Lava Canyon Interpretive Site

Area Status: Open
Picture of Lava Canyon Falls

Discover more about Mount St. Helens eruptive past in this much more stark, higher-elevation setting. Access Lava Canyon Trail #184 at this site. Travel along the trail and explore a mudflow-scoured canyon with views of a waterfall plunging over an ancient lava flow. Continue on the Lava Canyon Trail for more challenging hiking experiences with rewarding views.

 

Accessible Adventures Video featuring Lava Canyon Trail:

At a Glance

Current Conditions: 12/12/2024: Access to this site is only possible via winter recreation vehicles such as sno-mobiles. The gate to Marble Mountain Sno*Park is now closed for the season, preventing access beyond this point for reglar highway vehicle traffic. The road is not plowed intentionally for winter recreation purposes beyond this point.
Fees: $5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites. Fee tube available at the site for cash or check payments.
Usage: Heavy
Best Season: Summer
Busiest Season: Summer
Restrictions:
  • Please stay on the trail at all times. Fatalities have occurred when visitors wander off-trail.
  • Pets must be on leash at all times.
Closest Towns: Cougar, WA
Water: No
Restroom: Compost Toilet (1)
Passes: America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest Pass accepted.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:

General Information

Directions:

From Woodland, WA take State Route 503/Forest Road 90 east to the well-signed Forest Road 83 junction. Turn left on Forest Road 83 for 11 miles and follow to the end of Forest Road 83 at Lava Canyon Trailhead and Intepretive Site.


Accessibility:

This site and trail are accessible and offer outstanding views.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Viewing Scenery

Interpretive Areas

Picnicking

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
46.16585

  Longitude : 
-122.08832

  Elevation : 
2800' - 3000'