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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.
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.
Trail Description
Kelso Dikes via Coweeman River Trail is an easy, longer riverside walk that gives visitors a different view of Kelso’s outdoor landscape. This out-and-back route stretches about 7.8 miles with only around 85 feet of elevation gain, making it a great option for walkers who want a flatter trail with plenty of room to settle into the scenery. The route follows the Coweeman River along the dike system, passing quieter stretches of water, open views, and a mix of natural and developed surroundings. AllTrails describes it as an easy trail that is popular for walking and is generally less crowded, with best-use seasons noted from December through April.
Ready to Explore?
If you are looking for a longer, low-key walk near Mt. St. Helens, this trail is a great way to enjoy the river, stretch your legs, and experience a different side of Kelso. It is an easy choice for a solo walk, a casual outing, or a peaceful addition to your Southwest Washington adventure.
Directions to the Trailhead
For the northern trailhead, head to Kelso via Interstate 5 and take the Allen Street exit. From there, drive east about one mile on Allen Street to reach the Coweeman River trailhead, where parking is available. Washington Trails Association identifies this Allen Street access point as the main trailhead for the route.
Latitude / Longitude
46.1447, -122.8793
Try this 0.9 mile circular trail near Kalama, Washington. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. This trail is great for fishing, running, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
This is a peaceful and lovely walk around a lake. The trail is well-maintained. Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type. Accessible Parking: Parking lot surface: paved; It is unclear where the closest public designated accessible parking spaces are within 1.0 miles of the trailhead. Trail Details: Trail surface: a natural surface (dirt); Average trail width: 5 feet; Estimated average grade category: flat (1% or less).
A 3.6-mile gravel trail circles Lake Sacajawea Park. Along the trail visitors will come across:
- Arboretum Information
- Astrology Information
- Benches
- Fountains
- Japanese Gardens
- Lighting
- Mutt Mitt Stations
- Nature Watching
- Rhododendron Gardens
- Pedestrian Bridges
- Picnic Structures
- Picnic Tables
- Playgrounds
- Public Art
- Restrooms
Lakes Trail #211 to Coldwater Trail #230
Location: Coldwater Lake Boat Launch, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
Distance: ~9 miles round-trip (to Coldwater Trail junction); longer if continuing on #230
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (Lakes Trail), with optional ~2,600+ ft on Coldwater Trail if continuing
Highest Elevation: 2,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate – Easy lakeshore hike with optional strenuous backcountry extension
Trail Type: Out-and-back; backcountry connector to Mount Margaret area
Open Season: Late spring through fall (snow-dependent; road access may be seasonal)
Family Friendly: Yes – especially the Lakes Trail portion, which is flat and scenic
Pets: Allowed on leash
Passes/Fees: $5/day or valid Northwest Forest Pass at trailhead
Coldwater Trail #230 begins at its junction with Lakes Trail #211 4.5 miles east of the Coldwater Boat Launch. It immediately crosses Coldwater Creek on a timber bridge. The trail then climbs a series of switchbacks out of Coldwater valley before its junction with South Coldwater Trail #230A at 2.6 miles. Heading east, the trail soon reaches Ridge Camp. A short side trail leads to the by-permit-only campsites. Continuing, you climb through a standing dead forest. Elk can often be seen and heard, especially during mating season in early fall. The trail ends after traversing the south face of Coldwater Peak, where it joins Boundary Trail #1 another 2.3 miles from South Coldwater Trail 230A junction.
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.
Loowit Trail is the signature long-distance route around Mount St. Helens, circling the volcano for about 30 miles through lava flows, pumice flats, timberline meadows, old-growth edges, and the raw terrain left behind by the 1980 eruption. It is one of the most dramatic hikes in the monument, but it is also one of the most demanding. The Forest Service describes it as a challenging route for experienced hikers and backpackers, with steep washes, lava boulder fields, occasional route-finding, and stream crossings along the way.
What makes Loowit so memorable is how much of Mount St. Helens’ story you experience in a single route. On the east side, the trail passes Windy Pass and the Pumice Plain with wide-open views of eruption-shaped terrain. On the north side, hikers enter the heart of the blast zone, where the landscape remains stark, exposed, and ever-changing. Farther west and south, the route moves through glacial canyons, flower-filled meadows, lava gardens, and subalpine forest with sweeping views toward Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Yale Reservoir, and the Lewis River Valley.
Because the Loowit Trail is not crossed by a road, there is no single main trailhead. Hikers reach it by feeder trails, and for south-side visitors the Forest Service recommends starting from either Ptarmigan Trail at Climbers Bivouac or June Lake Trailhead for the most straightforward access. Ptarmigan reaches the Loowit Trail in about 2 miles from Climbers Bivouac, while June Lake Trail provides the shortest connection on the south side.
This is a trail that rewards strong planning. The north 10-mile segment, from Windy Pass to the South Fork Toutle River, is a restricted area where camping and off-trail travel are not allowed and hikers are expected to complete that stretch in one day. In that same zone, pets, bikes, and fires are also prohibited. Outside that section, dispersed camping is allowed, but there are no formal designated campsites, so backpackers need to be prepared and practice Leave No Trace.
Trail details: Loowit Trail #216, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. There is no single trailhead for the full route. Popular south-side access points include Climbers Bivouac at 46.146695, -122.181703 and June Lake Trailhead at 46.137433, -122.155801. June Lake is day use only and does not allow overnight parking, while Climbers Bivouac offers direct access via Ptarmigan Trail.
Getting there: From Cougar, south-side access typically begins by heading east on Lewis River Road / Forest Road 90. For Climbers Bivouac, turn left onto Forest Road 83, continue to Forest Road 81, then follow Forest Spur Road 830 to the trailhead. For June Lake, continue east from Cougar and turn onto Forest Road 83, then follow the spur road to the June Lake parking area.
Call to action: Add Loowit Trail to your Visit Mt. St. Helens itinerary for a full-circle look at the mountain’s power, recovery, and unforgettable volcanic landscape. It is the hike for visitors who want to experience Mount St. Helens at its wildest and most complete.
Current seasonal note: The most recent official road update says Forest Road 83 was still gated at Marble Mountain Sno-Park on March 20, 2026, which blocks normal wheeled access to south-side trailheads such as June Lake and Climbers Bivouac. The Loowit Trail page also warns that some Forest Road 99 access areas and trails are closed Monday through Friday through October 31 because of the Spirit Lake Tunnel Outlet project, so east-side access should be checked carefully before a trip.
Meta Lake is one of the easiest and most family-friendly walks in the Mount St. Helens area, offering a short paved interpretive path to a clear blue lake on the mountain’s east side. The trail itself is just 0.3 miles from the parking area, or about 0.6 miles roundtrip, with essentially no elevation gain, making it a great stop for travelers who want a quick scenic walk with a strong sense of the volcano’s recovery story. The Forest Service describes it as a place to discover how life survived in the blast zone, noting that the forest here endured the 1980 eruption under a blanket of snow.
What makes Meta Lake special is how much it reveals in such a short distance. The path leads from the parking area through a small stand of trees to the lakeshore, where a viewing platform looks out over water, recovering forest, and a landscape still shaped by eruption history. In midsummer, the Forest Service notes that visitors may even see swarms of tadpoles along the lakeshore. In spring, the end platform can flood, so conditions can change early in the season.
This is an ideal stop for families, road-trippers, and anyone building a scenic east-side Mount St. Helens itinerary. Because the trail is short and paved, it works well as a quick interpretive outing between viewpoints along Forest Road 99. To protect this fragile lakeshore habitat, visitors are asked to stay on the trail and viewing platform. The site is day use only, and the Forest Service prohibits off-trail travel, bicycles, stock use, camping, and swimming. Pets are allowed only on leash.
Trail details: Meta Lake Trail #210, near Mount St. Helens east side. Trailhead coordinates: 46.29597, -122.077136. Elevation is about 3,620 feet. A Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or Interagency Pass is accepted, and the day-use fee is $5 per vehicle.
Getting there: From Cougar, head east on Lewis River Road, which becomes Forest Road 90. Continue to Forest Road 25, then turn onto Forest Road 99 toward Windy Ridge. The Meta Lake Interpretive Site is about 9.4 miles up Forest Road 99.
Call to action: Add Meta Lake to your Visit Mt. St. Helens itinerary for an easy walk that pairs lake views, volcanic history, and a close-up look at how life returned after the eruption.
Current seasonal note: The Forest Service currently lists the Meta Lake Interpretive Site as temporarily closed and says it is inaccessible much of the year due to weather. Forest Road 99 is also listed as closed for winter, with the road gated at Wakepish Sno-Park as of January 30, 2026. More broadly, Forest Roads 25 and 99 are typically open from late June into November, so this is generally a summer-through-fall stop.
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.
This 2.5-mile trail features a scenic route along the dike next to ditch number 6 on the south side of Pacific Way. The trail begins at 30th Avenue and extends to 48th Avenue passing next to the beautiful Mint Valley Golf Course. This flat, wide gravel path winds between Pacific Way and the ditch that some of our local wildlife has claimed to be a little urban oasis. Easy access to some quick bird watching, or a good bike or dog walking alternative to busy Pacific Way.
Please be mindful when adjacent to the golf course. Keep pets on a leash and remove their waste. Please remain respectfully quiet while golfers are near tees and greens and leave golf balls where they lay as they may still be in play.
View a map of the Pacific Way Trail NW (PDF) and a map of Pacific Way Trail SE (PDF).
Ptarmigan Trail is the gateway to some of the most iconic terrain on Mount St. Helens. Beginning at Climbers Bivouac on the volcano’s south side, this trail climbs steadily through second-growth forest and small meadows before reaching timberline and the junction with the Loowit Trail. For many visitors, it is the first leg of the summer Monitor Ridge summit route, but it also works beautifully as a standalone hike for those who want a strong taste of the mountain without committing to the full climb.
What makes Ptarmigan Trail special is the transition it delivers in a relatively short distance. The route begins in cool forest, gradually opens into meadows, and then climbs toward broader volcanic views as you near the 4,800-foot level. The Forest Service says the trail reaches the Loowit junction in about 2 miles, while the broader Monitor Ridge route description notes Ptarmigan climbs about 1,100 feet in roughly 2 1/4 miles to timberline. That makes this a great option for hikers looking for a moderate uphill outing with a real sense of climbing into Mount St. Helens country.
Ptarmigan Trail is also an important dividing line for trip planning. Up to the Loowit Trail junction, this can be enjoyed as a day hike. Beyond 4,800 feet, travelers are entering the climbing zone for Monitor Ridge, where Mount St. Helens climbing permits are required year-round. Above timberline, the terrain becomes much steeper and more demanding, with lava flows, loose pumice, ash, and exposed upper mountain conditions.
Visitors should plan ahead for a more primitive trailhead experience. Climbers Bivouac has pit toilets, limited parking, primitive tent pads, and no potable water. A day-use pass is required for parking unless you are displaying a valid climbing permit for the date of your climb.
Trail details: Ptarmigan Trail #216A begins at Climbers Bivouac, near Cougar, Washington. Trailhead coordinates are 46.146695, -122.181703, and the trailhead elevation is about 3,736 feet. The Loowit Trail junction is reached in about 2 miles.
Getting there: From Cougar, take Lewis River Road / Forest Road 90 east for 6.4 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 83, continue about 3 miles, stay left onto Forest Road 81, then go about 1 mile to Forest Spur Road 830. Turn right and continue about 0.4 miles to Climbers Bivouac.
Call to action: Add Ptarmigan Trail to your Visit Mt. St. Helens itinerary for a rewarding uphill hike through forest and meadow to the edge of the volcano’s high country. It is one of the best ways to experience the south side of the mountain, whether you are heading for Loowit or simply enjoying the climb to timberline.
Current seasonal note: South-side vehicle access is still limited. The Forest Service says Forest Road 83 is closed and gated at Marble Mountain Sno-Park for winter conditions, and the Climbers Bivouac trailhead remains listed as temporarily closed, with the road snow-covered and impassable by most vehicles. If the summer trailhead is still closed, summit climbers are directed to use the Worm Flows winter route instead.