Trail #216G Castle Ridge/Trail #221 Castle Lake

Area Status: Unreachable

The Castle Ridge Trail #216G creates a connection between Loowit Trail #216 and Weyerhauser Road 3000. This ridge top hike offers views of the blast area, Mount St. Helens, the South Fork Toutle River, and Castle Lake.

A trip down the un-maintained Castle Lake Trail #221 brings you through the effects of the 1980 eruption to the shore of Castle Lake. The lake was created when the debris avalanche dammed South Fork Castle Creek. Passing through boggy areas and paralleling Castle Creek, the trail circles around the ridge separating Castle Creek and Castle Lake. Wildlife, including elk and waterfowl, can often be seen.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	These trails are no longer maintained and cannot be navigated easily.
Fees:	No fee or pass required. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Restrictions:	Off trail travel prohibited. No fires, stock or bicycles allowed. Pets must be on leash at all times. Camping allowed only at Castle Lake. Practice “Leave No Trace” principles. See Mount St. Helens Map for more information.
Closest Towns:	Castle Rock, WA
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers