Backpacking the Northwest

Loowit Trail Mt. St. Helens

Elevation: Trail maintains an elevation of about 3400 to 4800 feet
Days: Visitor Center open. Cold Water open year-round. Trail access is dependent on snow.
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Distance: 27 miles
Contact: Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, 360-274-2100; Climbing Hotline, 360-247-3961
Maps: Green Trails Map #364SThe Loowit Trail weaves in and out of timberline as it skirts Mount St. Helen’s western slope. It crosses large glacial canyons and avalanche chutes. Most interesting are the numerous mudflows and rugged jumble of rock from the 1980 eruption of this live volcano.

In addition to exploring cooled lava flows and old-growth forests, hikers can expect an awesome panorama to the south and east of Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Yale Reservoir and the Lewis River Valley. On crisp, clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Rainier.

It rains in the Pacific Northwest. Along with your lunch, pack a lightweight rain jacket. The hike crosses challenging, rough terrain so wear sturdy footwear. The entire trail is 27 miles in length, but you can do small sections at a time. Campsite opportunities and water availability are limited. Portions of this trail system enter the Restricted Area where research permits are required for off-trail travel.