Trail #238 Toutle

Area Status: Open

Trail open to Horses, Hikers and Mountain Bikes and is 13.6 miles one way. The trail starts at Kalama Horse Camp and follows the spring-fed Kalama River and ends near the South Fork Toutle River at Loowit Trail #216.

The trail starts at Kalama Horse Camp and follows the spring-fed Kalama River. Passing through moss-carpeted lava flows and a mixed conifer forest, the trail junctions with Blue Lake Horse Trail #237, 3.7 miles from the horse camp. Reaching McBride Lake, the trail climbs above the lake with views of Mount St. Helens. Forest Road 81 is crossed at Red Rock Pass, 5.7 miles from Kalama Horse Camp.

Leaving Red Rock Pass, the trail crosses a 1,900-year-old lava flow before entering a lodgepole pine forest. Butte Camp Trail #238A splits to the north as the Toutle Trail travels west, reaching the Blue Lake Trailhead, 3.2 miles from Red Rock Pass. Blue Lake is passed as the trail enters an old-growth forest. The trail climbs northward to Huckleberry Saddle and the second junction with Blue Lake Horse Trail #237. From this junction the trail continues northward, to its intersection with Sheep Canyon #240. Horses are not allowed beyond this junction. Note: Forest Road 8123 is decommisioned at the Blue Lake Trailhead and Sheep Canyon trailhead is no longer accessible. The Toutle Trail continues 1.6 miles before terminating near the South Fork Toutle River at Loowit Trail #216.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: 03/19/2024: Kalama Horse Camp is closed for the season. Trail #204 Cinnamon Trail, and #242A Kalama Falls Trail, which depart from the horse camp trailhead, remain closed due to trail damage from wildfire.
Fees: No fee or pass required. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Usage: Light-Medium
Restrictions:
  • Horses are prohibited on: Toutle Trail 238 north of the Sheep Canyon Trail 240 intersection, Sheep Canyon Trail 240 east of Toutle Trail 238, and on Butte Camp Trail 238A.
  •  If horseback riding, please see Horse Riding and Camping information.
Closest Towns: Cougar, WA
Water: Treat all non-potable water before consuming.
Restroom: Vault Toilet at Kalama Horse Camp
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:

General Information

Directions:

Alert: Forest Road 8123 is decommisioned at the Blue Lake Trailhead). Sheep Canyon trailhead is no longer accessible.


Activities

Mountain Biking

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
13.6 miles

  Elevation : 
2100' - 4000'