Castle Rock (15)
Cougar (9)
Kalama (9)
Kelso (17)
Longview (33)
Mt. St. Helens (22)
Toutle (2)
Woodland (31)
This 0.3-mile gravel trail is a passport to the past as it circles beautiful, tree lined R.A. Long Park in the center of the Longview Civic Center Historic District, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington Heritage Register. Follow numerous historical markers as you view historic architectural landmarks such as:
Shay Locomotive
The Art Deco style Longview Post Office
Longview Library
Monticello Hotel
Rose Garden
Riverfront Trail – Trailhead is located at Lion's Pride Park and the North Trail head, however there are several other barrier free access points. Nonmotorized trail amenities include viewing areas, benches, picnic tables, ADA accessible. Trail areas are located on both sides of the Cowlitz River. On the east side of the river is a 1.7 mile lighted, paved multi-use trail extending from Lion's Pride Park north to just past the PHl0 bridge to the Castle Rock Sports Complex. The City of Castle Rock received the Association of Washington Cities 2004 Municipal Achievement Gold Medal Award in recognition of the Riverfront Trail Project.
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.
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.
Trail of Two Forests
Location: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington
Distance: 1.5 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Family-Friendly: Yes
Open Season: Year-round (best from late spring to fall)
Trail Type: Loop
Overview:
This ¼ mile long boardwalk trail leads you over a 2,000-year-old lava flow from Mount St. Helens. Lava ran through the forest and around trees, which burst into flames. The lava solidified around the trunks and trunks rotted away, leaving tree wells, voids in which the impressions of the bark remain. Interpretive signs along the route tell the story of this ancient event. Climb down a ladder and go through a dark tree well. Enjoy today’s forest of fir, hemlock, and brilliant, green moss growing on the old lava. The boardwalk is accessible and kid friendly. Picnic tables and a pit-toilet are available. To protect fragile geologic features and plant life, please stay on the boardwalk.
Trail Highlights:
- Lava Tubes & Old Growth: The trail offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved lava tubes, remnants of the 1980 eruption, and thriving old-growth forests.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy views of the surrounding forest and volcanic landscape, with interpretive signs along the way providing insight into the area’s geology and ecology.
- Wildlife: Spot various wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and potentially elk or deer in the surrounding forests.
Details:
- Difficulty: Easy – The trail is gentle, well-maintained, and accessible for most hikers, including families and those with limited hiking experience.
- Elevation: Minimal elevation gain of only about 100 feet makes this a great option for a short, leisurely hike.
- Family-Friendly: Yes – This trail is ideal for families with children and those looking for a shorter, educational hike. The path is relatively flat and well-suited for beginners.
- Open Season: Open year-round, but the best hiking conditions are from late spring to fall, when the trail is dry and accessible. Winter weather can bring snow, so check conditions in advance.
Trail Type: Loop – Starting and ending at the same point, making it easy for those who prefer a short and self-contained hike.
The Trail of Two Forests is a fantastic introduction to the region’s volcanic landscape, offering a mix of natural beauty and educational value. Whether you're looking to explore the geology of Mount St. Helens or simply enjoy a short hike in the forest, this trail offers something for everyone.
⚠️ Important Alert: Certain trails and areas on Forest Road 99 are closed Monday through Friday until October 31. Click here for more information about the trail closures and the Spirit Lake Tunnel Outlet Construction, and what trails are not accessible during the construction. The 5.7-mile Truman Trail #207 immerses you in the area devastated by the 1980 eruption. Looking north, you see log-filled Spirit Lake topped by Mount Margaret. To the south you look upward at Mount St. Helens’ crater and lava dome.The trail begins at Windy Ridge Interpretive Site and starts by following a road built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to access the Spirit Lake pumping station after the 1980 eruption. (Shortly after the 1980 eruption the water level in Spirit Lake rose alarmingly, threatening to overtop the debris dam and to send a deluge down the Toutle Valley. To help alleviate this danger, barge-mounted pumps were installed to remove water from the lake. Pumping continued until a 1.7-mile-long tunnel could be completed, allowing Spirit Lake to drain into South Coldwater Creek.Flanked by ever-growing patches of lupine, Indian paintbrush, and other wildflowers, the trail crosses several streams that originate in the crater. Wooden marking posts aid you in staying on trail as you travel across the pumice plain and climb the debris avalanche to the junction with Boundary Trail #1 (area is unavailable).
Willow Springs Trail #207A, from its junction with Truman Trail #207, offers a loop opportunity. This 0.8-mile trail provides a link to the Loowit Trail #216. You can make a loop of these trails by connecting with the Loowit Trail #216 and the Windy Trail #216E. Special Conditions: Off trail travel prohibited. No pets or stock. Day-use only. Bicycles are prohibited west of the junction with Abraham Trail #216D.
Vandercook Park Trail is a 0.25-mile loop around quaint Vandercook Park nestled in the center of Longview’s historic Old West Side neighborhood. This is a great place to get your steps in under a shady canopy of trees while the kids can play on the playground without leaving your sight or see our active local tennis and pickle ball players in action.
Located just five miles from Mount St. Helens, Windy Ridge Interpretive Site provides a close-up view of the volcano's crater, and a breathtaking panorama of a landscape radically changed during the 1980 eruption and landslide. Below you lies Spirit Lake, with its floating log mat of huge trees swept into it during the eruption. Beyond, view a plain of pumice and ash and denuded hills, still barren but greening with vegetation. Climb a 368-step sand ladder for a higher view. Read interpretive signs to learn about the events and people of the eruption. During summer, join an interpretive program presented at the site's amphitheater. The site is accessible and memorable for all.