Step beneath the forest floor and discover one of the most unique adventures in the Mount St. Helens region. Ape Cave is a massive lava tube formed by ancient volcanic flows on the south side of Mount St. Helens, and at about 2.5 miles long, it is considered the third longest lava tube in North America. This unforgettable stop blends geology, adventure, and forest scenery into one of the area’s most memorable outdoor experiences.

The experience begins with a short paved path from the parking area to the cave entrance, where a stairway drops into a cool, dark underground world. From there, visitors can choose between two very different routes. The Lower Cave is the easier option, offering a relatively gentle out-and-back walk that is well suited for families and casual explorers. The Upper Cave is more challenging, with rocky footing, lava-formed obstacles, an 8-foot lava fall, and an exit ladder that brings you back to the surface for a forest hike to return to the main entrance.

Ape Cave is more than a hike. It is a chance to experience Mount St. Helens from the inside out. The cave stays around 42 degrees year-round, making it a refreshing summer adventure but one that requires preparation in every season. Visitors should bring warm layers and at least two reliable light sources per person, since there is no lighting inside the cave and cell phone flashlights are not considered adequate.

To help protect this fragile volcanic environment, visitors should avoid touching the cave walls or ceiling, and pets, smoking, camping, alcohol, and food or drinks other than water are not allowed inside. During the open season, timed entry reservations are required per vehicle, and parking also requires a Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Pass, or day pass.

Whether you are looking for a family-friendly lava tube walk or a more adventurous underground scramble, Ape Cave offers a one-of-a-kind way to explore the volcanic story of Mount St. Helens. It is one of those places that feels equal parts trail, cave, and natural wonder.

Trail details: Ape Cave Trail #239, near Cougar, Washington. Main trailhead coordinates: 46.108645, -122.210387. The cave is reached via Forest Road 8303, roughly 9 miles east of Cougar.

Call to action: Add Ape Cave to your Mount St. Helens itinerary and experience one of the most unusual hikes in Washington, where volcanic history comes to life beneath your feet.

Current seasonal note: As of April 8, 2026, Ape Cave is in its winter closure period. The Forest Service page lists the site as seasonally closed from November 1 to May 17, while Recreation.gov currently says the 2026 summer season reopens on Friday, May 22 and requires timed tickets.

Boundary Trail #1 to Norway Pass (SR 504 Side)

• Location: Near Coldwater Lake, off SR 504, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
• Distance: 7 miles one-way (about 14 miles round trip).
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – steady uphill climb with some rocky sections.
• Elevation Gain: Around 2,500 feet to 4,200 feet at Norway Pass.
• Best Season: Late spring to fall (May to October), avoid winter and early spring due to snow.

Trail Highlights:

• Views: Great views of Mount St. Helens, Spirit Lake, and the blast zone.
• Wildlife: Look for elk, deer, and bears.
• Trail Type: Point-to-point (out-and-back).
• Family-Friendly: Not ideal for young kids; better for experienced hikers.

Things to Know:

Shuttle: If doing a one-way hike, consider arranging a shuttle.
Trail Access: Start at Coldwater Ridge or Coldwater Lake.
Water: Bring plenty of water, there are no reliable water sources along the trail.
Weather: Weather can change quickly; bring layers.

Harmony Trail #224 – Hike Into the Heart of a Volcanic Legacy

Location: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Distance: 2 miles round-trip (1 mile one-way)
Elevation Change: 600–700 feet descent (and same back up)
Difficulty: Moderate (steep at the start)
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Open Season: Late spring through fall (snow-dependent)
Family-Friendly: Yes – for older children or those comfortable with a short, steep hike
Pets: Not allowed
Pass Required: $5 per vehicle or valid Recreation Pass

Trail Overview

Step into a living laboratory of renewal on Harmony Trail #224, a stunning descent through the blast zone of Mount St. Helens that leads to the shores of Spirit Lake—one of the most iconic and restricted areas in the monument.

Once home to the now-submerged Harmony Falls Lodge, the area was completely transformed by the 1980 eruption. Today, this steep but rewarding 1-mile trail (2 miles round-trip) offers the only legal public access to Spirit Lake’s shoreline. Along the way, you’ll pass through young alder stands and wildflowers thriving in the volcanic soil, with breathtaking views of the lake and Mount St. Helens rising above it.

The lake’s surface is still littered with floating logs—remnants of the massive debris flow triggered by the eruption. Standing at the water’s edge, you’ll experience the raw aftermath of a geologic event that reshaped the region.

About Harmony Trail
Named for a now-submerged waterfall (Harmony Falls), this steep, one-mile trail begins at Harmony Falls Viewpoint and ends on the shore of Spirit Lake. The semi-barren hillside you descend, and surrounding landscape was blanketed by old growth forests, pre-eruption. Huge trees were swept away or toppled by the lateral blast of the May 1980 eruption.

On May 18th, the north side of St. Helens collapsed, slamming into Spirit Lake. The resulting “tidal” wave surged 800 feet up the opposite shore, dragging toppled trees into the lake as the water returned. Those trees still float on the lake surface. The avalanche filled the base of the lake, raising the lake level 200 feet, and submerging Harmony Falls, and the site of rustic Harmony Falls Lodge.

Why Hike Harmony Trail

Family-Friendly: A great challenge for adventurous families with older kids; shorter in distance but steep.
Geological Immersion: Hike directly into the historic blast zone of Mount St. Helens.
Unique Access: Reach the only permitted spot where visitors can stand at Spirit Lake’s shoreline.
Photo-Worthy: Dramatic Lake and volcano views, wildflowers, and striking contrasts in the landscape.

June Lake Trail #216B – A Serene Family-Friendly Hike

Location: June Lake Trailhead off Forest Road 83 near Cougar, within Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA
Distance: ~2.86 miles round-trip (approximately 2.5–2.8 miles)
Trail Type: Out-and-back, with optional connection to the Loowit Trail
Elevation Gain: About 445–450 feet
Highest Elevation: Approximately 3,140 feet above sea level
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate—gently climbing forest trail, suitable for families with kids and snowshoers in winter
Open Season: Generally late spring to fall (June–November), with snowshoe access in winter
Family-Friendly: Yes—well-rated for families and small children
Pets: Dogs allowed on leash
Passes/Fees: No entry fee; however, a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass may be required for parking during some seasons.

Lava Canyon is one of the most dramatic hikes on the south side of Mount St. Helens, where volcanic history, rushing water, and sheer rock walls come together in one unforgettable landscape. This striking canyon was shaped by lava flows and later scoured by the powerful forces unleashed during the 1980 eruption, leaving behind a rugged corridor of cliffs, waterfalls, and exposed canyon walls that feels both wild and otherworldly.

The experience begins at the Lava Canyon Interpretive Site, where the first section of trail offers an easy, paved, ADA-accessible walk into the canyon. This opening stretch is ideal for families, casual visitors, and anyone wanting a close-up look at the geology without committing to a strenuous hike. Along the way, interpretive signs help tell the story of how this landscape was formed, while viewpoints reveal the Muddy River cutting through basalt and ancient lava rock.

Beyond the paved section, Lava Canyon becomes more adventurous. The trail drops deeper into the canyon, with steeper grades, narrower tread, and dramatic views of waterfalls and churning water below. Under normal conditions, this area is known for its suspension bridge and thrilling canyon scenery, but the Forest Service currently notes that the suspension bridge is closed due to cable damage, so the old 1.4-mile upper loop is not possible right now. Visitors can still explore both sides of the river where open, but should expect to return the way they came rather than complete the full loop.

This is a trail that rewards respect and preparation. The Forest Service warns visitors to stay on the trail at all times, noting that going off trail is dangerous and that fatalities have occurred in the canyon area. Fast-moving water, steep drop-offs, and exposed sections make Lava Canyon a place to slow down, take in the views, and use caution every step of the way. Pets are allowed only on leash, and a Northwest Forest Pass, Digital Day Pass, or Interagency Pass is required for parking.

Whether you stop for the accessible interpretive walk or continue farther into the canyon for a more rugged experience, Lava Canyon offers one of the most visually powerful trail experiences in the Mount St. Helens region. It is a place where the mountain’s story is written into the stone, the water, and the shape of the land itself.

Trail details: Lava Canyon Trail #184, near Cougar, Washington. Trailhead coordinates: 46.1654, -122.0889.

Getting there: From I-5, take Exit 21 and head east on SR 503 toward Cougar. Continue through Cougar on Lewis River Road / Forest Road 90 past Swift Reservoir, then turn left onto Forest Road 83 and follow it to the Lava Canyon trailhead.

Call to action: Add Lava Canyon to your Mount St. Helens itinerary for a hike that combines volcanic geology, canyon drama, and some of the most memorable waterfall views on the mountain’s south side.

Current seasonal note: As of April 1, 2026, the Lava Canyon area is still under snow and Forest Road 83 is gated at Marble Mountain Sno-Park, so vehicle access to the trailhead remains closed for the season.

A Short Walk Through a Living Monument

Location: Meta Lake Interpretive Site, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA (access via Forest Road 99, northeast of Mount St. Helens near Randle, WA)
Distance: Approximately 0.6 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy – flat and paved; suitable for all ages and abilities
Elevation: Minimal elevation change
Highest Elevation: 3,625 feet
Family Friendly: Yes – excellent for children, seniors, strollers, and fully ADA accessible Open Season: Summer through early fall, typically late June to October, depending on snow and road access (Forest Road 99 must be open)
Trail Type: Out-and-back, paved interpretive trail with a lakeside viewpoint

Trail Description

Meta Lake Trail #210 is a short, paved, and accessible trail that offers a close look at ecological survival and recovery from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Shielded by deep snow during the blast, the surrounding forest remained remarkably intact. Today, visitors can witness the regrowth of the area and the delicate ecosystem that flourishes here.

The trail leads to a viewpoint over Meta Lake, a quiet alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers and young trees. Interpretive signs along the way share the story of the lake’s survival and rebirth, making it a great educational experience for all ages. It's an ideal stop for travelers exploring Forest Road 99 or visiting Windy Ridge.

Getting There

From Randle, drive Highway 131 south for two miles. Here, it becomes Forest Road 25, which you will drive for 17.5 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 99. Drive on FR 99 for 9.5 miles to the well-signed Meta Lake Interpretive Site. 

If you're coming from Woodland, you'll drive Highway 503 east for 29 miles to the town of Cougar. Continue east for 18.5 miles. (During this portion, 503 becomes FR 90). Turn left onto FR 25, and drive it 25 miles north to FR 99. Proceed down 99 for 9.5 miles to the well-signed Meta Lake trail. 

TThe Worm Flows Climbing Route is the primary route used by climbers during the winter and early spring to reach Mount St Helens Summit. Worm Flows is the most direct route to the summit of Mount St. Helens during the winter season. Ice axe, crampons, and avalanche awareness are recommended on this route. Skis with climbing skins or snowshoes with cleats are also highly recommended.

From the Marble Mountain Sno-Park use the Swift Ski Trail, #244 to reach timberline. Cross to the west side of Swift Creek, just above Chocolate Falls (elev. 3,700'). Follow ridges and open slopes to the crater rim. Wooden route marking posts guide climbers from timberline to approximately 4,800' elevation. The round trip is approximately 12 miles, with total time round trip being approximately 7 to 10 hours. To reduce your exposure to avalanche potential, stay away from snow loaded slopes and gully bottoms. Stay off the cornices at the crater rim.

Climbers should be prepared for winter climbing conditions. Sign in at the register and sign out on your return.

A dangerous cornice, an overhanging mass of snow formed by wind, grows through the winter on the leeward side of the wind exposed edge of the summit and crater. As it grows, the cornice can hang quite a distance over the edge, making it fragile and extremely dangerous to walk upon to get a view into the crater. Stay back at least 30 ft (9 m) from the visible edge. There may not be any flagging stakes or markers indicating the danger zone, so use extreme caution. The high summit drift may prevent you from having any view over the rim to the North. Always check current conditions before your climb.

Recreation Passes honored: Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes. Get a Recreation Pass. 

• Day use only. Open sunrise to sunset.
• Overnight camping  not permitted.
• Campfires not permitted.
• Portable propane barbeque or fire pit permitted.
• Pets must be on 6 ft leash max or shorter at all times.
• Gasoline motors on boats are prohibited. Must be removed from the boat to launch.
• Selective Gear Rules apply. See Washington State Fish and Wildlife Sports Fishing Rules Booklet.
• Gear is limited to artificial flies with barbless single hooks or lures with barbless single hooks and bait is prohibited. Up to 3 hooks may be used. Only knotless nets may be used to land fish.
• Inlet and outlet streams closed to fishing
• Trout min size 18 inches. Daily limit 1.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 46.290513

Longitude: -122.266096

Directions

From Castle Rock, drive State Route 504 east 43 miles. Stay right where State Route 504 forks towards the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Continue for 1 mile, turn left at Coldwater Lake.

Parking

2 large parking lots with multi-use vehicle parking available. No hookups. Please do not block road access for emergency vehicles. No overnight parking/camping.