Hikes in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

When Mount Saint Helens erupted in in 1980, it instantly became America’s most well known Volcano. Over 200 square miles of forest were scorched, 250 homes were burned, and 57 people were killed. Evidence of the powerful eruption and previous volcanic activity can be witnessed on trails around Mount Saint Helens. Two years after the eruption, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument was established to help preserve this area and monitor its recovery. The monument is managed by the US Forest Service as part of the greater Gifford Pinchot National Forest. At the south end of the park there are several interesting trails through terrain shaped by Mount Saint Helens.

Highlights of Mount Saint Helens

  • This 1.25-mile loop explores a colorful canyon re-carved by the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens.
  • This adventurous 0.75 to 3.75-mile underground hike travels through one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
  • This 0.25-mile nature trail tours a landscaped that was transformed by a molten lava flow, and for extra fun, visitors can crawl through a 50-foot long lava tub that runs beneath the trail.
  • This 2.6-mile hike visits a small lake and a waterfall on the southern slopes of Mount Saint Helens.

Mount Saint Helens Hiking

This collection of trails in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument lists hikes from north to south. The table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Each trail links to its own report complete with photos, GPS maps, elevation profiles, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. Below the table is an interactive map showing the location of each hike.

Trail
Description
Distance
Location
Lava Canyon Trail750Lava Canyon
This loop explores a colorful canyon re-carved by the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens.
1.25 miles
250 feet
46.165878,
-122.088824
June Lake Trail800June Lake
This out and back hike visits a small lake and a waterfall on the southern slopes of Mount Saint Helens.
2.6 miles
450 feet
46.137203,
-122.156568
Ape Cave850Ape Cave
This adventurous underground hike travels through one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
0.75 - 3.75 miles
400 feet
46.108362,
-122.211432
Trail of Two Forests900Trail of Two Forests
This short nature trail tours a landscaped that was transformed by a molten lava flow. For extra fun, crawl through a 50-foot long lava tube beneath the trail.
0.25 miles
25 feet
46.099126,
-122.212565
View Mount Saint Helens in a larger map
Or explore hikes around Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument on the Hike Finder Map
hikespeak
Palouse Falls State Park Waterfall Trail Campground Viewpoint Washington
Palouse Falls appears like magic. The drive into Palouse Falls State Park crosses a broad grassy plain where you would never expect to find a waterfall. At the end of the dusty road, the land opens up to reveal a beautiful scene. A 180-foot waterfall plunges from the basalt wall of a gouged-out canyon. A short, 0.15-mile round trip walk explores a clifftop viewpoint with great... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike
Tagged with · LaCrosse · Palouse Falls State Park · Washington State Parks · Waterfalls
Distance: 0.15 miles · Elevation change: 40 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 5, 2018
Catherine Creek Arch Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Hike Washington
Catherine Creek Arch is a surprising creation - a bridge-like span of rock along a ledge of basalt. A 1-mile round trip hike leads to the foot of Catherine Creek Arch (and longer loops in the area are also possible). This short and sweet outing entertains hikers of all ages. Part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Catherine Creek is located on the Washington side of the west... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike
Tagged with · Arches · Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area · Free Trails · Lyle
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 100 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 9, 2018
Catherine Creek Trail Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Wildflower Loop Hike Washington
Hikers pack the slopes of Dog Mountain to see spring wildflowers, but tackling a lot of elevation is not required to see one of the best blooms in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Instead, visit Catherine Creek, where an easy, paved 0.9-mile loop (with just 100 feet of elevation change) floods with wildflowers in the spring and early summer. Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike
Tagged with · Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area · Free Trails · Lyle · Nature Trails · Wildflowers
Distance: 0.9 miles · Elevation change: 100 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 9, 2018
Pothole Falls Round Lake Loop Lacamas Potholes Lacamas Lake Regional Park Camas Washington Hike
Potholes aren't always bad. The creatively carved-out bedrock at Pothole Falls adds to the allure of the cascades. Pothole Falls is just a stone's throw from Round Lake, a 26-acre body in Lacamas Lake Regional Park in Camas, Washington. Round Lake Loop Trail offers a relaxing nature trail through lake-edge forest. Circle Round Lake and check out Pothole Falls on a 1.6-mile outing with 200... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike
Tagged with · Camas · Free Trails · Lacamas Lake Regional Park · Lakes · Nature Trails · Waterfalls
Distance: 1.6 miles · Elevation change: 200 feet
By: Published: Last updated: November 7, 2018
Dog Mountain Trail Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Dog Mountain Loop Hike Washington
It isn't pack mentality that makes Dog Mountain one of the most popular hikes on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. The grassy slopes near the summit put on a winning display of spring wildflowers, enhancing year-round views over the gorge's beautiful surroundings. Dog Mountain Trail is steep and largely forested, ascending 2,825 feet in 3 1/3 miles. Two viewpoints along the... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike
Tagged with · Cascade Range · Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area · Free Trails · Stevenson · Summits
Distance: 7.4 miles · Elevation change: 2825 feet
By: Published: Last updated: September 9, 2019