Mount St. Helens East: Forest Roads 25 & 99
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Roads 25 and 99 provide access to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument's vast blown down forest and views of the legendary Spirit Lake. These forest roads are typically open from late June until November.
On Forest Road 99, stop at one of nine interpretive sites, enjoy the views and learn about the volcano and eruption by reading interpretive signs. Links to the stops are below:
- Bear Meadow Interpretive Site
- Meta Lake Interpretive Site
- Miners Car Interpretive Site
- Cedar Creek Viewpoint
- Windy Ridge Interpretive Site
- Harmony Falls Viewpoint
- Ryan Lake Interpretive Site
- Cascade Peaks
Other great opportunities include mountain biking, hiking and/or picnicking at Smith Creek and journeying into the Mount Margaret Backcountry via the Norway Pass Trail.
Lodging, gas and other services are offered in nearby communities. Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station, in Randle, WA, open to visitors daily during the summer season.
Accessible Adventures Video
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | 06/22/2022: Forest Roads 25 is now open. Forest Road 99 is still closed and will open this summer as the snow melts out. |
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Fees: | $5/vehicle/day at most developed recreation sites, or a valid Recreation Pass. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites. |
Usage: | Medium |
Best Season: | summer |
Busiest Season: | summer |
Restrictions: |
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Closest Towns: | Randle,WA, Cougar, WA |
Water: | Water available at Norway Pass Trailhead |
Restroom: | Multiple sites along the route |
Information Center: |
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Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:- Trail #213 Green River
- Trail #213A Vanson Ridge
- Trail #216D: Abraham
- Trail #217 Goat Mountain
- Trailhead: Goat Mountain
- Trail #217A Vanson Peak
- Trail #218 Tumwater
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- Norway Pass Trailhead
- Trail #1: Boundary- Norway Pass TH to Norway Pass
- Trail #1: Boundary- Norway Pass to Elk Pass
- Trail #210 Meta Lake
- Meta Lake Interpretive Site
- Trail #213 Green River
- Trail #213A Vanson Ridge
- Trail #216D: Abraham
- Trail #216E Windy
- Trail #217 Goat Mountain
- Trailhead: Goat Mountain
- Trail #217A Vanson Peak
- Trail #222 Ryan Lake
- Trail #224 Harmony
- Harmony Falls Viewpoint
- Trail #227 Independence Pass
- Trailhead: Independence Pass
- Trail #227A Independence Ridge
- Windy Ridge Interpretive Site
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:- Norway Pass Trailhead
- Trail #1: Boundary- Norway Pass TH to Norway Pass
- Trail #1: Boundary- Norway Pass to Elk Pass
- Trail #218 Tumwater
- Windy Ridge Interpretive Site
Horse Camping
Recreation areas with activity Horse Camping:Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:- Trail #213 Green River
- Trail #213A Vanson Ridge
- Trail #217 Goat Mountain
- Trailhead: Goat Mountain
- Trail #217A Vanson Peak
- Trail #218 Tumwater
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:Visitor Programs
Recreation areas with activity Visitor Programs:Interpretive Areas
Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:- Bear Meadow Interpretive Site
- Miners Car Interpretive Site
- Smith Creek Picnic/Viewpoint
- Trail #210 Meta Lake
- Meta Lake Interpretive Site
- Ryan Lake Interpretive Site
- Harmony Falls Viewpoint
- Windy Ridge Interpretive Site
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:- Bear Meadow Interpretive Site
- Muddy River Picnic Site
- Norway Pass Trailhead
- Smith Creek Picnic/Viewpoint
- Ryan Lake Interpretive Site