Trail #216 Loowit

Area Status: Unknown
  
Ape Canyon

⚠️ 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:

At a Glance

Current Conditions: 12/12/2024: No current conditions reports are available at this time. The trail is likely experiencing wintery conditions, snow over the trail, fallen trees, and other conditions that may make travel along this trail difficult. Snowshoes, cross country skiis may be required if you plan on traveling this route. 
Fees: No fee or pass required for trail use, however $5/vehicle/day or a valid Recreation Pass required at some access points including Ape Canyon Trailhead, Climber's Bivouac Trailhead and Windy Ridge Interpretive Site. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Usage: Medium
Best Season: Summer
Busiest Season: Summer
Restrictions:
  • Off-trail travel, bicycles, camping, fires and livestock are prohibited to protect sensitive natural features and scientific studies between Windy Pass and the South Fork Toutle River. This 10 mile section must be completed in one day.  See Mount St. Helens Map for information.
  • Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash on trail at all times.
  • Research permits are required for off-trail travel. 
Closest Towns:
  • Cougar WA
  • Toutle WA
  • Randle WA
Water: Treat all non-potable water before consuming.
Restroom: No
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:

General Information

General Notes:

Camping

No Camping or off trail travel is allowed in the north portion of the trail from Windy Pass to the South Fork Toutle River.  This 10 mile stretch is to be completed in one day.  Please plan accordingly. Dispersed camping is allowed on other portions of the trail. There are no definitive campsites and hikers must plan accordingly. Camping opportunities exist on the south side of the South Fork Toutle River, Plains of Abraham and various locations on the south side of the Loowit Trail. Please practice Leave No Trace.

Water

Water is limited in late summer. Year round springs are located at the following locations

  • 1 mile from the Butte Camp/ Loowit Junction on the Butte Camp Trail.
  • 1/4 mile from the Loowit Toutle Junction on the Toutle
  • 1/2 mile from the Windy/ Loowit Junction.

There are additional water sources of snow melt and creeks around the mountain but these may be limited during late summer.

Restricted Area

The 10 mile segment north of Windy Pass and north of the South Fork of the Toutle is closed to off trail hiking, pets, bikes, fires and camping. Portions of this trail system enter the Restricted Area. Travel is allowed on approved trails only.

Off-trail travel and camping are prohibited to protect sensitive natural features and scientific studies. Research permits are required for off-trail travel.


Directions:

Key access points: 


Parking:

We suggest parking at Marble Mountain Sno-park. There are toilets but no water.


Activities

Mountain Biking

Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

The trail is not crossed by a single road and can be accessed by "feeder" trails identified by the number #216 and a letter of the alphabet, or by June Lake Trail # 216B. Ape Canyon Trail #234, Sheep Canyon Trail #240, and Truman Trail #207 allows day hikers the opportunity to hike short-distance sections of the trail.

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

Alerts & Warnings

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Quick Links

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Elevation : 
3,400' - 4,800'