Loowit #216- Castle Ridge to Sheep Canyon Trail

Area Status: Open

This maintained 2 mile section of Loowit Trail #216 runs from Castle Ridge Trail #216G junction to the Sheep Canyon Trail #240 junction.

Few trails capture more completely the range of effects of the 1980 eruption than this section of the Loowit Trail. Along this route you will discover views of mudflow-scoured river valleys, blast- singed trees, miles of blown-down forest, and views of newly created lakes. Observe this raw landscape and see how the familiar features of the Cascade Range were formed.

Walk out onto a huge boulder and enjoy an impressive view of the headwall of the South Fork of the Toutle River. Scan the horizon for outstanding views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Margaret, Mount Rainier and Johnston Ridge. Also enjoy a view of Coldwater Lake which was formed as a result of the 1980 eruption.

The trail descends to the South Fork of the Toutle River. Here you can see that this once well- forested valley was transformed into the skeletal remains of ash- covered logs and shattered stumps by the fury of a fiery blast of fragmented rock and the abrasive action of a raging mudflow. From the heart of the blast area, the trail descends into the Pumice Bowl and crosses via ford the South Fork Toutle River and climbs through a subalpine environment to panoramic views as it traverses the ridge.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	05/05/2023: The Loowit Trail is sitting under a deep snowpack, especially on the South side of the mountain. The snow depth at the Smith Creek SNOTEL station at 4,400 ft is currently reported at 196 inches while the station at June Lake at 3,440 ft is reporting 130 inches of snow. It will take a long time for this snow to melt, and when it does, the streams and rivers around the mountain will be running extremely high.
Fees:	No fee or permit required for trail use, however a $5/vehicle/day or a valid Recreation Pass required at some access points including Ape Canyon Trailhead, Climber's Bivouac Trailhead and Windy Ridge Interpretive site. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Usage:	Light-Medium
Restrictions:	Off-trail travel, bicycles, camping, fires and livestock are prohibited to protect sensitive natural features and scientific studies between Windy Pass and the South Fork Toutle River. This 10 mile section must be completed in one day. See Mount St. Helens Map for information. Pets must be on leash at all times. Research permits are required for off-trail travel.
Closest Towns:	Cougar, WA
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers