Mount St. Helens Boundary Trail

Mount St. Helens Boundary Trail 

The Mount St. Helens Boundary Trail is 53.7 miles long and has numerous access points and trail junctions. The trail once formed the boundary between the Columbia and Rainier National Forests. Now it marks the southern boundary of the Cowlitz Valley District. This was an important trail in the early history of the Forest Service as it was the principal route used by rangers on horseback patrols. The trail was well established by 1911.

From the west the trail begins at Norway Pass area within the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. From Norway Pass to Bear Meadows the trail is open to hikers only. Enjoy excellent views of Mount St. Helens as you hike through the blown-down forest. From Bear Meadows eastward the trail is open to hikers, horses, motorcycles and bicycles. From Bear Meadow to Elk Pass (4.5 miles), the trail is on a timbered, broad ridge, with occasional views of St. Helens Along its length, this trail offers views of St. Helens, Rainier, Adams and a few glimpses of Hood.

This area was glaciated repeatedly during the Ice Age. The marks of the glaciers' passage can be seen in the knifelike ridges and cirque basins all along the trail. The trail ends in the east at Council Lake.

·         Boundary Trail #1: Hummocks #229 to Johnston Ridge Observatory

·         Boundary Trail #1: Johnsons Ridge Observatory to Truman Trail #207

·         Boundary Trail #1: Norway Pass TH to Norway Pass

·         Boundary Trail #1: Norway Pass TH to Truman #207

·         Boundary Trail #1: Norway Pass to Elk Pass

·         Boundary Trail #1: Elk Pass TH to YellowJacket #1A

·         Boundary Trail #1: YellowJacket #1A to Council Lake

Boundary Trail is a very challenging long-distance route beginning off of the Spirit Lake Highway in the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and ending at Council Lake.

Along its length, the trail has fantastic views of St. Helens, Rainier, Adams with a few glimpses of Mt Hood. During the Ice Age, the area was heavily glaciated, evident by the knife-edge ridges and cirque basins seen from the route.

Due to its length and technical challenge, Boundary is often done as an out-and-back along portions of the trail or by shuttling to the end of the trail. There are significant climbs and descents throughout the route.

From Elk Pass to Badger Peak, there is a long, steady climb. From there to the south ridge below Craggy Peak, the route follows a more mellow grade to the east side of Hat Rock. The segments from Langille Ridge to the eastern end are a series of very steep climbs and descents through creek drainages, accessing Juniper Ridge Trail #261 and Dark Meadow Trail #263. Throughout the hike you'll have expansive views of the South Cascades in a very remote setting.