Trail Overview
Hummocks Trail is one of the best short hikes near Toutle for visitors who want a close-up look at the landscape reshaped by the 1980 eruption. This easy loop winds through rolling mounds, wetlands, young forest, and open viewpoints, with excellent views of Mount St. Helens and the North Fork Toutle River valley.

Trail Stats
About 2.5 miles round trip, 250 feet of elevation gain, and generally rated easy. The trailhead coordinates are 46.2869, -122.2717.

What to Expect
This family-friendly loop takes hikers through the strange, uneven “hummocks” left behind when the north flank of Mount St. Helens collapsed in 1980. Along the way, you’ll pass ponds, wetlands, recovering forest, and interpretive signs that help tell the story of how this once-barren blast zone became alive again. One of the best volcano views comes near the junction with the Boundary Trail, roughly a half mile from the trailhead.

Directions to the Trailhead
From Castle Rock, drive east on State Route 504 / Spirit Lake Highway for about 43 miles. Stay right at the fork signed for Johnston Ridge, continue about 2 more miles, and look for the signed Hummocks / Boundary Trailhead on the right.

Know Before You Go
The Forest Service currently lists no fee at the Hummocks Trailhead. Even with the ongoing SR 504 closure beyond milepost 45.2, Hummocks Trail remains open. The closure affects vehicle access farther up the highway, so Johnston Ridge Observatory and Loowit Viewpoint are not accessible by car, but the Hummocks Trail itself is still open for hiking.

Call to Action
If you’re looking for an easy Mount St. Helens-area hike with big scenery, fascinating geology, and a trail that works well for families, Hummocks Trail is a must-stop on your Toutle adventure.

Send the next trail and I’ll format it the same way.