This one mile trail leaves from Harmony Falls Viewpoint and descends 700 feet to the shore of Spirit Lake. Here you can see the effects of the 1980 eruption and marvel at the recovery. Now underwater is the former location of the rustic Harmony Falls Lodge and Harmony Falls.
Hiking this trail offers the opportunity to find a changed shoreline, altered by the effects of the 1980 debris avalanche and lateral blast. When the debris avalanche slammed into the lake, a “tidal” wave surged 800 feet up the opposite shore. As the wave crashed back down it swept the already blown down trees into the lake. The resulting log mat drifts with the wind on the lake surface.
The debris avalanche created a dam at the lake outlet ultimately raising the water level. The level of Spirit Lake is now controlled by the 1.7-mile man-made tunnel that drains into South Coldwater Creek.
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
Forest Road 99 gated just past Wakepish Sno-Park for the winter.
Fees
Recreation Pass Required
Restrictions:
Off trail travel prohibited.
No pets, stock, or bicycles.
Day-use only.
No fishing or swimming is allowed at Spirit Lake.
Closest Towns:
Randle, WA
Passes:
A valid Recreation Pass is required at Harmony Falls Viewpoint.
From Cougar WA take Lewis River Road east for 2.8 miles. The road then changes to Forest Road 90. Continue on FR 90 for 16 miles and stay to the left on Forest Road 25, pass the Pine Creek Information Center. Drive FR 25 for 25 miles to the junction of Forest Road 99. Turn left onto FR 99 towards Windy Ridge. Drive approximately 13.5 miles to Harmony Viewpoint. Trail starts from here.
Hiking this trail offers the opportunity to find a changed shoreline, altered by the effects of the 1980 debris avalanche and lateral blast. When the debris avalanche slammed into the lake, a “tidal” wave surged 800 feet up the opposite shore. As the wave crashed back down it swept the already blown down trees into the lake. The resulting log mat drifts with the wind on the lake surface. The debris avalanche created a dam at the lake outlet ultimately raising the water level. The level of Spirit Lake is now controlled by the 1.7-mile man-made tunnel that drains into South Coldwater Creek.
HIDE
