Picnicking

Picnicking 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
Campground: Adams Fork
Campground: Big Creek
Campground: Blue Lake Creek
Campground: Iron Creek
This large campground (98 sites) is on a flat along the Cispus River and is located in an old growth stand of Douglas fir, Hemlock, and Cedar. Lush vegetation and ample space between sites makes them quite private. This is a great place to camp while exploring the more remote side of Mount St. Helens. Iron Creek Campground Loop encircles the campground and is perfect for a stroll through the big trees and offers great views of the Cispus River.

View an Iron Creek Campground Loop Trail map (.pdf)

View an Iron Creek Campground map (.pdf)

Nearby Recreation Sites
Accessible Adventures Video
Site: Iron Creek Picnic Area
Campground: La Wis Wis
This large campground (109 sites) is located right off of US Highway 12 at the junction of the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz and the Ohanapecosh Rivers. It is situated in an old growth stand of Douglas Fir, Hemlock and Cedar. Most sites offer good privacy.

The Purcell Falls Trail #162A and the Blue Hole Trail #167 originate from the campground and offer views of the falls and the Blue Hole along the Ohanapecosh. This is a great destination for those traveling through looking for an overnight stay and also makes a great central location for an extended stay while exploring the local area.

View a La Wis Wis Campground map (.pdf).
Site: La Wis Wis Picnic Area
Campground: Takhlakh Lake
A very popular campground close to the shore of Takhlakh Lake. The Campground includes ten walk-in sites. The views across the lake of Mt. Adams are outstanding. The northern trails of the Mt. Adams Wilderness are nearby. Takhlakh Loop Trail # 134 originates in the campground and encircles the lake. It’s a 1.1 mile flat hike around the lake. You can also connect to the Takh Takh Meadows trail #136 that leads you to an old lava flow. Great views abound from the top of the lava field. Mosquitos can be numerous in the early season.

View a Takhlakh Lake Campground map (.pdf).
Campground: Walupt Lake
A popular high elevation campground on the shores of Walupt Lake and surrounded by the Goat Rocks Wilderness. The campground provides outstanding views of the the southern Goat Rocks Wilderness. The campground offers various sizes of camping units as well as 7 walk-in sites.

Walupt Lake spans 384 acres and is the second largest lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The clear mountain waters are popular with anglers who come here to cast for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. This campground is surrounded by the Goat Rocks Wilderness, named for the rugged peaks where numerous mountain goats are found. Scattered throughout the area are alpine meadows, lakes and ponds.

The Lake has a primitive boat ramp and day use area great for swimming and hanging out a hot summer day. Mosquitos can be a problem early in the season. There are numerous trails nearby. Walupt Lake Trail # 101 goes along the northern edge of the lake and is an easy hike to the end of the lake. The Nanny Ridge Trail # 98 climbs steeply but offers great views of the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Be sure to fill out a Wilderness Permit before entering the designated Wilderness.

Walupt Lake Day Use Picnic Site is within this campground.

View a Walupt Lake Campground map (.pdf)
Site: Walupt Lake Day Use Picnic Area
Observation Site: Palisades
Site: Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Area Tr. #247
Trailhead: Walupt Lake
Trailhead: Soda Spring
Trailhead: Berry Patch
Trailhead: Chain-of-Lakes
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
Bear Meadow Interpretive Site
Site: Smith Creek Picnic and Viewpoint Area
Trailhead: Norway Pass
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:
Campground: Sunset Falls Campground and Day Use
Lava Canyon Interpretive Site
Observation Site: McClellan
Pine Creek Information Center
Site: Marble Mountain Group Picnic Shelter
Trail #216B June Lake
ALERT: Due to the washout on FR 83, access to this trailhead may be challenging. The washout is a mixture of sand and mud with standing and/or active running water, making it difficult for compact cars to cross. It is strongly recommended that you use vehicles with 4x4 and high clearance to avoid getting stuck in the sand and mud mixture. We do not have an estimated time of when the road will be repaired.

There is no overnight parking at June Lake Trailhead. The trailhead is Day Ise only.

Offering picnicking opportunities on the shores of June Lake, this 1.6 mile trail is a good choice for families and beginning hikers. June Lake was formed by a 2,000-year-old lava flow blocking a tributary of Swift Creek. The lake is located along the base of a basalt cliff over which a waterfall pours, replenishing the lake’s cold, clear water.

Start by gently climbing through a young forest, following the rushing sounds of a tributary of Swift Creek that flows from June Lake. The lake is soon reached providing a great place to picnic. Continuing, the trail climbs steeply for 0.25 mile to its junction with Loowit Trail #216. June Lake Trail #216B is the shortest access to Loowit Trail #216.

Please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all litter.
Trail #233 Trail of Two Forests
Trail of Two Forests Interpretive Site
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
Site: Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Area
Coldwater Lake Recreation Area is located 45 miles east of Castle Rock in the heart of the blast zone near the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater and Johnston Ridge Observatory. Experience the effect the May 18, 1980 eruption had on the Coldwater Valley, including creating a brand new lake. Kayaking is popular here. Combustion engines are prohibited on the lake, but anglers reach trophy trout by electric motors, rowing, or kicking. See Restrictions section.

The 0.6 miles accessible Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail allows visitors to enjoy close up views of Coldwater Lake.

Accessible Adventures Video
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.
Campground: Twin Falls
Campground: Forlorn Lakes
Huckleberry Access
Interpretive Site: Basket Tree
Campground: Lower Falls
Site: Lower Falls Day Use
Site: Hemlock Picnic Area
Site: Ice Cave Picnic Area
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.
Trailhead: Filloon
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 #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 #152A Falls Creek Falls
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
Trailhead: Falls Creek Falls
Wind River Historic District