Horse Camping

Horse Camping 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
Horse Camp: Cody
Horse Camp: Keenes
Horse Camp: Walupt
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!
  
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- Mount St. Helens East
  
  This summer and fall route offers views of the crater and Spirit Lake, interpretive sites, and easy or rugged hiking.
  
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- Mount St. Helens South
  
  Lava flows, waterfalls, caves, and lush forest abound. Plenty of year-round recreation options.
  
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- Mount Margaret Backcountry
  
  Rugged, steep trails and amazing landscapes typify the Mt. Margaret Backcountry. Permits required for overnight camping.
  
  Learn more
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:
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
Horse Camp: Green River
Horse Camp: Kalama
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.
Horse Camp: Falls Creek
Horse Camp: Mt. Adams
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.

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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 .
Horse Camp: Lewis River
Trailhead: Crest Camp

Horse Camping

Horse Camping Areas

Mount St. Helens West

Mount St. Helens East

Mount St. Helens South

Mount Margaret Backcountry

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Recreation Areas

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