Trail of Two Forests Interpretive Site
This site serves as a trailhead to a ¼ mile long boardwalk trail that leads you over a 2,000-year-old lava flow from Mount St. Helens. Lava ran through the forest and around trees, which burst into flames. The lava solidified around the trunks and trunks rotted away, leaving tree wells, voids in which the impressions of the bark remain. Interpretive signs along the route tell the story of this ancient event. Climb down a ladder and through a dark, tree well. Enjoy today’s forest of fir, hemlock, and brilliant, green moss growing on the old lava. The boardwalk is accessible and kid friendly. Picnic tables and a vault toilet are available.
To protect fragile geologic features and plant life, please stay on the boardwalk.
General Information
Pets must be on leash at all times.
April 1 to November 30: $5/vehicle/day or a valid Recreation Pass. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Must be on leash.
Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters
Contact Phone: (360) 449-7800
Getting There
Directions
From Cougar, drive east on Forest Road 90 and turn left (north) onto Forest Road 83. Drive 2 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 8303. Continue for 0.5 mile to the trailhead on the left.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
This site has a flat parking area, and the toilet is wheelchair accessible. The trail is primarily a wooden boardwalk, mostly level with varying grade in some locations to get viewers up and over the rough and crumbling volcanic terrain.
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
