Trailhead: Independence Pass

Area Status: Closed

Independence Pass Trail has experienced significant washouts. Independence Pass Trail #227 north of its junction with Trail #227A is in poor condition. Hiking on this section is not recommended, as the trail has narrow sections along eroded cliff bands.

Provides access to: Independence Pass Trail #227 and Independence Ridge Trail #227A.

Located on Forest Road 99 this trailhead also accesses a short hike to an interpretive view point of Spirit Lake.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	10/23/2024: Independence Pass Trailhead is closed for the season, and recreation fees are not being collected at this time. Forest Road 99 is open until December 1st, providing access to the Independence Pass Trailhead, Windy Ridge Viewpoint, and other trails in the area. Due to a landslide of Forest Road 25, Randle and Forest Road 99 will be inaccessible via northbound travel from Cougar.Access to the area is heavily dependent on snow levels. At this time, the trail is unreachable due to snow levels on Forest Road 25 and Forest Road 99. This area will be accessible sometime in Juine or July when the snow melts out.Learn More.
Fees:	$5/vehicle/day or a valid Recreation Pass. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Permit Info:	Mount Margaret Backcountry Permit required for overnight camping in the Mount Margaret Backcountry.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Pets must be on leash at all times.
Closest Towns:	Randle, WA
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Passes:	America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest Pass accepted.
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 take Lewis River Road east for 2.8 miles. The road then changes to Forest Road 90. Continue on Forest Road 90 for 16 miles and stay to the left on Forest Road 25, pass the Pine Creek Information Center. Drive Forest Road 25 for 25 miles to the junction of Forest Road 99. Turn left onto Forest Road 99 towards Windy Ridge. Drive approximately 12.2 miles to Independence Pass Trailhead.