Although it is a Pacific Northwest classic, the hike around Mount St. Helens is one of the more challenging backpacking trips for its length, suitable only for fit and experienced backpackers. Trail hazards include difficult river, creek, and gully crossings (some aided by ropes), and difficult route-finding in lava beds and areas with seasonal erosion. Water sources and campsites are limited and nearly all of the trail is very exposed to the elements. However, those who do make the trip are rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery, abundant wildflowers, and relative solitude. The 30-mile Loowit Trail itself is not crossed by any road. It can be accessed from other trailheads. The June Lake Trailhead provides the closest access.

Activity Notes

Want to learn more about Mount St Helens and explore the blast zone? Interested in seeing it first hand from all angles and learning the history of want happened on May 18th, 1980?

Join us for this advanced 3 day, 2 night backpack adventure circumnavigating the beautiful Lawetlat'la (Mount St Helens) on the Loowit Trail with two certified Volcano Naturalists (aka Volcano Nerds). 

This is a very challenging 29 mile 6500 feet gain backpack that meanders through boulder fields, remote ravines and crossest the Mount St. Helens volcanic blast zone. This remote trail meanders up and down and out of multiple ravines and crosses several rivers. There are sections that will require you to use a fixed rope to climb out of a ravine. There are also several areas with exposure and a few drop offs. 

This is not a beginner backpack. You should have basic camping, basic backcountry experience, leave no trace knowledge, and be in strong physical shape.

We will be moving at a moderate pace covering about about 11 miles each day. If you wish to apply, you need to list distance hikes, backpacks or multiday trips that you have done. We are posting this backpack at a 1.5 pace due to the ruggedness of the area and also to take breaks to talk about geology, plants, and the eruption of Mount St. Helens. This will be 3 long days of backpacking.

General plan:

Day 1 - 3200' elevation gain. 11.97 miles

Day 2  -  2608' elevation gain  11.07 miles

Day 3  -   584' elevation gain  6.61 miles

Please review PROSPECTUS DETAILS HERE. 

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 73 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Distance - Round Trip 33 miles
General Route Info No camping or off trail travel is allowed in the north portion of the trail from Windy Pass to the South Fork Toutle River. This 10 mile stretch must be completed in one day.
Expected Duration Car to car in two or more days
Interesting Features Mountain Views, Spectacular Views, Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Wildlife
Relevant Books Day Hiking Mt St Helens, Craig Romano & Aaron Theisen
Relevant Maps Green Trails 332S Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument
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