The Loowit Trail is a captivating 30-mile loop that encircles Mount St. Helens in Washington State. It offers an unforgettable backpacking experience.
This trail takes hikers through a unique landscape shaped by the catastrophic eruption of 1980. It reveals volcanic features, lush wildflowers, and breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding peaks.
Adventurous backpackers will find the trail challenging and rewarding. They will traverse rugged terrain while witnessing nature’s incredible recovery after the eruption.
The Loowit Trail is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure in the Pacific Northwest.
It offers opportunities to observe local wildlife and immerse oneself in the natural history of this iconic volcano.
About the Loowit Trail
Facts
Trailhead/starting point
The Loowit Trail is a 30-mile loop that circumnavigates Mount St. Helens, so you start and end at the same trailhead.
There are several access points to begin and end the loop, but the two most popular are:
- The most straightforward starting point is the June Lake Trailhead on Forest Road 83. You can park at the trailhead and immediately access the Loowit Trail via June Lake Trail #216B.
- Climber’s Bivouac: Some hikers start at the Climber’s Bivouac on the south side of Mount St. Helens. The Loowit Trail is accessible via the Ptarmigan Trail #216A.
Other less common access points include:
- Ape Canyon Trail #234
- Butte Camp Trail #238A
- Sheep Canyon Trail #240
- Windy Ridge via the Truman Trail #207
Regardless of where you start, since the Loowit Trail is a loop, you will return to the same trailhead after completing the 30-mile circuit around the volcano.
The June Lake Trailhead is generally considered the most convenient and popular starting point.
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Length
The Loowit trail is approximately 30 miles.
There are a few side trails for waterfall views and other lookouts that you can add to the trip if you desire.
Elevation gain
While the trail stays between roughly 3,500 to 5,000 feet, the numerous steep ascents and descents into deep gullies and canyons carved by the 1980 eruption result in a total elevation gain and loss of over 6,000 feet.
The trail’s low point is around 3,200 feet, with a high point near 4,800 feet. Hikers must be prepared for constant elevation changes while navigating the volcano’s rugged, post-eruption terrain.
Activities
Backpacking, hiking
Best seasons
Summer and early Fall
Level of difficulty
Difficult
Days to backpack the trail
Since the trail covers 30 miles, you need to consider how many miles you’d want to hike in a day. Typically, this trail takes 3 to 4 days to complete.
Packing weight suggestion
You will probably want to pack as lightly as possible, as you will need to carry enough water to last you a day or two.
Water sources
There is limited access to water on the North and East sides of the mountain.
Filter and carry your water from the West side.
Later in the summer, small streams pop up due to snow melting. If you hike in August or September, you will probably find several streams as you traverse the mountain.
Earlier in the season, these streams will be smaller or non-existent.
Bathrooms
There are no bathrooms along this trail.
Trail surface
The trail surface is varied. Some sections are soft forest floors, while others are shale and shifting rocks. This trail has many ash and gravely sections.
Why backpack the Loowit Trail?
The Loowit Trail offers backpackers a one-of-a-kind adventure through the volcanic landscape surrounding Mount St. Helens.
This challenging 30-mile loop traverses rugged terrain featuring deep gullies, lava fields, and pumice plains, providing unique geology.
Along the way, hikers see firsthand the incredible ecological recovery since the cataclysmic 1980 eruption.
You might even get lucky and see wildlife like elk and mountain goats.
The trail also offers a sense of solitude and remoteness, with breathtaking vistas of the blast zone and surrounding peaks.
The Loowit Trail is an irresistible draw for those seeking an unforgettable backcountry experience that combines natural beauty, geological wonders, and a fascinating chapter in the Pacific Northwest’s history.
Planning your Loowit Trail backpacking trip
Parking
There is parking at the June Lake Trailhead.
If you are choosing an alternate entrance option, check that location’s current parking info.
Passes
You will need a Northwest Forest Pass to park at June Lake Trailhead.
If you are choosing an alternate entrance option check the pass requirements for that location.
The Loowit trail does not require permits for hiking or backpacking.
How to pack
Pack as light as possible. You will be carrying lots of water for most of the trip.
Pack according to the season you are hiking in and the anticipated weather.
The weather around Mt. St. Helens can change a lot in one day.
The North and East sides of the mountain are completely exposed. Pack sunscreen or a light layer and a hat to protect from hours of sun exposure.
Alternately, rain jackets and pants are a must for wetter seasons. And, in Washington state, pretty much every season is a wet season😉.
Where to camp
There are several designated camping areas along the Loowit Trail.
It’s important to camp in these designated spots to preserve the landscape and contribute to the recovery of the area.
Camping restrictions
There is a no-camping zone between the South Fork Toutle River and Windy Pass, which is approximately 9.6 miles long.
This area must be crossed in one go, so plan your camping spots before or after this section.
Camp spots
- June Lake:
Located about a mile from the trailhead, this is a convenient camping spot, especially if you start your hike later in the day. - Crescent Ridge:
This area has camping spots along the trail, but water must be carried in as no nearby sources exist. - South Fork Toutle River:
This is a popular camping area with good water availability. It’s located just before the no-camping zone, making it a strategic spot to start or end a long hiking day. - Windy Pass:
Although camping directly at Windy Pass is not ideal (note the name), a spring east of the spur trail to Loowit Falls can provide water if you choose to camp nearby. - Plains of Abraham:
This area offers several nice campsites with great views. It is located about two miles beyond Windy Pass and provides wind protection and flowing water, making it one of the nicest spots on the trail.
Remember that camping is prohibited in the 9.6-mile stretch between the South Fork Toutle River and Windy Pass, so plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid this section overnight.
Additionally, water availability can be a challenge, so it’s important to plan your water sources and carry enough with you, especially in the drier sections of the trail.
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Food
Fires are not allowed in the Mt St Helens wilderness so plan to pack a stove and fuel and prepare accordingly.
Water
Pack a water filtration device and enough water containers to store at least one days worth of water.
Reliable water sources include June Lake and the Toutle River. Other rivers are silty.
Trail Features to Prepare For
Rope Ladder (not really a ladder)
A cliff decent at a steep section of the trail has a rope to assist.
You will use the rope to climb down one side of the river valley and another rope is set up on the other side to ascend the other side.
The rope is thick and sturdy and the cliffside is dirt and fairly easy to climb up or down with the assistance of the rope.
Water
We’ve said this before, but we’ll say it again. Pack lots of water and know which sections do and don’t have water sources.
Sun exposure
This is a highly exposed trail. There is very little shade protection.
Depending on the day’s temperature, you will experience heat coming off the trail and sun from above.
Pack accordingly:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Light layer to wear to protect from the sun
Planning a trip itinerary tips
To plan your itinerary on the Loowit Trail and avoid the no-camping zone between the South Fork Toutle River and Windy Pass, consider our suggestions…
- Start at a strategic trailhead:
Begin your hike from a trailhead that allows you to reach the South Fork Toutle River at the end of your first day. Common starting points include June Lake Trailhead or Ape Canyon Trailhead, which provide access to the trail while allowing you to camp near the South Fork Toutle River. - Day 1 camping:
Camp near the South Fork Toutle River. This area offers good camping spots with water availability, making it a suitable location to rest before tackling the no-camping zone. - Day 2 itinerary:
Plan to hike through the no-camping zone in one day. This section is approximately 10 miles long, so ensure you have enough daylight and energy to complete it without needing to camp. Start early to give yourself ample time to cover this distance. - Day 2 camping:
After passing through the no-camping zone, camp near Windy Pass or in the Plains of Abraham. The Plains of Abraham offers several camping opportunities and is located just beyond the restricted area. - Water management:
Carry sufficient water to last through the no-camping zone, as reliable water sources are limited in this section. Fill up your water supplies at the South Fork Toutle River before starting the day’s hike.
By planning your itinerary with these considerations, you can effectively navigate the Loowit Trail while adhering to camping restrictions.
Make it a day
If you don’t have time or aren’t inclined to do a multi-day backpacking trip around Mount Saint Helens you can choose from a wide array of day hikes.
We’ve included a few suggestions here to get you started.
- Harry’s Ridge Trail:
This 8-mile round-trip hike starts from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. It offers stunning views of the crater, blast zone, and Spirit Lake with its floating log mat. The trail traverses ridgelines and hummocks through the blast zone, revealing the region’s ongoing recovery. - Ape Cave:
This is a unique hike through a 2.5-mile lava tube. The lower cave is an easy 1.5-mile round trip, while the upper cave is more challenging, requiring an 8-foot rock climb and scrambling over boulder piles. Headlamps are necessary for this underground hike in the constant 42°F temperature.
Other notable trails include:
- Ptarmigan Trail to Loowit Falls
- Lava Canyon
- Hummocks Trail
Each route offers a distinct perspective on the volcano’s fascinating geology and ecology.
Be sure to check trail conditions and obtain any necessary permits before heading out.
More information
Helpful links
H
A Conversation About Hiking Etiquette
25 Mental Health Benefits of Hiking
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