vTrail Boundary Trail / Mt St Helens

Boundary Trail #1
Hummocks Trail to Johnston Ridge

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Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

Distance:

3.5 miles one way

Hiking Time:

1.5 hour

Trailhead Elevation:

2500 ft

Elevation Gain:

1700 ft

Season:

June - October

Difficulty:

Moderate

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Moderate

Users:

Hikers

Region:

Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Maps:

USGS Elk Rock
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is not required at Hummocks Trail trailhead.

Driving Directions:

From Seattle take I-5 South to Exit #49. Turn east and follow Highway 504 to Coldwater Visitor Center (MP 43). Continue on pass Coldwater Visitor Center, look for MP 45. Cross the bridge pass the MP 45 and turn right onto the Hummocks Trail parking lot.

Trailhead:

No water, no restrooms.

Trail:

June 29, 2002

The trail starts at the junction with the Hummocks Trail #229. The trail passes through the hummocks and ponds providing a view of the Mount St. Hellens. Traverceing for about a mile with little elevation gain the trail reaches a clear-cut. It starts a steep climb up the hill for about another mile. The trail leaves the clear-cut and continues on climbing gradually on the steep slope, covered with fallen trees. Mount St. Helens is in a view all the time. In about 0.7 mile the trail reaches Loowit Viewpoint . Take a moment to read interpretive signs that tell the story of the Loowit - "the keeper of the fire". The trail continues on to the Johnston Ridge Observatory and in 0.7 mile reaches the west side of the parking lot. Crossing the parking lot the trail leads to the north end of the parking for about 0.1 mile. Drinking water is available there to replenish your supply.