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.
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).
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.
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.