An Outstanding Hiking Site in the Pacific Northwest Should Be Considered for Your To-Do List
Mount St. Helens, once a formidable symbol of nature's raw power, has been reborn as a captivating hiking destination following its eruption in 1980. The trails surrounding the volcano offer a unique opportunity for hikers to witness the resilience of nature firsthand, as they navigate through a landscape where volcanic scars, wildflower-filled meadows, and turquoise lakes coexist.
For those seeking an easy, family-friendly hike, the Hummocks Trail is a 2.4-mile loop that takes hikers through bizarre hills formed by the eruption. The trail features interpretive signs explaining these geological formations and passes through recovering alder forests and wetlands teeming with wildlife, including elk, waterfowl, frogs, and newts.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Loowit Trail offers a 32-mile circuit that circumnavigates Mount St. Helens, providing a comprehensive look at the volcano. This trail includes steep climbs out of deep gullies shaped by the eruption's debris flows, extensive pumice fields, and lava areas, offering expansive views of the blast zone. Hikers should be prepared for physical exertion and sun protection due to exposure.
The Ape Canyon Trail connects with the Loowit Trail and leads 4.5 miles up the mountain's flank, showcasing volcanic terrain. This trail requires careful preparation due to challenging terrain and weather exposure.
For those interested in learning more about Mount St. Helens, there are several visitor centers to choose from. The Mount St. Helens Interpretive Center near Seaquest State Park provides educational exhibits about the volcano and its eruption. Seaquest State Park itself offers camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and amenities, with access to wetlands and wildlife viewing along boardwalk trails next to Silver Lake.
The Forest Learning Center and Johnston Ridge Observatory are other visitor centers that offer interactive displays, films, and educational resources about Mount St. Helens, its eruption, and the geology of the area. These centers also maintain information about the local Indigenous history and the cultural significance of Mount St. Helens.
For those seeking a more thrilling adventure, the Lava Canyon Trail crosses a suspension bridge, descends a 30-foot ladder, and offers a unique experience, including a nearby waterfall. This trail requires a sweater and a headlamp due to its chilly temperatures.
Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano and stands about a 3.5-hour drive from Seattle, Washington or 1.5 hours from Portland, Oregon. The mountain was historically known as Louwala-Clough, or "smoking mountain," by Indigenous communities.
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a popular destination for hikers due to its untamed beauty, coastal rainforests, lush overgrowth, rich forests, rocky coastlines, and the Cascade Mountain Range. The PNW includes Washington, Oregon, sections of Idaho, and British Columbia in Canada.
For those seeking a serene lake formed in the eruption's wake, the Lakes Trail offers stunning views. Another family-friendly hike is the June Lake Trail, which leads to a view of a distant waterfall. The Meta Lake Trail, a 1.3-mile paved trail, is suitable for families and connects to a tranquil lake for safe exploration by children.
Finally, for those seeking a unique underground experience, the Ape Cave is a 2-mile-long lava tube, considered the third-longest in North America, and is open for exploration with reservations.
Whether you're seeking a challenging hike, a family-friendly adventure, or a unique underground experience, Mount St. Helens offers a diverse range of hiking opportunities that showcase the resilience of nature.
Travel guides for Mount St. Helens, a captivating hiking destination, may recommend the Hummocks Trail for a family-friendly hike or the Loowit Trail for an adventure-travel experience. The Pacific Northwest, where lifestyle embraces the untamed beauty of Mount St. Helens and its surroundings, offers various trails like the Lakes Trail, June Lake Trail, and Meta Lake Trail for diverse hiking opportunities.
