Sno-Park: Cougar

Area Status: Open

A snowy trail surrounded by evergreens on a sunny day.

Access point for the Kalama Ski Trail, and Forest Road 81 snowmobile route. The trail system offers 25 miles of snowmobile trails and 18 kilometers ungroomed ski trails. All trails are multi-use and shared with non-motorized recreationists. Parking for approximately 15 vehicles.

View a map of the Kalama Ski Trail and surrounding trails at Cougar Sno-Park.

Alert: The winter mountain climbing route is closed to snowmobile users to improve safety for winter climbers, skiers and snowshoers. Climbing permits required for everyone above 4,800 feet on Mount St. Helens.

Title:	Sign at Cougar Sno-park
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A sogn showing brown markers that indicate cross country skiing

Title:	Ski sign at Cougar
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Asphalt parking area on a sunny day showing a truck in the distance with snow on landscape.

Title:	20220210-GP-Cougar Sno-Park _500
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At a Glance

Current Conditions:	12/12/2024: Forest Road 81 to Cougar SnoPark is open. The SnoPark may have packed snow in the parking lot, but it does not prevent access into the park. SnoPark Permits are required from December 1 to March 31. You may purchase SnoPark Permits in advance online or from a vendor.
Fees:	December 1 through March 31: Washington State Sno-Park Permit required. Not available on-site. Purchase in advance online or from a vendor. No fee or Recreation Pass required. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites on Forest Road 83. Climbing permits required for travel above 4,800 feet. See Permit Information section.
Permit Info:	Climbing permits required year-round for everyone traveling above 4,800 ft. on the slopes of Mount St. Helens. April 1 to Oct. 31: Purchase in advance on Recreation.gov Nov. 1 to March 31: Permits are self-issued at Marble Mountain Sno-Park kiosk.
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Best Season:	Winter
Busiest Season:	Winter
Restrictions:	Snowmobiles are prohibited in the Non-motorized climbing corridor between Monitor Ridge and the Worm Flows Climbing Routes. The restricted research area north of volcano is closed to snowmobiles and to off-trail ski and snowshoe travel.
Closest Towns:	Cougar, WA
Water:	No
Restroom:	Restrooms at Trail of Two Forests
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 Cougar, WA drive 9 miles east on Lewis River Road (State Route 503/Forest Road 90) to Forest Road 83. Take Forest Road 83 north to Forest Road 8100 junction.