Open in App
See All Photos
United StatesWashingtonCougar

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument in Cougar | Map and Routes

Forest · Scrub

5 (36 ratings)

Nestled in Cougar, United States, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is a haven for walkers and hikers, offering 112862.0 acres of stunning natural beauty and diverse trails to explore. ...

Nestled in Cougar, United States, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is a haven for walkers and hikers, offering 112862.0 acres of stunning natural beauty and diverse trails to explore. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has something for every activity level. With a variety of routes, including the 11.3-mile long Strawberry Mountain Trail and the scenic 3.9-mile Goat Mountain Trail, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the splendor of the great outdoors. As walkers and hikers venture through the park, they'll encounter breathtaking landscapes, including picturesque lakes, lush forests, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. The well-maintained trails provide a safe and enjoyable experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature while engaging in their favorite outdoor activity. With a total of 6 routes to choose from, ranging in length and difficulty, walkers and hikers of all ages and abilities can embark on unforgettable journeys through this remarkable volcanic monument. For walkers and hikers looking to discover the best routes and obtain detailed park information, the Pacer Pedometer app is an invaluable resource. Download the app to access comprehensive details about the available trails, including ratings, reviews, lengths, and estimated times. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument promises an enriching and rewarding outdoor experience, beckoning visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace.

View MoreView More
Loowit Trail, Cougar, WA 98616, USA46.2527° N , -122.1874° W
Directions
Loowit Trail, Cougar, WA 98616, USA46.2527° N , -122.1874° W
Directions
Open in App for Detail
This park has a total of 26 photos
See All Photos
Overview
Check-in
Routes
Reviews (2)
Photos (26)

Walking and Hiking in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Located in Cougar, United States, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument offers a plethora of walking and hiking opportunities amidst breathtaking natural beauty. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots, wheelchair-friendly facilities, picnic sites, and restrooms, the park ensures a comfortable and convenient experience for walkers and hikers. The ...

Located in Cougar, United States, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument offers a plethora of walking and hiking opportunities amidst breathtaking natural beauty. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots, wheelchair-friendly facilities, picnic sites, and restrooms, the park ensures a comfortable and convenient experience for walkers and hikers. The park also boasts accessibility features, making it inclusive for all visitors. Additionally, visitors can explore various attractions such as the Ape Cave Interpretive Site, Castle Lake Viewpoint, Johnston Ridge Observatory, and the Ape Canyon Trailhead. The park's diverse landscape and numerous viewpoints provide ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of the area. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is the ideal destination for outdoor activity enthusiasts.

View MoreView More

Other Info about Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

https://www.fs.usda.gov/mountsthelens

Essential Amenities in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Picnic Site
Drinking water
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Accessibility in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Attraction

Ape Cave Interpretive Site

Attraction

Ape Canyon Trailhead

Attraction

Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center Interpretive Site

Attraction

Lahar Viewpoint Interpretive Site

Attraction

Lava Canyon Interpretive Site

Attraction

Moss Spring Observation Site

Attraction

Windy Ridge Interpretive Site

Attraction

Cedar Creek Viewpoint Interpretive Site

Attraction

Donnybrook Interpretive Site

Attraction

Trail Of Two Forests Interpretive Site

Viewpoint

Castle Lake Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Loowit Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Skylight

Viewpoint

Windy Ridge Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Smith Creek Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Cedar Creek Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Harmony Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Harmony Lake Viewpoint

Museum

Johnston Ridge Observatory

View More

Other Amenities in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Bicycle parking

Best Walking Routes in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

#1 - Birth Of A Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m

Birth Of A Lake Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Toutle, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Strawberry Mountain Trail
1
Length: 11.3 milesEst. Time: 3h5m

Strawberry Mountain Trail is a 11.3 mile (26,000-step) route located near Randle, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 1459.6 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Vanson Lake Trail #217B
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Vanson Lake Trail #217B is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near Glenoma, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

See All Routes
See All Routes

Reviews of Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

5/5
36 ratings
Shaun2024/06/28
5
See All Reviews
See All Reviews

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
uravo
8
Raquel
3
Rogue1
1
4PacerPal
1
5gregbeiter
1
6Beckylynn210
1
7Elle
1
8Steven
1
9PacerPal
1
10Narayanan
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Kalama Horse Camp
Mudflow Wildlife Area
Merrill Lake Wildlife Area
Merrill Lake Campground
Merrill Lake Natural Resources Conservation Area
Beaver Bay
Cougar Park
Taidnapam Park
Hoffstadt Wildlife Area

FAQs About Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Where is the best place to walk in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

According to the Pacer community, some of the best places to walk in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument include the Strawberry Mountain Trail, Vanson Lake Trail #217B, and Tumwater Mountain Trail #218. These trails offer varying lengths and terrains, catering to different preferences.

How many routes are in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument offers a total of 6 routes for walking and hiking, as per the Pacer community's route information.

Which is the longest route in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

The longest route in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is the Strawberry Mountain Trail, which spans 11.3 miles. This trail, recommended by the Pacer community, provides a longer and more challenging hiking experience for enthusiasts.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

Yes, the park offers essential amenities such as parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, and drinking water to ensure a comfortable experience for walkers and hikers.

How accessible is Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

The park is wheelchair-friendly, providing accessibility for individuals with mobility needs.

What kind of sports can I do in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

In addition to walking and hiking, visitors can also engage in activities such as cycling, thanks to the availability of bicycle parking.

What is the best season to hike in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

The best season to hike in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is typically from late spring to early fall when the weather is milder, and the trails are more accessible.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

Visitors to Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument should be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions, including sudden changes, due to its high elevation. It's important to dress in layers and bring waterproof gear, as rain and fog are common, especially during the cooler months.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument?

While hiking in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, visitors may encounter wildlife such as elk, deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. It's important to be mindful of your surroundings and respect the natural habitat of these animals.

Last updated: Jan 1, 2025

Parks Near Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Kalama Horse Camp
Mudflow Wildlife Area
Merrill Lake Wildlife Area
Merrill Lake Campground
Merrill Lake Natural Resources Conservation Area
Beaver Bay
Cougar Park
Taidnapam Park
Hoffstadt Wildlife Area

Latest Check-ins at Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Rogue1Oct 12, 2024
Oct 12, 2024Hiking
uravoSep 23, 2024
Sep 23, 2024Walking
ElleJun 22, 2024
Jun 22, 2024Hiking
StevenFeb 10, 2024
Feb 10, 2024Walking
uravoOct 19, 2023
Oct 19, 2023Walking
uravoOct 5, 2023
Oct 5, 2023Walking
uravoSep 6, 2023
Sep 6, 2023Walking
PacerPalAug 29, 2023
Aug 29, 2023Walking
NarayananAug 20, 2023
Aug 20, 2023Walking
peterJul 15, 2023
Jul 15, 2023Hiking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

RankingCheck-ins
uravo
8
Raquel
3
Rogue1
1
4PacerPal
1
5gregbeiter
1
6Beckylynn210
1
7Elle
1
8Steven
1
9PacerPal
1
10Narayanan
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument
#1- Birth Of A Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m

Birth Of A Lake Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Toutle, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Strawberry Mountain Trail
1
Length: 11.3 milesEst. Time: 3h5m

Strawberry Mountain Trail is a 11.3 mile (26,000-step) route located near Randle, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 1459.6 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Vanson Lake Trail #217B
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Vanson Lake Trail #217B is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near Glenoma, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Goat Mountain Trail #217
1
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h42m

Goat Mountain Trail #217 is a 3.9 mile (9,000-step) route located near Cispus, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 715 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Vanson Ridge Trail #213A
1
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 51m

Vanson Ridge Trail #213A is a 3 mile (7,000-step) route located near Glenoma, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 1561.3 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Tumwater Mountain Trail #218
1
Length: 8.5 milesEst. Time: 2h2m

Tumwater Mountain Trail #218 is a 8.5 mile (19,000-step) route located near Cispus, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 862.6 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Goat Creek Trail #205
1
Length: 5.1 milesEst. Time: 1h34m

Goat Creek Trail #205 is a 5.1 mile (12,000-step) route located near Glenoma, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 2266.5 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Mount Margaret Trail
1
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m

Mount Margaret Trail is a 0.1 mile (287-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#9- Truman Trail
1
Length: 4.2 milesEst. Time: 1h49m

Truman Trail is a 4.2 mile (9,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 406.7 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#10- Green River Trail #213
1
Length: 9.3 milesEst. Time: 2h51m

Green River Trail #213 is a 9.3 mile (21,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 1262.8 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#11- Lakes Trail
1
Length: 13.1 milesEst. Time: 3h21m

Lakes Trail is a 13.1 mile (30,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 3735.9 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#12- Shovel Lake View Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 9m

Shovel Lake View Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 52.5 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#13- Castle Lake Trail
1
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 1h46m

Castle Lake Trail is a 3.8 mile (8,500-step) route located near Toutle, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 160.7 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#14- Devil's Elbow
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m

Devil's Elbow is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 167.3 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#15- Ghost Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Ghost Lake Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 19.7 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#16- Panhandle Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m

Panhandle Lake Trail is a 0.1 mile (340-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#17- Lakes Trail
1
Length: 13.1 milesEst. Time: 3h21m

Lakes Trail is a 13.1 mile (30,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 1308.7 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#18- Old Devil's Elbow Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Old Devil's Elbow Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 19.7 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#19- Harry's Ridge Trail
1
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 14m

Harry's Ridge Trail is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 141 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#20- Winds of Change Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m

Winds of Change Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Toutle, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 19.7 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#21- Willow Springs Trail
1
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 14m

Willow Springs Trail is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#22- Meta Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m

Meta Lake Trail is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 26.2 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#23- Coldwater Trail
1
Length: 4.3 milesEst. Time: 1h39m

Coldwater Trail is a 4.3 mile (10,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 2656.8 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#24- Whittier Ridge Trail
1
Length: 1.9 milesEst. Time: 33m

Whittier Ridge Trail is a 1.9 mile (4,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 380.5 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#25- Independence Pass Trail
1
Length: 3.3 milesEst. Time: 57m

Independence Pass Trail is a 3.3 mile (7,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 813.4 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#26- South Coldwater Trail
1
Length: 3.3 milesEst. Time: 57m

South Coldwater Trail is a 3.3 mile (7,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 118.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#27- Coldwater Trail
1
Length: 4.3 milesEst. Time: 1h39m

Coldwater Trail is a 4.3 mile (10,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 167.3 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#28- Hummocks Trail
1
Length: 1.6 milesEst. Time: 28m

Hummocks Trail is a 1.6 mile (4,000-step) route located near Toutle, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 137.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#29- Elk Bench Trail
1
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 13m

Elk Bench Trail is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Toutle, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#30- Coldwater Peak Trail
1
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m

Coldwater Peak Trail is a 0.7 mile (1,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 429.7 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#31- South Coldwater Trail
1
Length: 3.3 milesEst. Time: 57m

South Coldwater Trail is a 3.3 mile (7,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 1374.3 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#32- Independence Ridge Trail
1
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 21m

Independence Ridge Trail is a 1.3 mile (3,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 200.1 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#33- Harry's Ridge Trail
1
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 14m

Harry's Ridge Trail is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 141 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#34- Goat Mountain Trail #217
1
Length: 5 milesEst. Time: 1h0m

Goat Mountain Trail #217 is a 5 mile (12,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 1610.5 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#35- Harmony Trail
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 19m

Harmony Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 173.8 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#36- Windy Ridge Trail
1
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 22m

Windy Ridge Trail is a 1.3 mile (3,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 108.2 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#37- Truman Trail
1
Length: 6.1 milesEst. Time: 1h37m

Truman Trail is a 6.1 mile (14,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 826.6 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#38- Willow Springs Trail
1
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 14m

Willow Springs Trail is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Cougar, Washington. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Shaun2024/06/28
5
5/5
36 ratings

Photos of Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

pacer

Pacer Walking App

Pacer is the best walking app for walking challenges and finding places to walk near me.

Open in App
pacer logoclose icon
View in Pacer app.
CancelYes
View in Pacer app.
CancelYes
View in Pacer app.
CancelYes
View in Pacer app.
CancelYes
View in Pacer app.
CancelYes
View in Pacer app.
CancelYes