Lilac Days - 2026
- Dates: April 18, 2026 - May 10, 2026
- Recurrence: Recurring daily
- Location: Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
- Address: 115 S. Pekin Road, Woodland, WA 98674
- Phone: (360) 225-8996
- Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Price: Admission $10 adults, children 12 & under free. Seniors $5 (62 and up) on Mondays during Lilac Days
Woodland, WA 98674
Nestled in the heart of Woodland, Washington, the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens is a tranquil, historic garden that celebrates the beauty of lilacs and the life of the woman who brought them to prominence. The gardens are a living tribute to Hulda Klager, an innovative gardener and horticulturist who spent much of her life cultivating and crossbreeding lilacs, eventually developing several new varieties that continue to inspire garden enthusiasts today.
Spanning 3 acres, the gardens feature over 180 varieties of lilacs in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and fragrances. During the bloom season, typically in late spring, visitors can stroll through winding paths surrounded by vibrant lilacs, each in full blossom. The sweet scent of the flowers fills the air, making it a sensory experience that delights both the eyes and nose.
In addition to the lilacs, the garden also showcases a variety of other perennials, shrubs, and trees, providing year-round interest. The Hulda Klager House, which sits at the heart of the garden, offers a glimpse into Klager’s life and work, preserving the legacy of her passion for plants. The house, a charming historic home built in the early 1900s, is open to the public and features exhibits about Hulda’s horticultural achievements, as well as artifacts from her personal life.
The gardens are not only a wonderful place to explore the beauty of lilacs but also serve as a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a moment of reflection and connection with nature. The Lilac Festival held annually in late May is a highlight, where guests can enjoy guided tours, plant sales, and special events celebrating the garden’s history and the blooming season.
Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, history buff, or simply someone in search of a serene outdoor experience, the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens offers a unique and enriching visit that celebrates nature, history, and the life of a remarkable woman.
Woodland WA 98674
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.
Explore the Rebirth of a Volcanic Landscape
Location: Near Mount St. Helens, Washington
Distance: 2.4-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Family-Friendly: Yes
Open Season: Year-round (weather permitting)
Trail Type: Loop
Discover the raw beauty and resilience of nature on the Hummocks Trail, a unique hike through the dramatic aftermath of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption. This 2.4-mile loop winds through an otherworldly landscape of volcanic debris, wetlands, ponds, and young forests that have emerged from devastation.
Named after the massive mounds of earth—called "hummocks"—that were blasted from the mountain’s north flank, this trail offers hikers a rare, up-close view of how ecosystems recover and evolve. Interpretive signs along the way tell the story of the eruption and the area's gradual regrowth.
The relatively flat trail is great for families, casual hikers, and nature lovers. Expect stunning views of Mount St. Helens on clear days, and watch for wildlife like elk, frogs, and birds that now call the area home.
Whether you're here for a peaceful nature walk, birdwatching, or a striking glimpse into geological history, Hummocks Trail #224 is a must-do hike in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Ichi #12 Teriyaki
Monday - Saturday 10 am to 9 pm
Longview, WA 98632
Longview, WA 98632
We serve from-scratch food made with excellent ingredients. At Jimmy John's our food is simple; it's clean, and it's fresh! We use locally purchased produce, which is brought in fresh and hand sliced daily. Our tuna salad is made from scratch by hand. Our real provolone cheese, oven-roasted turkey, choice top round roast beef, real wood-smoked ham, dry cured genoa salami, and spicy capicola are also brought in fresh and sliced by hand daily – in every single Jimmy John's location
Due to a landslide on May 14th, 2023 - Johnston Ridge Observatory will be closed until the unforeseeable future.
Located at the end of State Highway 504 (52 miles east of Castle Rock), in the heart of the blast zone. The observatory hosts interpretive displays that tell the biological, geological, and human story of Mount St. Helens. Visitors to Johnston Ridge Observatory can enjoy multiple award-winning films, listen to ranger talks, observe the landscape, purchase souvenirs, set off on a hike, or get a light lunch from the food cart.
8.22.2025: Johnston Ridge Observatory still remains unreachable due to a landslide that has blocked both lanes of traffic on State Route 504. Further updates on when the visitor center will open will be made available as soon as possible. Learn More. Contact Mt. St. Helens Ranger District for more information. 360-449-7800.
Projected opening date Spring 2027.
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 52
The idea started simply. A date night. She loves the finest wines, and he is partial to local craft beer. Where could they go to please both palates? Enter J Squared BARREL HOUSE. We're a wine bar that also just happens to serve really good beer. But we don't want you to leave hungry. We've got food pairings which will make your taste buds explode! All of this set in a quaint, comfortable, and, dare we say it, romantic atmosphere. Perfect for happy hour, celebrations, or... A date night.
There is so much more to wine than white or red and we want you to taste it all. With more than twelve wines by the glass and wine flights, you can explore flavors and styles without being tied to a bottle. Of course, if you want a bottle, we will certainly accommodate.
Did you know that 70% of North America's hops are grown right here in Washington state? We are also home to more than 300 breweries. We strive to bring you choices that you won't see everywhere else and with 16 rotating taps, we're sure that you will find something new to fall in love with.
Whether you are going to a performance at one of our two neighboring theaters, sneaking away for date night, or are just hungry, our Squared Snacks and Squared Plates are sure to satisfy. We use high quality, locally sourced ingredients and take pride in serving food that's a little break from the norm.
Longview, Washington 98632
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.
Kalama Burger Bar
Kalama, WA 98625