Windy Ridge Interpretive Site

Area Status: Open

⚠️ 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 access the Loowit via either the Ptarmagin Trail at Climbers Bivouac or June Lake Trailhead on Forest Road 83 for uninterrupted access. Click here for the current trail conditions for the Loowit Loop.

Located just five miles from Mount St. Helens, Windy Ridge Interpretive Site provides a close-up view of the volcano's crater and a breathtaking panorama of a landscape radically changed during the 1980 eruption and landslide. Below you lies Spirit Lake, with its floating log mat of huge trees swept into it during the eruption. Beyond, view a plain of pumice and ash and denuded hills, still fairly barren but greening with vegetation. Climb a 368 step sand ladder for a higher view. Read interpretive signs to learn about the events and people of the eruption. During summer, join an interpretive program presented at the site's amphitheater. The site is accessible and memorable for all.

Windy Ridge Interpretive Site provides access to Truman Trail #207 and Willow Springs Trail #207A.

For information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/accessiblerecreation.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	07/11/2024: Forest Road 99 is now open, providing access to the Windy Ridge Viewpoint and other trails in the area. Due to the Spirit Lake Tunnel Outlet construction, the following areas are closed Monday through Friday, but open on weekends and all federal holidays: Windy Ridge Parking Area for just the Construction Staging Area (Closed 7 days a week) FR 99 Extesion Road from Windy Ridge to TR 207 Truman Trail TR 207 - Truman Trail From TR 216E Windy Trail to TR 1 - Boundary Trail TR 216 D - Plains of Abraham Trail TR 216 Loowit Trail to FR 99 Extention Road TR 216 E - Windy Trail From TR 207 Truman to TR 216 Loowit TR 207A - Willow Springs Trail From TR 216 Loowit to TR 207 Truman TR 1E - Harry's Ridge Windy Ridger and Forest Road 99 is not reachable via FR 25 from the south, due to a section of Forest Road 25 is closed between milepost 13.7 and milepost 15. For more information, see order: Gifford Pinchot National Forest - News & Events (usda.gov). You may also call the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument at 360-449-7800.
Fees:	An America the Beautiful Pass or Northwest Forest Pass is honored. The site has a fee tube where onsite payment of $5, cash or check, can be made.
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Busiest Season:	Summer
Restrictions:	Off trail travel prohibited. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. No stock. Day-use only. Bicycles are prohibited within the restricted area.
Closest Towns:	Randle, WA
Passes:	America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest Pass accepted.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers

General Information

Directions:

From Randle, WA travel south on State Route (SR) 131 until the road forks (1 mile). Stay to the right on State Route 131 which becomes Forest Road 25. Travel south on Forest Road 25 for 19 miles to Forest Road 99. Turn right on Forest Road 99 and drive 16 miles until it terminates at Windy Ridge.

Alert: Forest Roads in this area are winding and many have surface debris and steep drop-offs on either side. Always drive with caution, drive defensively, and expect wildlife. Motorcyclists should be especially careful.