade continues until the trail ends on Lily Basin Trail #86. The highest point on Angry Mountain is 6,049 feet. The name might have come from people hiking the extremely steep ridgeline on the south slope of the mountain. Or the name might refer to the frequent storm clouds surrounding the summit. Wilderness permits are required when entering a Wilderness area. Permits are free and self issued at trailheads.  There is no camping or water access.

• Trailhead: Angry Mountain
• Forest Road 2150
• Forest Road 2750
• Trail #257 Badger Ridge
• Trail #228B Angel Falls Loop
• Trail #252 Big Creek
• Trail #269 Allen Mountain
• Trail #101: Walupt Lake

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  The Walupt Lake Trail is within Goat Rocks Wilderness. It begins in the Walupt Lake Campground and follows the lakeshore until reaching Walupt Creek. The trail along the lake is flat and offers great views of the lake.  At the end of the lake the trailclimbs into an open alpine area before turning southeast, ending on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.

  The Walupt Lake Trail was used into this century by Yakama people who came to the 384-acre lake and fished for native trout, using fish traps.

• Trailhead: Walupt Lake
• Trail #109 Hamilton Peak
• Trail #110 Green Mountain
• Trail #116 High Lakes
• Trail #118 Hamilton Buttes
• Trail #119 Blue Lake Butte
• Trail #121 Coleman Weedpatch

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  Trail #121 starts on Forest Road 2160 a few miles before Walupt Lake Campground at the Coleman Weedpatch Trailhead.  The trail heads south along the border of Goat Rocks Wilderness through dense second growth conifers and ends on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.

  The Coleman Weedpatch Horse Trail #121A is a short access trail connecting Walupt Horse Camp to the Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121. The trailhead is about a mile west of Walupt Lake on Forest Road 2160 where Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121 heads into the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

• Trailhead: Coleman Weedpatch
• Trail #123 South Point Lookout
• Trail #125 Dry Creek
• Trail #128 Pompey Peak
• Trail #161 Tatoosh

  This trail is open to hiking and horseback riding only.

  From Tatoosh North Trailhead the Tatoosh Trail climbs into Tatoosh Wilderness through dense forest for approximately 2 miles before coming to the open subalpine terrain of Tatoosh Ridge. Following the ridge south, the trail passes many scenic openings then descends steeply to Forest Road 5290 and Tatoosh South Trailhead.

  The Tatoosh Trail was originally built to access a grazing allotment for cattle. There was also a Native American trail up Tatoosh Ridge, east of the existing trail. Parts of this trail can still be found today.

  Special Conditions: Steep with exposures. Limited trailhead space at both ends. Camping opportunities along the trail are limited.

• Trail #164 Backbone Lake
• Trail #1A Yellowjacket
• Trail #1C Boulder
• Trail #2000 Pacific Crest, William O. Douglas
• Trail #2000: Pacific Crest Trail, Goat Rocks
• Trail #22 Carlton Creek

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail advances through dense old growth forest until ending at the junction with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 within William O. Douglas Wilderness. Be prepared to cross muddy stretches and several small streams.

  This trail begins at mile post 1.7 on Forest Road 44. The trail follows road 44 for 4.8 miles to the end of the road. Carlton Creek must be forded at two locations within this stretch. Carlton Pass was named for William H. Carlton who led a Northern Pacific Railroad survey crew through the pass in 1867. Look for blazed trees along the trail, which marked a cross-mountain route surveyed in 1905.

• Trailhead: Carlton Creek
• Trail #220 Strawberry Mountain
• Trail #248 Puyallup
• Trail #249 Lake Christine

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail begins on Forest Road 5920 at the trailhead and climbs a short distance through a timber harvest area before entering the Glacier View Wilderness. 

  The trail enters a high elevation conifer forest before reaching Lake Christine.  From the lake, it continues north through moderately dense forest, ending at Puyallup Trail #248.

• Trailhead: Lake Christine
• Trail #250 Osborne Mountain
• Trail #253 Greenwood Lake
• Trail #258 Silver Creek
• Trail #259 Langille Ridge
• Trail #259A McCoy Peak
• Trail #261 Juniper Ridge
• Trail #261A Sunrise Peak
• Trail #262 Sunrise
• Trail #263 Dark Meadow
• Trail #265 East Canyon
• Trailhead: High Rock/Greenwood Lake
• Trail #267 Glacier View

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This 3 mile trail provides excellent views of Mt. Rainier and access to a short trail up Glacier View within Glacier View Wilderness. This trail leaves Forest Road 59 and follows the northern boundary of Glacier View Wilderness. The trail descends and ends at Lake West.

• Trailhead: Glacier View
• Trail #270 Valley
• Trail #271 Blue Lake Ridge

  This trail is open to motorcycle, ATV, hiker, bicycle, and horse use.

  This 11.7 mile multiple use trail climbs steadily through conifer forests and has heavy use. A short section of the trail above Blue Lake is "Hiker Only" to minimize noise near the lake.

  Blue Lake Ridge Trail leaves the trailhead on Forest Road 23 and crosses several roads before coming to Blue Lake (at mile 3). The trail proceeds along a rolling ridge, passing by Mouse Lake before descending to Valley Trail #270.

  A short section of the trail above Blue Lake is "Hiker Only" to minimize noise near the lake. Other users must use Jumpoff Trail #271A and Bishop Ridge Trail #272 to continue the loop. Blue Lake is at the headwaters of Blue Lake Creek.

  The lake was most likely created when a stream was dammed by lava flows from the Blue Lake Volcano, a cinder cone rising immediately west of the lake.

• Trailhead: Blue Lake ORV
• Trail #272 Bishop Ridge
• Trail #274 Blue Lake Hiker

  This trail is open to hiker use only.

  This 2.5 mile trail follows a deep canyon along Blue Lake Creek, which was formed in part to melting glaciers thousands of years ago.  The 250 foot wall of columnar basalt was formed by volcanic eruptions beneath a glacier.

  The trail climbs steeply in some areas, with rock steps built in to make the climb easier.  There are two foot bridges crossing the creek before the trail ends at Blue Lake.  The trail is challenging and includes steep side slopes, cliff exposures, and rock stairways.

  The access road to this trailhead is steep and narrow.

• Trailhead: Blue Lake Hiker
• Trail #275 Kraus Ridge
• Trail #276 Yozoo
• Trail #283 Rough
• Trail #292: Mosquito Meadows
• Trail #293 High Bridge
• Trail #294 Tongue Mountain
• Trail #41 Crossover
• Trail #42 Kincaid

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  Located on Carlton Ridge, this trail enters the William O. Douglas Wilderness at mile 3.5 and offers excellent views of Mt. Rainier.

  This 8.8 mile trail begins on Forest Road 4510 just past the access point for Cowlitz Horse Trail #44A, it descends, then begins to climb steeply. The trail reaches the top of the ridge near Log Springs, crosses the summit burn and enters William O. Douglas Wilderness at 3.5 miles. From there it follows the semi-open ridge, offering excellent views of Rainier, then descends to Jug Lake Trail #43 east of Kincaid Lake. In the 1920s and 1930s the trail was used by sheepherders to reach their camps. Kincaid Lake is a 1-acre lake named for Sam Kincaid, a Yakima Valley sheepman who ranged his herds in the area during the early 20th century.

• Trailhead: Kincaid
• Trail #43 Jug Lake
• Trail #44 Cowlitz Trail

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail within William O. Douglas Wilderness winds through dense forest into subalpine terrain, crosses many small streams, and passes lakes and small potholes including Penoyer Lake. Continuing east, Trail #44 crosses the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 and ends near the Gifford Pinchot National Forest boundary on Tumac Mountain.

  The trail begins at Soda Springs trailhead which is not open to horses. Stock users please use Cowlitz Horse Trail #44A.

  Features include Summit Creek and many subalpine lakes. This trail marks a principal Native American travel route across the Cascades. It is part of the prehistoric Yakama Cowlitz Trail, which linked people from the Cowlitz Valley with people from the Yakima River drainage. Native Americans using this trail traveled on foot, often carrying trade goods and roots. They later made the crossing on horseback.

• Trail #45 Pot Hole
• Trail #56 Dumbbell Lake / AKA: Trail #1156
• Trail #57 Cortright Creek

  This trail open to hiker and horse use only.

  From trailhead the trail climbs into William O. Douglas Wilderness through dense forest to a semi-open ridgeline.  It continues southeasterly through several large sub-alpine meadows, ending on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.

• Trailhead: Cortright
• Trail #60 Sand Lake

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  From Forest Road 1284 Sand Lake Trail climbs steeply through dense forest before entering the William O. Douglas Wilderness. The trail follows an even grade towards Cortright Point. Turning east, the trail descends to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 at Sand Lake. This trail was part of the Yakamainsert-Cowlitz Trail. The Sand Lake Trail once accessed a Nachespam village, now covered by Rim Rock Lake.

• Trailhead: Sand Lake
• Trail #61 Clear Fork

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  Features along this trail include Lily Lake, old growth forest and the upper Clear Fork of the Cowlitz River within Goat Rocks Wilderness.

  Beginning at the end of Road 46, the Clear Fork Trail gradually climbs through a dense forest. The trail passes Lily Lake, crosses Clear Lost Trail #76, then follows above the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz River. It crosses the Clear Fork (at 6.5 miles), and then climbs steeply into a forested landscape and ends on the Pacific Crest Trail at Tieton Pass.

  ALERT: There are no bridges over streams, making crossings difficult until late summer.

• Trailhead: Clear Fork
• Trail #65 Bluff Lake

  The trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail climbs east to Bluff Lake within Goat Rocks Wilderness and is steep with exposures.  

  From Bluff Lake, the trail climbs to a sub alpine landscape, ending at the junction of Clear Lost Trail #76 and Packwood Lake Trail #78 near the former site of Lost Lake Lookout. Features include Bluff Lake, Huntington Berry Patch, Coal Creek Mountain and Bear Grass Butte. The Bluff Lake Trail was used by Native Americans to access a ridge system used by mountain goat hunters.

• Trailhead: Bluff Lake
• Trail #69 Three Peaks

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  The trail follows an abandoned road for half a mile, the trail again leaves the road to the right and climbs through dense forest for 3 miles until it intersects with a timber harvest area. After another half mile, the trail enters the Goat Rocks Wilderness. The trail takes you to an excellent viewpoint of Packwood Lake before its junction with Packwood Lake Trail #78 near Mosquito Lake.

• Trailhead: Three Peaks
• Trail #7 Klickitat

  This trail is open to hikers, horses and bicycles.

  The 17.1 mile Klickitat Trail is a major ridgetop trail, extending from Kilborn Creek to Elk Peak.  Features include ridgetop views, Castle Butte, Jackpot Lake, St. Michaels Lake, and St. John Lake.

  The west end of this lightly used trail begins on Forest Road 5508.024 on the Cowlitz Valley District and the east end is on Forest Road 22. Much of the trail corresponds with an original Indian trail which extended from near the mouth of Siler Creek, over Lone Tree Mountain, around Pompey Peak and Horseshoe Point, dropped to Hugo Lake and eventually crossed the Cascades at Cispus Pass. It is called the Klickitat Trail because it extended into the upper Klickitat River drainage. Indian peeled cedar trees can be seen along the trail. Indians made folded bark baskets to collect huckleberries along the ridge system. Castle Butte and the other high peaks along this trail were carved by glaciers. St. Michaels Lake and St. John Lake are in cirque basins also carved by glaciers. Expect patches of snow as late as August.

  Special Conditions: Limited trailhead space at Forest Road 22.

• Trail #76 Clear Lost

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  From the trailhead on Highway 12 this trail descends 1 mile to the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz River and into Goat Rocks Wilderness. Here hikers and stock must ford the river. The trail climbs through a dense forest, crossing Clear Fork Trail #61 and on into an alpine landscape, ending at the junction of Bluff Lake Trail #65 and Packwood Lake Trail #78 about 1 mile north of Lost Lake. 

  Special Conditions: There are no bridge crossings. Hikers must ford the river.  There is room for only one vehicle at the unmarked trailhead on US Highway 12.

• Trailhead: Clear Lost
• Trail #78 Packwood Lake

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  Most of this trail is in the Goat Rocks Wilderness.  The trail starts at the end of Forest Road 1260 and climbs gently through old-growth. Two small harvest areas are passed within the first 3/4 mile, offering views of Mt. Rainier.  The trail then enters Wilderness and continues toward Packwood Lake.

  Within a short distance of the lake, the trail leaves the wilderness and descends to the lake.  The trail climbs, enters the wilderness, and proceeds to Mosquito Lake and the junction with the Three Peaks Trail #69. The trail continues to climb, passing a junction with Coyote Trail #79 before reaching Lost Lake. 

  The trail continues north on an open ridgeline to the junction with the Bluff Lake Trail #65 (area is unavailable) and the Clear Lost Trail #76.  The Packwood Lake Trail was constructed in 1910 by the Valley Development Company which had plans for a hydroelectric project.  Long before the lake was explored for its hydroelectric potential, it was used by the Taidnapam people as a fishing and camping site.  The 452-acre lake is located at the headwaters of Lake Creek.  It was formed when a large mass of soil and rock slid off Snyder Mountain and dammed Lake Creek 1,200 years ago.

• Trailhead: Packwood Lake
• Trail #79 Coyote
• Trail #7A Klickitat Loop
• Trail #81 Upper Lake Creek
• Trail #86 Lily Basin

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail provides access to the Goat Rocks Wilderness.  Views of Packwood Lake and Mt. Rainier are available from this trail.

  Trail #86 begins at the Lily Basin Trailhead on Forest Road 48 and climbs a timbered, rugged ridgeline for 4 miles to the west face of Johnson Peak. From here it proceeds southwest on a relatively easy, open grade to intersect Angry Mountain Trail #90. Turning southeast it continues to Hawkeye Point where the trail becomes rough with steep snowbanks that can last late into the summer. Trail #86 intersects Goat Ridge Trail #95, then turns northeast to skirt Goat Lake and ends on Snowgrass Trail #96. Parts of this trail may have been a Native American travel route, used by mountain goat hunters.

  The Lily Basin Horse Trail #86A is a short access trail from the stock user trailhead to Lily Basin.

• Trailhead: Lily Basin
• Trail #89 Glacier Lake

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail is within Goat Rocks Wilderness and accesses Glacier Lake which was formed when a landslide dammed Glacier Creek.

  This trail begins on Forest Road 2110. The trail follows an old logging road for a short distance through a young forest. It then enters an ancient forest, skirts the north side of the steepwalled valley of Glacier Creek, then drops down to the creek. The trail ends at Glacier Lake, with only a rough path along the lake. Look for the large boulders strewn about as you near the lake. These boulders are part of a massive landslide that happened more than 600 years ago. The slide dammed Glacier Creek, forming the lake.

• Trailhead: Glacier Lake
• Trail #94 Jordan Creek

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail provides access to Goat Ridge above Jordan Basin within Goat Rocks Wilderness. 

  Jordan Creek Trail begins on Forest Road 2142 and climbs easterly on a forested ridge for 0.5 mile before descending to Jordan Creek. Climbing again, the trail intersects Goat Ridge Trail #95 on the open and scenic Goat Ridge above Jordan Basin. The Goat Rocks are the eroded roots of an ancient stratovolcano on the Cascade Crest.

• Trailhead: Jordan Creek
• Trail #95 Goat Ridge
• Trail #96 Snowgrass

  This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.

  This trail begins at the Berry Patch Trailhead and may also be accessed via Snowgrass Hikers Trailhead. It ends with its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 within Goat Rocks Wilderness. The trail is part of the Klickitat Trail system used by Native Americans traveling over Cispus Pass to the Klickitat River drainage.

  From Forest Road 2150.040 at Berry Patch Trailhead the trail heads northeast through a conifer forest until crossing Goat Creek. It continues up switchbacks, through talus and timber, to a junction with Bypass Trail #97 (at mile 4). Snowgrass Trail #96 continues to intersect with Lily Basin Trail #86 and ends on the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. This trail is part of the Klickitat Trail system used by Native Americans traveling over Cispus Pass to the Klickitat River drainage. Snowgrass Flats is a 10-plus acre subalpine meadow in a bowl near the headwaters of Snowgrass Creek. The area was named for a type of plant that stockmen called snowgrass.

  The Snowgrass Hiker Trail #96A is designed for hikers. It begins on Forest Road 2150.405, enters the Wilderness, then connects with Snowgrass Trail #96 within a short distance from Chambers Lake.

  ALERT: Please be advised that the Snowgrass/Goat Lake/Old Snowy area is the most crowded area in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, in the summer months. Expect to see a hundred or more people on the trails. Parking lots at the Snowgrass Trailhead and Berry Patch Trailhead fill early even on weekdays as do places to camp along the trail.

  The fragile alpine meadows in the area are being heavily impacted by human use. Please help us in preserving the Wilderness character of the Goat Rocks by observing closures listed in the Wilderness Regulations and on your Wilderness permit, and by following Leave No Trace ethics.

  If you value solitude as part of your Wilderness experience, please consider trying an alternate hike. There are many scenic hikes in the area that are less crowded.

• Trailhead: Berry Patch
• Trailhead: Snowgrass for hikers
• Trail #97 Bypass
• Trail #98 Nannie Ridge
• Trailhead: Elk Pass/ Boundary Trail
• Trailhead: Lily Basin Stock
• Trailhead: Midway - Pacific Crest Trail
• Trailhead: Potato Hill - Pacific Crest Trail
• Dark Divide Roadless Area

  The Dark Divide Roadless Area provides great opportunities for extended trips along rock studded ridges and cirques carved by long extinct glaciers. Several trails provide scenic access to Boundary Trail #1 through mixed conifer and old-growth forests. 

  The historic Boundary Trail was important in the early history of the Forest Service. Well established by 1911, the trail served as the principal route for rangers on horseback patrols on the boundary between the Rainier and Columbia Forest Reserves. It is now a National Recreation Trail, offering a backpacking opportunity or shorter hikes to rocky peaks and sub alpine meadows, all with outstanding views.

• Trail #5 & #5B Quartz Creek & Quartz Creek Butte
• Mount St. Helens Area

  Visit Mount St. Helens from any direction! View areas below for current information.

  • Mount St. Helens West

    

    From I-5, drive into the heart of the blast zone. Spectacular crater views, visitor centers, picnic areas and hikes await. Learn what's open along State Route 504!

    Learn more

  • Mount St. Helens East

    

    This summer and fall route offers views of the crater and Spirit Lake, interpretive sites, and easy or rugged hiking. 

    Learn more

  • Mount St. Helens South

    

    Lava flows, waterfalls, caves, and lush forest abound. Plenty of year-round recreation options.

    Learn more

  • Mount Margaret Backcountry

    

    Rugged, steep trails and amazing landscapes typify the Mt. Margaret Backcountry. Permits required for overnight camping.

    Learn more
• Mount Margaret Backcountry
• 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 nine interpretive sites, enjoy the views and learn about the volcano and eruption by reading interpretive signs. Links to the stops are below:

  • Bear Meadow Interpretive Site
  • Blast Edge Viewpoint; Monument Entry
  • Miners Car Interpretive Site
  • Meta Lake Interpretive Site
  • Cascade Peaks
  • Harmony Falls Viewpoint
  • Cedar Creek Viewpoint
  • Harmony Falls Viewpoint
  • 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.

  As an important note: Forest Road 99 is split between two different ranger districts within Gifford Pinchot National Forest. For current conditions NORTH of Bear Meadow Trailhead and Interpreative Site, contact Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. For current conditions SOUTH of Bear Meadows Trailhead and Interpreative site, contact Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. 

  Accessible Adventures Video

• Trail #1: Boundary- Norway Pass to Elk Pass
• Trail #218 Tumwater
• Trailhead: Norway Pass
• Windy Ridge Interpretive Site
• Mount St. Helens South: Forest Roads 83 & 81

  Forest Road 83: This nine-mile, paved road passes through forests, over 2,000 year-old lava flows and across a mudflow created during the 1980 eruption.

  From Forest Road 8303, a spur road, visit Trail of Two Forests Interpretive Site or Ape Cave. Continuing driving on 83 to access June Lake Trail, Lahar Viewpoint (the only clear view of the mountain’s south side from the road), Ape Canyon Trail and Lava Canyon Interpretive Site. See Mount St. Helens Map.

  Forest Road 81: This mostly paved but several miles of gravel, rough road transports you through less traveled parts of the Monument. Spur Road 830 ends at Climber’s Bivouac Trailhead, the start of the summer climbing route. The road winds west to Red Rock Pass, Blue Lake Trailhead, and Kalama Horse Camp Campground, eventually connecting back with Highway 503.

  • View a Mount St. Helens Map. (.pdf)

  Accessible Adventures Video:

• Horse Camp: Kalama
• Trail #129 Huffman Peak
• Trail #130 Siouxon

  ALERT: This trail was impacted by the Big Hollow Fire (2020). Hikers travel at their own risk. Please review safety tips for burned areas. The road beyond the Upper Siouxon Trailhead is blocked with barricades for the remaining 3.0 miles of FR 5701 due to the wildfire damage. Hikers may access the Siouxon Trail #130 and Huffman Peak Trail #129 from the Upper Siouxon Trailhead.

  This 12 mile trail runs along and crosses on rustic log bridges or fords many creeks. It offers views of spectactular waterfalls including Horseshoe Falls. The trail connects with Huffman Peak Trail #129, Horseshoe Ridge Trail # 140, Chinook Creek Trail #130A and Wildcat Trail # 156.

  From the access point on Forest Road 5701 below the first switchback, the trail parallels the road and passes the ruins of Hickman's Cabin. This moss-covered shelter, built in the 1930s, served as a base camp for fire prevention workers. Continuing, the trail intersects Huffman Peak Trail #129, 0.8 mile from the trailhead. Three creeks are crossed before the trail comes to the end of Forest Road 5701 (this second access point was burned in the 2020 Big Hollow Fire and no longer accessible by car.)

  From here the trail drops steeply to West Creek, where a log bridge spans the stream. Following Siouxon Creek to Horseshoe Creek, you can view Horseshoe Falls from the bridge or take the short 0.1 mile spur trail to get a view of the falls from below. The main trail then follows Siouxon Creek upstream for 1 mile, offering views of five major waterfalls and their plunge-pools. After intersecting Horseshoe Ridge Trail #140, the trail continues to the confluence of Siouxon and Wildcat Creeks. Here Wildcat Creek Trail #156 heads north towards Siouxon Peak. A short distance from the junction, the trail intersects Chinook Creek Trail #130A. The trail then gains 1900 ft. in elevation in the final 3 miles before ending on Forest Road 58.

• Trail #140 Horseshoe Ridge
• Trail #156 Wildcat
• Trail #172 Bluff Mountain
• Trail #175 Starway
• Trail #180B Chinook
• Trail #180C Sturgeon Rock
• Trail #180F Pyramid Rock/Grouse Vista
• Trail #204 Cinnamon
• Trail #216A Ptarmigan
• Trail #225 Smith Creek

  Hikers using the trail from the Lower Smith Creek trailhead should be aware of obstacles including downed trees, eroded cliff areas and loose trail tread.

   

  The Smith Creek Trail offers a chance to observe the immense impact of the 1980 eruption. This section is part of the popular Ape Canyon /Smith Creek Mountain Bike Loop.

  The trail quickly drops from the trailhead at Forest Road 99 into the Smith Creek valley. Two waterfalls are located near the foot of the steep-descent. Following the valley bottom, the trail crosses Ape Canyon Creek and then Muddy River. Here the trail intersects Lava Canyon Trail #184. Continue downstream for 1 mile to the Lower Smith Creek Trailhead at Forest Road 8322.

  Special Conditions: Loose pumice surface, especially at the northern end of the trail.

• Trail #234 Ape Canyon

  Beginning next to the mudflow that traveled down the Muddy River drainage, the trail climbs steadily through a plantation of young trees before entering groves of giant Douglas fir, silver and noble fir. The trail then emerges on an open ridge top with views east into Ape Canyon and in the distance, Mount Adams. Wildflowers, when in bloom, paint these meadows in vibrant colors. Continuing along the ridge, the trail passes through patches of 1980 standing dead forest before emerging at the top of Ape Canyon, where it terminates at the junction with Loowit Trail #216.

• Trail #237 Blue Lake
• Trail #238 Toutle
• Trail #238A Butte Camp
• Trail #240 Sheep Canyon
• Trail #242 Fossil
• Trails #180 & #180D Silver Star & Summit

  This 5 mile trail gradually ascends to an old roadbed, passing just west of Silver Star Mountain.

  From the Silver Star Trailhead the trail heads south. After passing through wildflower covered slopes and huckleberry thickets, the trail intersects Ed's Trail #180A. Chinook Trail #180B, Sturgeon Rock Trail #180C, and Bluff Mountain Trail #172 all are reached in less than 2 miles from the trailhead. Just beyond the Bluff Mountain Trail, Silver Star Summit Trail #180D leads 0.25 mile to the summit of Silver Star Mountain.

  Pyramid Rock Trail #180F branchs from the Silver Star Trail south of Silver Star Mountain before descending to the trailhead at Department of Natural Resources Road W-1200.

  MAP: Silver Star/Grouse Vista Trail vicinity map via Department of Natural Resources showing south & west side access.

• Mount St. Helens West: State Highway 504

  One of the main roads into Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, State Route 504 provides spectacular views of the landscape, including the crater, blast zone, and Toutle River Valley.

  ALERT: Due to a significant landslide in May of 2023 State Route 504 is currently closed past the Mount St Helens Science & Learning Center at Coldwater at milepost 45.2. The Johnston Ridge Observatory, a popular visitor center at the end of State Route 504, is closed through 2027 while road and bridge repairs are underway. An alternative visitor center known as the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater is open Friday through Sunday in the winter, until closing sometime in December until next spring. The Science and Learning Center still has main views of the crater and a video of the Mount St. Helens eruption, in addition to Interpretive staff providing historical and recreational information about Mount St. Helens.

  Sites to visit along State Route 504

  Seven miles west of Johnston Ridge Observatory is the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater which is open to visitors 10 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week in the summer and on weekends in the winter.

  As you drive up State Route 504, consider stopping at one of the highway viewpoints: Elk Rock Viewpoint, Castle Lake Viewpoint, and Loowit Viewpoint. These pull-outs offer benches, trails, gorgeous views, and are open most of the year.

  Route 504 also provides visitors with access to a number of trails, such as the Hummocks Trail where you walk alongside pieces of the mountain, or begin your backpacking trip to spot elk and mountain goats in the majestic Mount Margaret Backcountry. A pleasant summer stop is at Coldwater Lake, with its accessible boardwalk stroll, picnic area, access to the Lakes Trail, and boat launch. South Coldwater Trailhead, just beyond the Hummocks Trailhead provides hiking access to the South Coldwater Trail.

  Visitor Information: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters, (360) 449-7800

  Visitor Centers Currently Open:

  • Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center at Coldwater (360) 274-2131
  • Forest Learning Center (Weyerhaeuser. Open May 18-Oct 1, 2023)\
  • Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake (360) 274-0962
• Trail #1: Boundary- Truman #207 to Norway Pass
• Trail #207 Truman (Willow Springs #207A)
• Trail #230 Coldwater
• Trail #139 East Fork
• Trail #173 Summit Springs
• Trail #216 Loowit

  ⚠️ Important Alert: Certain trails and areas on Forest Road 99 are closed Monday through Friday until October 31. Click here for more information about the trail closures and the Spirit Lake Tunnel Outlet Construction, and what trails are not accessible during the construction. It is recommended that hikers wanting to hike the Loowit Trail in any length to start their hike at either the Ptarmagin Trailhead at Climbers Bivouac or June Lake Trailhead on Forest Road 83 for uninterrupted access.

  This exciting trail circles Mount St. Helens, allowing you to experience the entire range of effects the 1980 eruption had on the mountain and the surrounding area.  Loowit Trail #216 is a challenging hike across rough terrain and recommended for experienced hikers and backpackers. The entire route is 30 miles in length. Note that sections vary drastically in terrain and difficulty; some sections involve navigating up and over fields of lava rock boulders, other require descending into steep washes with loose soils. In some places, natural process and weather may have obscured the physical trail, and hikers will need to use route-finding and navigational skills to find their way. Some stream crossings must be forded. 

  The trail is not crossed by a single road and can be accessed by "feeder" trails usually identified by the number #216 and a letter of the alphabet. Ape Canyon Trail #234, Sheep Canyon Trail #240, and Truman Trail #207 also access the Loowit Trail #216 and allow day hikers the opportunity to hike sections of the trail. Due to crowded conditions, please do not park overnight at the June Lake Trailhead; more parking is available at nearby Marble Mountain Sno-park.

  Loowit Trail Sections:

  • Loowit #216: June Lake #216B to Ape Canyon #234
  • Loowit Trail #216: Ape Canyon #234 to Windy Trail #216E
  • Loowit Trail #216: Windy #216E  to Castle Ridge#216G
  • Loowit #216: Castle Ridge #216G to Sheep Canyon#240
  • Loowit #216: Sheep Canyon #240 to Butte Camp #238A
  • Loowit #216: Butte Camp #238A to Ptarmigan #216A
  • Loowit #216: Ptarmigan #216A to June Lake #216B
• Loowit #216- Butte Camp to Ptarmigan Trail
• Loowit #216- Castle Ridge to Sheep Canyon Trai
• Loowit Trail #216- June Lake to Ape Canyon Trail
• Loowit Trail #216- Ptarmigan to June Lake Trail
• Loowit Trail #216- Sheep Canyon to Butte Camp Trai
• Loowit Trail #216- Windy to Castle Ridge Trail
• Mt. Adams area

  Mt. Adams area is administered by the Mt Adams Ranger District. This area is located in the eastern portions of Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington, and comprises 367,000 acres. This area includes Mt. Adams Wilderness, Indian Heaven Wilderness and Trapper Creek Wilderness.

  The Lewis River Recreation Area is within Mt. Adams Ranger District. The Lewis River Recreation Area is a 14-mile corridor, situated alongside the Lewis River and Forest Road 90 within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This popular recreation area is located 26 miles east of Cougar, and 29 miles west of Trout Lake, WA. This area provides access to the popular Lewis River Trail #31, and associated waterfall viewing. Advanced reservations via Recreation.gov are required daily during the busy visitor season from June 15 through September 30.  

  Mt. Adams is a prominent landmark in the area. Elevations here range between 1200 feet at the Wind River Work Center, 12 miles north of Carson, WA., and 12,276 feet at the summit of Mt. Adams. Precipitation varies from 70.7 inches of rain and 65.1 inches of snow at the Wind River Work Center and 44.1 inches of rain and 95.7 inches of snow at the Mt. Adams Ranger District office in Trout Lake, WA. The area features a great diversity of habitats and features, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows, glaciers, and low and high elevation lakes.

  • Locations on and off the forest to explore
  • Forest Vicinity Map
  • Mount Adams Climbing Conditions Report 
  • Recreation Conditions Report 
• Campground: Morrison Creek
• Campground: Peterson Prairie

  Peterson Prairie Campground is an attractive campground with level, well shaded graveled sites.  This site is located near large huckleberry fields making the campground very popular during huckleberry season.  It has easy access on a paved road. The popular tourist spots, Natural Bridges and Ice Caves are nearby. There is drinking water and in season a host in the campground.

  Peterson Prairie Group Campground is also available by reservation.

  View a Peterson Prairie Campground map (.pdf)

• Campground: Peterson Prairie Group Camp
• Campground: Tillicum
• Campground: Cultus Creek
• Lewis River Recreation Area

  Advanced reservations via Recreation.gov are required daily during the busy visitor season June 15 - September 06.  Reserved tickets must be purchased on-line and printed before you travel. 

  .............................

  The Lewis River Recreation Area is a 10-mile corridor, situated alongside the Lewis River and Forest Road 90 within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This popular recreation area is located 26 miles east of Cougar, and 29 miles west of Trout Lake, WA. This area provides access to the popular Lewis River Trail #31, and associated waterfall viewing.

  The area includes Lower Falls Campground & Day Use area, Lewis River Horse Camp, and parking areas associated with Crab Creek, Middle Falls, Platinum Creek, Upper Falls (Quartz Creek), and Wright Meadows.

  Visitors camping at Lewis River Horse Camp or Lower Falls Campground do not need a parking reservation to park at their site.

  Read Frequently Asked Questions. View a Lewis River Recreation Area MAP .

   

• Platinum Creek Day-Use Parking (Lewis River)
• Trailhead: Crab Creek
• Trailhead: Middle Falls

  Provides access to: Lewis River Trail #31 and Middle Falls Trail #31C. 

  Parking for up to 8 vehicles. Trailhead is located on Forest Road 90.

• Trail #80 Wright Meadow
• Trail #10 High Camp
• Trail #102 Filloon

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  Filloon Trail provides access to Indian Heaven Wilderness from Little Goose Horse Camp. It connects to Lemei Trail #34. Much of the trail is in heavy second-growth forests.

  One of the features of this connector trail is the huckleberries in late summer. You may pick berries for personal use within the Wilderness. Please note that removing huckleberries from designated Wilderness is prohibited.

• Trail #107 Sawtooth
• Trail #108 Cultus Creek

  This Trail Open to Hikers and Equestrian Use.

  This popular 1.5 mile trail begins at Cultus Creek Campground/Trailhead and enters Indian Heaven Wilderness. It climbs steep semi-open slopes toward the summit of Bird Mountain, a 1.5-mile-long backbone ridge. The trail climbs 1,200 feet in elevation before passing through a saddle at 5,237 elevation where you will be rewarded with views of the west slope of Mt. Adams. Beyond the saddle, the trail enters large timber and eventually connects with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.

  Trail features include abundant huckleberries in season and views of Mt. Rainier, the Goat Rocks, Sawtooth Mountain, and Sleeping Beauty. This trail is part of a 7 mile loop that passes 4 attractive lakes and connection to other trails in the Wilderness.

• Trailhead: Cultus Creek
• Trail #11 Snipes Mountain

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  Snipes Mountain trail climbs through open pine forests and across rocky slopes through the remains of the 2008 Coldsprings Fire, 2012 Cascade Creek Fire, and 2015 Cougar Creek Fire. It meets Pineway Trail #71, then continues into Mt. Adams Wilderness and upwards for another 2.75 miles to the junction with Round the Mountain Trail #9 in high mountain meadows. The trail roughly follows the A.G. Aiken Lava Bed, a 4-miles long and approximately one-half mile wide lava flow from an eruption about 4,000 years ago.

  The trail is named after Ben Snipes, a local cattleman. Mt. Adams is historically know for sheep herding; cattle weren't grazed in the Mt. Adams area until 1912, a year that marks the beginning of a number of disputes between sheepherders and cattlemen known locally as the Range Wars.

• Trailhead: Snipes Mountain
• Trail #111 Thomas Lake

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  This 3.3 mile heavily used trail passes numerous lakes prior to its connection with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 within Indian Heaven Wilderness.

  From the Thomas Lake Trailhead, beginning along Road 65, this trail climbs gently as it passes through a dense forest, coming to Dee, Thomas, and Heather Lakes at approximately 0.6 mile. The trail climbs to a meadow, then continues past Brader Lake and Naha Lake to Rock Lake and Little Rock Lake. It then turns south and passes Lake Umtux.

  As the trail continues through the broad plateau meadow, it passes numerous unnamed ponds and tiny lakes. The trail descends into the timber, passing Lake Sahalee Tyee, and ends at Blue Lake with the junction of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.

  Lake Sahalee Tyee lies in the shallow crater of an old volcano. This is an area where Native Americans built slow-burning fires in trenches, preserving berries for later use by drying them over the radiant heat.

• Trail #112 Divide Camp

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  From the trailhead Divide Camp Trail heads southeast up the side of Mt. Adams, crossing into Mt. Adams Wilderness at 0.2 of a mile. The trail runs though forests and across attractive mountain meadows with seasonal wildflowers, and views of the mountain. About 2 miles up the trail a short side trail leads to Divide Camp. The trail ends on the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 at about 6000 feet.

• Trailhead: Divide Camp
• Trail #113 Killen Creek

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  Historically used for berry-picking and later for sheepherding on Mt. Adams, the 3.1 miles Killen Creek Trail climbs through forested areas and open meadows within Mt. Adams Wilderness. It offers spectacular views of Mt. Adams as well as meadows full of wildflowers in season. The trail ends on the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 at about 6000 feet near the intersection with High Camp Trail #10. 

  It is often used as an access trail for mountain climbers attempting routes up the north faces of Mt. Adams. Review the Mt. Adams Summit page for information about climbing Mt. Adams. A Cascade Volcano Pass is required from May 1^st to September 30^th for anyone age 16 and older traveling above 7000ft elevation on Mt. Adams, even if not attempting the summit.

   

• Trailhead: Killen Creek
• Trail #114 High Line
• Trail #12 Stagman Ridge

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  This 4.1 mile trail follows a long ridge through timber, meadows and the burned area from the Cascade Creek Fire. It offering views of Avalanche and White Salmon Glaciers, and ends at the junction with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. It touches Cascade Creek at a nice waterside spot for a picnic.

  The trail leaves the trailhead from a clear-cut at 4,193 feet elevation, then climbs northeast, enters Mt. Adams Wilderness, and continues through heavy timber and rocky slopes. The trail ends at the junction with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 on top of the ridge at 5,800' elevation. The scar from a massive debris avalanche can be seen from this trail. The avalanche occurred in 1920 and again in August 1997. It originated in the Avalanche Glacier cirque, at approximately 12,000' elevation.

• Trail #13 Muddy Meadows

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  The Muddy Meadows trail leads into the Mount Adams Wilderness. Running through forested areas and crossing meadows it connects with the Pacific Crest Trail and ends at the High Line Trail. From the trailhead and along the trail there are spectacular views of Mt. Adams.

  The trail begins at Muddy Meadows Trailhead where you can get spectacular views of Mt. Adams. The trail enters Mount Adams Wilderness and proceeds through timber and small meadows east to the intersection with Pacific Crest Trail #2000 at 2.7 miles. Muddy Meadows Trail continues, ending at High Line Trail #114. This meadow area was used by Native Americans as a summer berry camp. In the 1800s, many berry camps were located on the north and northwest sides of Mt. Adams. Evidence of berry-drying trenches can still be found in the area.

  *Please limit early-season horse use because of wet conditions. 

• Trailhead: Muddy Meadows
• Trail #132 Observation
• Trail #132A Observation Peak
• Trail #132B Shortcut
• Trail #133 Soda Peaks Lake

  This Trail Open to Hikers Only.

  This 5.5 mile trail accesses the southwest corner of Trapper Creek Wilderness. Soda Peaks Lake, a glacial -carved cirque, is surrounded by conifers in a mountainous setting. The trail passes through forest and across loose rock to reach a saddle from which it switchbacks down to the lake. The trail then decesends steeply to join the Trapper Creek Trail near the southeast Wilderness boundary.

  The trail begins at Soda Peaks Trailhead and climbs east into Trapper Creek Wilderness to a saddle. From the saddle, the trail switchbacks down to Soda Peaks Lake, which is in a glacial-carved cirque. The trail skirts the lake to the north and traverses the southern portion of the wilderness before fording Trapper Creek and intersecting with Trapper Creek Trail #192.  

  A separate spur trail parallels Trapper Creek's west bank and terminates at Government Mineral Springs.

• Trailhead: Soda Peaks
• Trail #135 Big Huckleberry
• Trail #146 Grassy Knoll

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  This steep trail follow a ridge through rolling hills with oak trees providing shade and grassy meadows with excellent views of the River, the Big Lava Big and surrounding mountains. Cold springs, located about 5 miles from the trailhead, provides a good cooling-off spot on this otherwise dry hike. The trail ends on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 below Big Huckleberry Mountain. Grassy Knoll was the site of a fire lookout in the 1930's. In season a large number of species of plants provide a spectacular wildflower display. 

• Trailhead: Grassy Knoll
• Trail #148 Snofoot
• Trail #149A Cedar Creek
• Trail #150 Snofoot
• Trail #151 Valley Ski Trail
• Trail #152 Falls Creek
• Trail #153 Paradise Hills
• Trail #157 McClellan Meadows

  This Trail Open to Hikers, Bikers and Equestrian Use.

  The trail follows the route of George McClellan's 1852 railroad survey. A popular but challenging mountain biking trail with a grades and stream crossings.

  The trail runs from the lower trailhead on Forest Road 3053 to the upper trailhead Forest Road 65 near Falls Creek Horse Camp.

• Trail #158 Big Hollow

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  The 3.2 mile Big Hollow Trail begins on Forest Road 64 at Big Hollow Trailhead and climbs steadily to its terminus on Observation Trail #132 at the Trapper Creek Wilderness boundary. At 0.5 miles from the trailhead, it fords the swift Big Hollow Creek which can be two feet deep at the ford. Just past the ford it connects with Dry Creek Trail #194 which runs south. A second ford across a fork of Big Hollow Creek is located about 2.2 miles From Trailhead. 

  Alert: This trail is within the Big Hollow Fire (2020) burned area. Hikers travel at their own risk. Please review safety tips for burned areas.

• Trail #16 Shorthorn
• Trail #17 Stabler Camp
• Trail #171 Indian Race Track

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  This heavily used trail is located in the southwestern part of Indian Heaven Wilderness. The trail travels through second growth forest, rocky terrain , a meadow and ends near Red Mountain fire lookout. The meadow was the site of annual gatherings of Native Americans during huckleberry season. There is still evidence of the track they used for pony racing in the meadow.

  Beginning at Falls Creek Horse Camp, the trail travels southeastward through second-growth forests and crosses Falls Creek with a natural crossing. The trail enters Indian Heaven Wilderness, then climbs through rocky terrain for one mile to a meadow where the grade flattens. This area is called Indian Race Track. At this point, Trail #171A leaves Trail #171 and heads east for 0.5 mile before connecting with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000. Indian Race Track Trail #171 then climbs from Indian Race Track to Road 6048 near the summit of Red Mountain. A fire lookout is located on the summit of Red Mountain. The original lookout was built in 1910. It was replaced over the years by two other lookouts. The Red Mountain Lookout is one of three active lookouts remaining on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest today!

  Indian Race Track was, historically, an annual gathering place for Native Americans during the berry season until the early 1900s. From eyewitness reports, we know that thousands of people from the Yakama, Klickitat, and Columbia River tribes would gather here each year. Not only was this a good huckleberry site but it was located along a historic cross-Cascades route that was used for trade. The track was used for pony races and is about 10-feet-wide and more than 2,000 feet long. It can still be seen today in a large meadow near the base of Red Mountain, about one-half mile from the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.

• Trailhead: Indian Race Track - North
• Trail #171A Shortcut
• Trail #176 Elk Lake
• Trail #179 Lemei Lake
• Trail #18 Table Mountain
• Trail #183 South Climb

  This heavily used trail provides access to the South Climb route up to the summit of Mt. Adams within Mt. Adams Wilderness.

  Initially the trail follows an old road bed through a burn scar created by the 2012 Cascade Creek Fire. As the trail nears timberline it moves into sub-alpine forest and meadows where it intersects Round the Mountain Trail #9, which heads northwest to meet the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 Trail. South Climb Trail #183 continues to climb before veering west to cross the Morrison Creek drainage and surmount Crescent Ridge. This section of the trail until its end about 1 mile above is marked by tall poles mounted in rock cairns. From Crescent Ridge, it continues north and up along the rocky ridge of krumholtz trees running adjacent to Crescent Glacier until it reaches a large snow field leading to “Lunch Counter.” The trail ends at about 8500ft elevation in the snowfield. Beyond this point it is considered to be a primitive, alpine climbing route that varies with conditions.

  Mountain climbers continuing beyond the trail’s end head up the snow field to “Lunch Counter”, a relatively flat portion of Suksdorf Ridge, then upwards to the false summit “Pikers Peak” and the true summit above. This is a challenging climb of about 6,700 vertical feet that takes climbers at least 6 to 8 hours to ascend and another 4-6 hours to descend. Many do it in more than one day, camping along the route. The entire trip from trailhead to summit and back is about 12 miles. Be prepared and know your limits. For more information on climbing Mt. Adams, please see the Mt. Adams Summit page.

• Trailhead: South Climb
• Trail #185 Wood Lake
• Trail #192.1 Trapper Creek

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  This trail climbs from Trapper Creek Trailhead on Forest Road 5401 through an old-growth forest, intersecting with Dry Creek Trail #194 almost immediately. The trail climbs for about 1 mile, before the junction with Observation Trail #132 near the Trapper Creek Wilderness boundary. The trail offers access to stands of old growth and rushing creeks. At 1.2 miles it becomes Trapper Creek Trail #192.2, which is Hiker Only.

  Alert: This trail is within the Big Hollow Fire (2020) burned area. Hikers travel at their own risk. Please review safety tips for burned areas.

• Trailhead: Trapper Creek
• Trail #192.2 Trapper Creek
• Trail #194 Dry Creek
• Trail #195 Big Slide Primitive
• Trail #198 Sunshine Primitive Trail
• Trail #2 Summit Prairie
• Trail #2000 Pacific Crest, Mt. Adams area
• Trail #202 Rim Primitive Trail
• Trail #209: Deer Way (Primitive)
• Trail #21 Tillicum
• Trail #24 Bluff
• Trail #26 Middle

  This Trail Open to Hikers, Bikers, Equestrian and Motorized Use.

  This six mile trail is located west of Trout Lake, WA and northeast of Indian Heaven Wilderness. This trail offers small meadows and lakes, and access to berry fields.  Connects to Service Trail #35, the only other motorized trail in the Mount Adams Ranger District.

  Trail #26 leaves Forest Road 24 at the lower trailhead. It travels through small second-growth timber over rolling grades. The trail crosses Road 8800-091 and Road 8800-100. The trail crosses several streams and passes a small lake. The trail now ends on Road 8841 at the upper trailhead (trail was rerouted away from the Surprise Lakes area in 2018). This trail was the main Native American access route to the berry fields prior to roads being built in the early 1940s. Today the trail is heavily used by motorized trail users. There are challenging hill climbs and creek crossings.

  The trail is moderately used by motorized trail users. Use caution on or around motorized vehicles.

• Trail #29 Placid Lake
• Trail #29A Chenamus Lake
• Trail #3 Craggy Peak
• Trail #30 & #30A Spencer Butte & Breezy Point

  As you ascend Spencer Butte Trail (3.2 miles one way) from the south the forest changes from western white pine to noble and subalpine fir. Breezy Point Trail #30A is soon reached where it provides a 1.2-mile trail to the location of an old fire lookout. The base for a fire finder can still be seen at this location, however a canopy of trees blocks distant vistas. On top of Spencer Butte, the skyline is also mostly hidden by the fully mature canopy of trees. The remains of a Forest Service fire lookout built in 1935 are found on the summit. Wildflowers provide a colorful display in the summer months on the top of the butte. Descending to the north, the trail travels through a Douglas fir forest before ending near Spencer Meadow, a place often visited by elk.

• Trail #31 Lewis River
• Trail #31 Lewis River, Curly Creek to Lower Falls
• Trail #33 Indian Heaven
• Trail #33A Deep Lake
• Trail #34 Lemei

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  This 5.3 mile trail offers views of Mounts Adams, Rainier, St. Helens, and Hood, along with views of Lemei Rock, a 5,925' promontory that juts 500' above Lake Wapiki. 

  From the Lemei Trailhead on Road 24 the trail heads east to pass through a second-growth forest. The trail then climbs to the ridge line, enters Indian Heaven Wilderness, and intersects with Filloon Trail #102. After 3 miles you will pass a junction with Lake Wapiki Trail #34A, a 0.5 mile that leads to Wapiki Lake. From here the trail climbs steeply to open meadow slopes, providing excellent views of the lake and Lemei Rock before descending to end at Indian Heaven Trail #33 near Cultus Lake.

  Lemei Rock is the core of an old volcano and is the highest point in Indian Heaven Wilderness. Its crater forms the basin for Lake Wapiki.

• Trailhead: Lemei
• Trail #34A Wapiki Lake
• Trail #35 Service

  This Trail Open to Hikers, Bikers, Equestrian and OHV Use.

  This trail begins on Road 8821 and follows a decommissioned road for 1 mile through open stands of spruce to Deadhorse Meadow. The trail crosses Road 8831, then continues across Smoky and Little Goose Creeks before ending on Middle Trail #26. 

  This and a number of other trails in the area were developed by sheepherders in the late 1800s. Sheepherders traveled from as far as eastern Oregon to graze their sheep on these summer ranges. The sheepherders often followed Native American trails. Portions of the Service Trail follow the original wagon route into the forest built in the early 1900s.

• Trailhead: Service
• Trail #4 Snagtooth
• Trail #48 East Crater

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  This moderately used trail is one of the main access routes from the east into the central part of Indian Heaven Wilderness. Trail features include small lakes, ponds, marshes, meadows, wildflowers, and Junction Lake.

  From East Crater Trailhead on Forest Road 6035, the trail climbs gradually through a thick mountain hemlock forest, past a series of small meadows, shallow lakes, and ponds. The trail continues into alpine forests of noble and true fir before reaching the shore of Junction Lake, where it ends at the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 near the junction with Lemei Lake Trail #179. Junction Lake sites at an elevation of 4,730 feet.

• Trailhead: East Crater
• Trail #52 Monte Carlo

  This Trail Open to Hikers, Bikers, and Equestrian Use.

  This 6.8 mile trail crosses several roads before it begins the climb onto the ridge overlooking Holmes Creek and the White Salmon drainage. Big trees, wildflowers, and nice views are features of this trail. This trail can also be reached via Monte Cristo Trail #53.

  The south end of this trail begins off Forest Road 18 and climbs moderate to steep grades through second-growth and old-growth forests, interspersed with some harvest units. The trail crosses several roads before it begins the climb onto the ridge overlooking Holmes Creek and the White Salmon drainage. For the next 2-3 miles, the trail moves in and out of state land, passes by some old-growth Douglas fir, and goes through several old burned areas before it breaks out onto Monte Carlo Ridge. From here you can get excellent views of the Little Salmon drainage and surrounding peaks. The trail ends on Road 1840-100.

• Trailhead: Monte Carlo-Lower
• Trail #53 Monte Cristo

  This Trail Open to Hikers, Bikers and Equestrian Use.

  This 4.1 mile trail follows a sparsely forested ridge to Monte Cristo Mountain and offers great views of the Little White Salmon drainage. Here you can find evidence of an old fire lookout that was built in the 1930s.

  Beginning from the upper trailhead on Forest Road 8600-080, the trail heads east and then south along a sparsely forested ridge to Monte Cristo Mountain. The trail drops down to meet Mont Carlo Trail #52 on Road 1840-100, then continues descending to the end of the trail on Road 1800-230.

• Trail #54 Buck Creek

  This Trail Open to Hikers, Bikers and Equestrian Use.

  This trail is a moderately low elevation trail that parallels the White Salmon River. The trail stays high above the river gorge with occasional viewpoints from the top. A popular trail for horseback riders out of Mt Adams Horse Camp.

  Most of the area is rocky and heavily forested. The trail has rolling grades and three stream crossings. This trail accesses Morrison Creek Trail #39 which accesses Mt Adams Wilderness. Nice views of the White Salmon River and bridges are available along the trail.

• Trailhead: Buck Creek-Lower
• Trail #55 Tombstone Lake
• Trail #5C: French Creek
• Trail #71 Pine-Way

  This Trail Open to Hikers, Bikers and Equestrian Use.

  Located in the eastern part of the Mt. Adams Ranger District, this trail is adjacent to the Yakama Indian Reservation. Cattle are ranged in the area and the first 0.5 mile of the trail is often used as a stock driveway. The second half of the trail, heading due west, is a cow trail through rocky terrain. It connects with Snipes Mountain Trail #11 near the A.G. Aiken lava flow. The entire length of the trail goes through the Cold Springs Fire of 2008.

• Trailhead: Pine-Way
• Trail #72 Cold Springs
• Trail #75 Salt Creek

  This Trail Open to Hiker and Equestrian Use.

  Salt Creek Trail enters Mt Adams Wilderness to offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Beginning from Salt Creek Trailhead on Forest Road 8031, this lightly used trail follows Road 060 (closed to vehicle travel) for 1 mile, then enters the Mt. Adams Wilderness.

  The trail travels through large open timber following the Salt Creek drainage, passing several beaver ponds and meadows. As you hike a long the trail near the beaver pond expect to see elk, deer, beaver, and eagles. The trail is maintained for 3 miles, ending near the confluence of Cascade and Salt Creeks.

• Trailhead: Salt Creek
• Trail #9 Round-the-Mountain
• Trail #9A Looking Glass Lake
• Trail: Hard Time Loop (X-Country Ski )
• Trailhead: Crest Camp
• Trailhead: Forest Road 88 - Pacific Crest Trail
• Trailhead: Indian Race Track - South
• Trailhead: Mosquito-PCNST #2000
• Trailhead: Observation Peak
• Trailhead: Sawtooth
• Trailhead: Williams Mine
• Wilderness: Indian Heaven
• Pacific Crest Trail #2000
• Trail #1 Boundary

  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)
• Trail #1: Boundary- Elk Pass to Yellow Jacket
• Trail #1: Boundary- Yellow Jacket to Council Lake
• Trail #1: Boundary- Norway Pass TH to Norway Pass
• Wilderness areas

  One of our nation's greatest treasures is the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Wildernesses are lands designated by Congress to be protected and preserved in their natural condition, without permanent improvements or habitation. 

  Please view the special regulations associated with Wilderness and accept the Leave No Trace challenge. Help our wildlands remain wild, clean, and pristine!

  Maps are available for these areas.

  • Glacier View Wilderness
  • Goat Rocks Wilderness
  • Indian Heaven Wilderness
  • Mount Adams Wilderness
  • Tatoosh Wilderness
  • Trapper Creek Wilderness
  • William O. Douglas Wilderness
• Wilderness: Glacier View
• Wilderness: Goat Rocks
• Wilderness: Mt. Adams

  Mt. Adams Wilderness envelops an ecologically complex landscape along the west slope of Mt. Adams and its summit. The 47,122 acres that comprise the wilderness area are a blend of dry east-side and moist west-side ecosystems, allowing diverse types of vegetation and wildlife to flourish. Several areas along the flanks of Mt. Adams have burned in wildfires over the last several decades, providing sharp contrast with the lush unburned forests nearby and a glimpse at how landscapes regenerate after fire. Volcanic activity on Mt. Adams spans many geologic eras, with the most recent activity occurring just 3,500 years ago. Multiple trails provide access to spectacular views of Mt. Adams, including its glaciers, mountain streams, meadows, open alpine forests and lava flows.

  At an elevation of 12,276 feet, Mt. Adams is the second highest peak in Washington; however, with an 18-mile wide diameter it is the largest volcano by bulk in the state. Its glaciers, along with adjoining ridges and permanent snow fields, sport many climbing routes of varying difficulty to the summit. All involve a significant degree of inherent danger and risk. Review the Mt. Adams Summit page for information about climbing Mt. Adams. A Mt. Adams Climbing Permit ( https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74420) is required from May 1^st to September 30^th for anyone age 16 and older traveling above 7000ft elevation on Mt. Adams, even if not attempting the summit.

  The remoteness and wilderness character of Mt. Adams led to its designation as a wild area under the Forest Service U2 regulations in 1942 and ultimately to its inclusion in the Wilderness Act of 1964. This designation includes the summit of Mt. Adams, and thus Wilderness Regulations apply for those seeking adventure on its higher ridges and summit as well as those enjoying the meadows, forest, and lakes below.

  Only the western half of Mt. Adams lies within the Mt. Adams Wilderness, managed by the US Forest Service. The eastern half of Mt. Adams lies within the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation and is managed by the tribe. The portion of the mountain on Yakama Nation lands is largely closed to recreation. Contact the Yakama Nation for information regarding areas open to recreation.

  Mobile Friendly Map via Avenza: Mount Adams Wilderness Map (Learn more about how Avenza works.)

• Wilderness: Tatoosh
• Wilderness: Trapper Creek
• Wilderness: William O. Douglas