Norway Pass Trailhead

Area Status: Open

Embark on your journey into the rugged and wild Mount Margaret Backcounty from Norway Pass Trailhead. Boundary Trail #1 leads into the backcountry, and provides access to Lakes Trail #211, Independence Ridge Trail #227A and the extremely challenging Whitter Ridge Trail #214. See Mount St. Helens Map.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	11/21/2023: Norway Pass is open. Water system has been closed for the season. Due to a landslide of Forest Road 25, Randle and Forest Road 99 will be inaccessible from Cougar. Winter closure begins December 1st or with significant snowfall. Learn More.
Fees:	$5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass required. On-site payment not available.
Permit Info:	A Mount Margaret Backcountry Permit is required for overnight camping. Purchase permits in advance online. Permits not available on-site.
Usage:	Medium
Best Season:	Summer/Fall
Busiest Season:	Summer
Restrictions:	Mount Margaret Backcountry Restrictions: To protect natural features, pack stock and bicycles are prohibited in the Mount Margaret Backcountry. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Fires are not allowed, plan to use a camp stove for cooking. Camping is limited to eight designated campsites only. Maximum group size for camping is four people, eight people at Ridge Camp. Dispersed Camping is authorized without a permit north of the Green River only.
Closest Towns:	Cougar WA and Randle, WA
Water:	Potable Water
Restroom:	Vault Toilet (1)
Passes:	America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest Pass accepted at the trailhead.
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 Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer right in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Follow Forest Road 25 for 17.9 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 99. Follow Forest Road 99 for 8.9 and turn right on Forest Road 26. Follow Forest Road 26 for 1 mile and arrive at the Norway Pass Trail Head on your left.

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 FR 25 for 25 miles to the junction of Forest Road 99. Turn left onto Forest Road 99 towards Windy Ridge. Drive approximately 9.2 miles to Forest Road 26 and turn right. The Norway Pass Trailhead will be on your left on Forest Road 26.