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Ape Canyon is one of the most rewarding hikes on the south side of Mount St. Helens, offering a steady climb from deep forest into wide-open volcanic terrain with expansive views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. This out-and-back route is about 11 miles roundtrip with roughly 1,400 feet of elevation gain, making it a strong choice for hikers looking for a fuller day on the mountain without committing to a summit climb.
The trail begins near Lava Canyon and follows the edge of the Muddy River lahar zone before climbing through one of the remaining old-growth forest stands on Mount St. Helens. As you gain elevation, the dense forest gives way to open slopes, light-colored cinders, summer wildflowers, and increasingly dramatic volcanic views. Near the upper end of the hike, the landscape opens onto a broad plain and the route reaches the edge of the canyon itself before continuing toward the Loowit Trail.
What makes Ape Canyon especially memorable is the contrast. You begin in shaded evergreens and finish in a stark, beautiful volcanic landscape that feels almost otherworldly. It is one of those Mount St. Helens hikes that gives visitors a strong sense of both the mountain’s surviving forest and the raw terrain shaped by eruption and mudflow. The trail is also popular with mountain bikers, so hikers should stay aware and share the trail carefully.
For planning purposes, the trailhead sits near Cougar, Washington, at approximately 46.165526, -122.09105. Parking is limited, with space for about seven vehicles at the trailhead, and overflow parking may be available nearby at Lava Canyon or Lahar Viewpoint. A Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Pass, or the posted day-use fee is required. Potable water is not available at the trailhead.
Getting there: From Cougar, take Lewis River Road east as it becomes Forest Road 90, then turn left onto Forest Road 83 and continue about 8.4 miles to the Ape Canyon Trailhead near the end of the road. Forest Road 83 is paved, but the Forest Service notes that it can be rough, so drive with caution.
Call to action: Add Ape Canyon to your Visit Mt. St. Helens itinerary for a hike that delivers old-growth forest, volcanic scenery, and some of the most impressive south-side views in the monument.
Current seasonal note: The Forest Service currently lists the Ape Canyon trailhead as closed for winter. As of April 1, 2026, Forest Road 83 is gated at Marble Mountain Sno-Park due to snow, so the trail cannot currently be accessed by vehicle. The listed main season of use is June through October.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Trail Description
Coweeman River Trail at Tam O’Shanter Park is an easy, scenic walk in Kelso that offers a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors without venturing far from town. This relaxed out-and-back trail follows the river through a quiet mix of trees, open green space, and gentle natural views, making it a great choice for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking for a simple outdoor escape. With easy terrain and access from one of Kelso’s best-loved community parks, it is a great stop for stretching your legs, enjoying fresh air, or adding a light adventure to your day near Mt. St. Helens. The AllTrails listing describes it as an easy out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles with minimal elevation gain.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you are looking for a quick nature walk, an easy family outing, or a quiet place to slow down and enjoy the river, Coweeman River Trail is a great choice. Bring your walking shoes, pack a drink, and enjoy one of Kelso’s most approachable outdoor spots.
Directions to the Trailhead
The trail can be accessed from Tam O’Shanter Park in Kelso, Washington. The park is located just south of Kelso High School along the Coweeman River. For the easiest route, enter Tam O’Shanter Park, Kelso, WA into your preferred map app and park in the main lot near the trail access area.
Latitude / Longitude
46.1339, -122.9054
Trail Description
Cowlitz River Trail is an easy, mostly flat riverside route in Kelso that offers a simple way to enjoy fresh air, open views, and a relaxed walk along the water. This out-and-back trail is about 4.9 miles with very little elevation gain, making it a great option for walkers, runners, casual bike rides, and families looking for an accessible outing. With a mix of gravel and paved asphalt, the trail is approachable for a wide range of visitors and provides a peaceful way to experience the river at your own pace. Open year-round, it is a great place to enjoy a longer walk while taking in a different side of Kelso.
Ready to Explore?
If you are looking for an easygoing trail near Mt. St. Helens, Cowlitz River Trail is a great pick. It is an inviting place to enjoy the river, get in a steady walk, and spend time outdoors at your own pace.
Directions to the Trailhead
A common access point is from the north end near Cowlitz Gardens Road in Kelso, Washington. For the easiest route, enter Cowlitz Gardens Road, Kelso, WA into your preferred map app and look for access near the north end of the trail.
Latitude / Longitude
The safest trailhead is the north-end access off Cowlitz Garden Lane / Cowlitz Gardens Road in Kelso.
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
Trail Description
Riverside Park Loop is an easy, scenic walk in Kelso that offers a relaxed way to enjoy the outdoors along the Cowlitz River. Set within Riverside Park, this route features a mix of paved and unpaved paths, open green space, shady trees, and river views that make it a great fit for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking for a simple outdoor stop near Mt. St. Helens. The park itself spans 58 acres and includes a wide variety of recreation areas, giving visitors plenty of space to walk, unwind, and enjoy the setting.
Ready to Explore?
If you are looking for an easy walk with river views and plenty of room to roam, Riverside Park Loop is a great choice. It is a simple way to slow down, enjoy the fresh air, and add another easy outdoor stop to your Southwest Washington adventure.
Directions to the Trailhead
The trail is accessed from Riverside Park in Kelso, Washington. The park is located at 1820 Westside Highway, Kelso, WA 98626, with easy access from Interstate 5. For the easiest route, enter Riverside Park, Kelso, WA or 1820 Westside Hwy, Kelso, WA 98626 into your preferred map app and park near the main entrance.
Latitude / Longitude
I could confirm the park’s street address from public sources, but I could not verify a precise official trailhead coordinate from a reliable source. The best mapping reference for this one is Riverside Park, 1820 Westside Hwy, Kelso, WA 98626.
Altrusa Park Trail, also known as Mt. Solo Trail, runs 1.3 miles along the slough area behind homes in this Mt. Solo development. This hidden gem on the outskirts of town is a lovely nature trail with access to Altrusa Park, which features a playground, basketball courts, picnic shelter and tables.
Highlights: Dogs allowed · Picnic tables · Playground