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PARKS
Boundary Trails
There are a number of trails which skirt the perimeter of the Mount St. Helens Volcano. A climbing permit is required for these trails.
We welcome visitors into this exciting area. In order to protect the recovering plant and animal life the Forest Service is enforcing the following restrictions:
- 1. Stay on the trail ($100.00 minimum fine).
- 2. Camp outside the restricted zone (please see map).
- 3. Disturbing research plots or removal of any natural feature is strictly prohibited.
- 4. Access into the crater is strictly prohibited.
- 5. Fires are prohibited within the blast area.
For more detailed information and maps, contact one of the visitor centers or a Forest Ranger District Office.
Trails
Loowit Trail #216Distance: 27.1 miles (entire loop)
Difficulty Level: Easiest - Most difficult
Open to: Hiking, *Mtn bikes (*open from Castle Ridge Trail #216G south around the mountain to the Junction of the Abraham Trail #216D)
Access: Trails, 216A, 216B, 216G, 207, 234, 238, 238A, 240
Loowit Trail #216 is an around-the-mountain trail. This trail is open to hiking and mountain bikes. Portions of this trail are located within Class I research area and are closed to mountain bike use. When accessed from the Toutle Trail #238 on the south fork of the Toutle, the trail begins to climb and traverse the ridge through the forest, affording occasional views of the effected areas from May 18,1980. The trail then travels upslope along the edge of the forest allowing more views of the north and south forks of the Toutle, the Mt. Margaret area, and Mt. Rainier, as well as Mount St. Helens. The trail then turns south, crossing the rugged, exposed slopes of Mount St. Helens. Features: Loowit trail crosses many bouldery ravines and ancient lava flows and, in conjunction with the numerous access trails, provides the hiker with several loop opportunities.
Loowit Trail #216.2Distance: 3.0 miles
Difficulty Level: More difficult
Open to: Hiking
Access: Begins at Sheep Canyon Trail #240; Ends at Butte Camp Trail #238A
This trail receives minimal maintenance and traverses the western slope of the mountain, connecting Sheep Canyon Trail #240 to Butte Camp Trail #238A. it gains little elevation on the route, descending and ascending steeply only out of the glaciated valleys.
Loowit Trail #216.3Distance: 2.2 miles (one way)
Difficulty Level: Most difficult
Open to: Hiking
Access: Begins at Butte Camp Trail #238A; Ends at Ptarmigan Trail # 216A
This trail receives minimal maintenance and gains little elevation as It follows the timberline d Mount St. Helens. Steep ascents and descents can be expected over massive lava flows. The route is marked by wooden posts over sections with minimal trail tread.
Loowit Trail #216.4Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty Level: Most difficult
Open to: Hiking
Access: Begins at Ptarmigan; Trail #216A; Ends at June Lake Trail #216B
This low-maintained trail travels at timberline for most of its route. It passes over the rugged rocky terrain of lava flows and occasionally enters into subalpine or old-growth forest. The grades are steep. No potable water is available during the summer months. Be sure to bring your own.
Loowit Trail #216.5Distance: 4.7 miles
Difficulty Level: Most difficult
Open to: Hiking, bicycles
Access: Begins at June Lake Trail #216B; Ends at Ape Canyon
This low-maintained, rugged mountain trail crosses an area that has diverse geologic interest. Grades are at times steep scrambles across loose rocky slopes. Much d the route is marked by wooden posts set at intervals. Only experienced hikers should attempt this route. Safe crossing of drainages may change from season to season. Traverse up and down the gullies to seek the best route. Little potable water is available.
Abraham Trail #216.6Distance: 5.5 miles (one way)
Parking Lot to Ape Canyon 10.0 miles (one way) to Lahar
Difficulty Level: More difficult
Open to: Hiking
Access: Begins at Forest Road 99 Windy Ridge Parking Lot; Ends at Ape Canyon
The trail is accessed by following the 'Closed to Vehicles' portion of the Forest Rd. 99 from the Windy Ridge Parking Lot. The maintained trail climbs a ridge line, until reaching a steep sand ladder that takes you to Windy Pass. Beyond the Pass, the grades become gentler as you cross the Plains of Abraham. The trail ends at Ape Canyon but connects directly into Ape Canyon Trail #234. There is little shade and no potable water. Come prepared.
Ptarmigan Trail #216ADistance: 2 iles (one way)
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Open to: Hiking
Access: Road 8100/830 or Loowit Trail #216
Located on the south side d Mount St. Helens, this trail climbs through a subalpine forest to the clear slopes of Mount St. Helens. It junctions with the Loowit Trail #216 on a lava flow at the base of Monitor Ridge. Popular climbing route. Features: Large lava flow.
June Lake Trail #216BDistance: 1.4 miles (one way)
Difficulty Level: More difficult
Open to: Hiking, children
Access: Road 83 to Loowit Trail #216
Located on the southeastern side of Mount St. Helens, June Lake Trail is an enjoyable stroll through a young fir forest as you follow along the course of June Creek up to June Lake. Picnic here as you watch the wondrous sight of a waterfall flowing over a basalt cliff, replenishing the lake's cold, clear water. Features: a sandy beach on the south shore and Mount St. Helens looming just out of sight.
Pine Creek Shelter Trail #216CDistance: 0.4 miles to the shelter (one way)
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Open to: Hiking, children
Access: Road 83 and ends at the Lahar
Located on the south side of Mount St. Helens, Pine Creek Shelter Trail passes through an old-growth noble fir forest and then into a clear-cut. It reenters the forest, passes the Jackpine cedar shake shelter (built in 1932) and ends at the Lahar. Features: Pine Creek drainage, Lahar, and Mount St. Helens.
Windy Trail #216EDifficulty Level: More-Most Difficult
This trail can be accessed from Windy Ridge. Windy Trail #216E leads to Loowit Falls, where 100-degree water cascades out of the crater. The trail requires 3.5 to 4 hours. This trail is within a research area. Off trail travel and disturbing research plots are strictly prohibited.
Smith Creek Trail #225Distance: 9.0 miles (one way)
Difficulty Level: More difficult
Open to: Hiking, bicycles
Access: Road 99
This trail follows the Smith Creek drainage, descending steadily to Smith Creek. The trail follows sections of old roads and crosses open sections which are marked by wooden post route markers. The trail crosses the Muddy River via a bridge and ends at the lower Smith Creek trailhead on Forest Road 8322. Come prepared: bring plenty of drinking water!
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