Trail of Two Forests

Trail of Two Forests – Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

The Trail of Two Forests is a unique and family-friendly interpretive hike located on the south side of Mount St. Helens in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Ape Caves is about 1.5 miles (≈2.4 km) up Forest Road 8303 past the Trail of Two Forests parking area.

View Ape Caves

Trail Highlights

Easy & Accessible: The trail is easy, mostly level, and suitable for families, including those with young children and wheelchairs or strollers.
Lava Tree Molds & Tunnel: A standout feature is the “crawl” experience — a ladder leads into a horizontal tree cast (lava mold) that adventurous visitors can crawl through, providing an immersive look at volcanic activity.
Educational Interpretive Site: Informational panels throughout the trail tell the story of Mount St. Helens’ volcanic past and the regeneration of the surrounding forest.
Picnic & Rest Areas: Picnic tables and vault toilets are available at the trailhead/interpretive site.
Wildlife & Flora: Spot local wildlife and lush mosses growing over the old lava as you enjoy the contrast between the ancient flow and the living forest.

Trail Facts

Difficulty: Easy
Length: Approximately 0.25 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: Minimal (~50–100 feet)
Accessibility: Boardwalk trail, generally accessible for wheelchairs and children
Season: Best visited late spring through fall; snow can linger early in the season
Pass/Fees: A valid recreation pass or day permit (e.g., Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass) is required for parking in the interpretive site.

Visitor Tips

Stay on the Boardwalk: The mosses and delicate volcanic features are fragile — staying on the trail helps protect them.
Bring a Light Source: Flashlights or headlamps are useful if you plan to crawl through the tree mold.
Plan for Short Visit: Most visitors complete the trail in 20–40 minutes, depending on whether they explore the crawl feature.