Loowit Trail Backpacking Guide – Mount St. Helens

Similar to Mount Rainer’s Wonderland Trail, Adams’ Round-the-Mountain Trail, and Hood’s Timberline Trail, the Loowit Trail around Mount St. Helens is nothing short of spectacular. Like the other perimeter loops, the Loowit Trail circumnavigates St. Helens midway between its foothills and erupted summit. If you enjoy solitude, navigation challenges, eye-popping vistas, and fascinating geology, you’ll definitely want to add the Loowit Trail to your list. 

That said, the Loowit does have many challenges and should be considered an experts-only route, in our opinion. To complete this trail, you’ll need keen navigation skills, footwear with excellent traction, and confidence in your ability to cross narrow, washed-out sections in steep gullies. If you have a fear of heights or any doubts about your skills, this likely isn’t the route for you. For well-equipped adventurers, it is an awesome adventure around one of the Pacific Northwest’s most storied volcanoes.

Quick Facts

• Distance: ~30 to 36 miles depending on the trailhead
• Days Needed: 2 to 4 days depending on the itinerary
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 6,000 feet
• Peak Elevation: 4,800 feet
• Best Travel Time: July through October
• Permits: None (valid recreation pass or daily fee required for parking)
• Difficulty: Strenuous – experts only (more info below)

Highlights

• Good portion of the hike is above treeline
• Sweeping mountain views in all directions
• Beautiful wildflowers throughout the summer
• Relatively low volume of hikers for a PNW trail
• Views of the volcano’s interior and blast zone
• Views of Mount Rainier, Adams, and Hood
• Wildlife sightings (elk, mountain goats, chipmunks, coyotes)
• Lovely waterfalls, the highlight being Loowit Falls

Lowlights

• Can be windy on the open flanks
• Very little shade along most of the route
• Very few reliable water sources (careful planning required)
• Frequent trail obstacles (mud/rock slides, loose sand/scree washouts, etc.)
• Narrow, steep trails and extensive lava boulder fields
• Stream crossings can be difficult
• Tricky canyon/gully crossings require rope assists (already in place)
• Lingering snow, depending on the time of year
• Unsafe for dogs
• Constantly changing conditions

When Is the Best Time to Travel?

In general, July through September is the best time to hike around Mount St. Helens. Early- or late-season snow can impact seasonality, so keep an eye on snowpack levels and trail conditions as you plan your trip. Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures are all possible, even in the summer months. July and August have the lowest average rainfall and average highs of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (for both months). In September and October, temperatures drop about 10 degrees each month, and rain increase progressively by one to two inches. 

As always, be prepared and diligent in monitoring current conditions before your hike. Weather can change quickly in this region. Before heading out, check the Mount St. Helens weather report for up-to-date conditions.

How Difficult is the Loowit Trail Loop?

We rate this hike as very difficult (experts only) for a variety of reasons. One of the main challenges on the Loowit are the steep gullies left by debris flows that followed the eruption of Mount St. Helens. These gullies require steep scrambles along loose gravel and rock. For the confident and experienced hiker, they are navigable, but beginners and those with a fear of heights or exposure should avoid the Loowit.

The powerful eruption debris flows pummeled the mountain’s flanks, stripping it of its forest canopy and places for hikers to take cover from the sun. Along with very little shade throughout most of the trail, there are also very few reliable water sources along the Loowit, so a well-thought-out water plan is essential. 

Additionally, expansive fields of large lava rock cover the mountain flanks and can make route-finding quite challenging. Look for wooden posts, cairns (rock pile formations), and colorful tape to mark the way. The Toutle River can also require skill and care to cross, especially early in the season and after rainstorms. We recommend using trekking poles and taking time to scout the safest crossing.

Regardless of your entry trailhead, reaching the Loowit Trail will require a gradual climb. After that, the trail undulates across the slopes of the volcano, up and down gullies, and across boulder and lava fields. A few of the gully crossings are quite steep and require rope assists (placed by the Forest Service but often questionable – always test them first). Loose, sliding scree and pumice is common along the Loowit, so we recommend footwear with excellent traction.

As always, difficulty ratings depend on your experience, physical fitness, pack weight, and weather conditions. Plan accordingly, know your limitations, brush up on your skills, and dial in your gear to help ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Also be sure to keep an eye on trail conditions leading up to your trip.

Do I Need a Permit?

You do not need a permit to hike the Loowit Trail, but you do need to pay a daily parking fee or have a valid recreation pass to park at most trailheads. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass will suffice. Alternatively, the daily parking rate is $5 per vehicle.

Which Trailhead Should I Start From?

There are a few different trailheads you can access the Loowit Trail from. The west side of the mountain tends to be the most rugged with major washouts that require detours and scrambles. It may be a good idea to plan your trip to hit that area early on. Also, camping is prohibited in the 10-mile stretch between the South Fork of the Toutle River and Windy Pass, so you’ll need to plan accordingly to cover that section in one day, camping on either side.

The most commonly used access points are:

• Climbers Bivouac/Ptarmigan Trailhead – Hike 2 miles on the Ptarmigan Trail (#216A) to the junction with the Loowit (#216). Keep in mind that this trailhead can get very busy during the summer.
• June Lake Trailhead – Vehicles parked overnight will be ticketed, although there are a number of pull-outs and old roads nearby. From the trailhead, hike 1.6 miles from this small trailhead up to the junction with the Loowit.
• Ape Canyon Trailhead – Hike 5.5 miles on the Ape Canyon Trail (#234) to the junction with the Loowit.
• Windy Ridge Trailhead – Hike 3 miles on the Truman Trail (#207) to the Windy Trail (#216E) and follow that for 1 mile to the Loowit.
• Blue Lake Trailhead – Start at the Toutle Trail (#238) and hike about 3 miles to the Sheep Canyon Trail (#240). Follow the Sheep Canyon Trail for about 2.5 miles to the Loowit.
• Red Rock Pass Trailhead – Follow the Toutle Trail (#238) to the Butte Camp Trail (#238A) for total of about 4 miles to reach the Loowit.

Where Should I Camp?

There are no designated campsites along the Loowit Trail, but you will surely see signs of previous campsites. The most important restriction to note when planning your itinerary is that there is no camping allowed in the 10-mile section from Windy Pass to the South Fork Toutle River. You’ll need to plan your daily mileage and campsites accordingly to pass through this section in one day.

Camping is allowed throughout the other sections of the Loowit Trail, including the south side of the South Fork Toutle River and east along the Plains of Abraham. Other, somewhat less appealing, campsites can be found on the south side.

What Are Some Possible Itineraries?

The Loowit Trail maintains an elevation between 4,500 and 4,800 feet. Most hikers complete the Loowit Trail as a loop in 3 to 4 days. Faster hikers looking for a challenge can complete it in 2 days. Just be careful not to bite off more than you can chew, because the miles are challenging. Those wishing to have slower days and explore the area more thoroughly may want to plan for 4 or 5 days. 

Two-Day Itinerary

Trailhead: June Lake

• Day 1 – Hike clockwise to the South Fork of the Toutle River.
• Day 2 – Get an early start for a long day continuing clockwise back to the June Lake Trailhead. As of 2025, you can no longer leave a vehicle parked overnight in this location, although there are pull-offs and roads to park nearby. Be sure to calculate this additional mileage back to your vehicle. Note: You could also reverse this route and start with the longer day.

Three-Day Itinerary

Trailhead: Windy Ridge

• Day 1 – Hike from Windy Ridge to camp near the South Fork Toutle River.
• Day 2 – Hike from South Fork Toutle River to June Lake.
• Day 3- Hike from June Lake to Windy Trail #216E to Truman Trail #207, returning to Windy Ridge Trailhead.

Four-Day Itinerary

Trailhead: June Lake

• Day 1 – Hike north from the trailhead to Abraham Trail #216D. Follow it north to Truman Trail #207 and look for a campsite.
• Day 2 – Hike the Truman Trail #207 to Windy Trail #216E to its intersection with Loowit Trail #216. Follow it all the way to the south side of the South Fork Toutle River and look for a campsite.
• Day 3 – Hike from the campsite back to Loowit Trail #216. Stay on it all the way to the intersection with Butte Camp Trail #238A. Camp here for the night.
• Day 4 – Hike from Butte Camp to June Lake #216A and back to your car.

Five-Day Itinerary

Trailhead: Windy Ridge

• Day 1 – Hike from Windy Ridge to Castle Ridge Trail #216G. Go north on Castle Ridge for 1/4 to 1/2 mile and look for a place to camp.
• Day 2 – Leave your packs and tent and hike to Castle Lake #221 for a day hike. Hike from Castle Lake back to Castle Ridge #216G and then back to Loowit Trail #216. Right after you cross the South Fork of the Toutle, head south on Toutle Trail #238 to the Sheep Canyon Trail #240 intersection and go east on it to find a campsite.
• Day 3 – Head south to Blue Lake on Toutle Trail #238 and follow directions to Butte Camp from Red Rock Pass, ending the day at Butte Camp.
• Day 4 – Hike from Butte Camp Trail #238A to June Lake. Look for a campsite near June Lake.
• Day 5 – Hike back north from June Lake Trail on the Loowit Trail #216 to the intersection with the Abraham Trail #216D. Follow it to Truman Trail #207 and then northeast to Windy Ridge.

What Are the Best Maps & Guidebooks for the Area?

Below is a list of guidebooks and maps we’ve found helpful in planning our trips along the Loowit Trail.

• 100 Classic Hikes in Washington – This guide gives you all the details you need to complete this trip, keeping in mind that change is a constant in this area.
• Backpacking Washington – We use this excellent resource to plan many of our backpacking trips throughout Washington.
• U.S. Forest Service Website – The Lewitt Trail page has lots of helpful hiking information and resources, including details on trailheads and intersecting trails.
• National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map #822 – This foldable map provides good topographical detail and is printed on water-resistant, coated paper. It folds well and stuffs easily into a pack. However, there are no point-to-point distance measurements for the trail.
• Green Trails Maps #364 & #364S – These maps shows the most current trail, road, and access information to Mount St. Helens in a compact format.

What Regulations & Restrictions Are in Place?

According to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website, the following regulations are in place for Mount St. Helens. We are not an official source on current guidelines and restrictions, so please consult the official website prior to your trip for current road conditions, trail closures, and more.

• Off-trail travel, bicycles, camping, fires, and livestock are prohibited between Windy Pass and the South Fork Toutle River.
• No shortcutting trails or switchbacks.
• Do not disturb or remove natural features.
• Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash but not recommended due to the difficulty of this trail.

How Accessible is Water on the Loowit Trail?

Planning for water along the Loowit Trail is trickier than other backpacking routes in the PNW. Water sources include small creeks and springs around the mountain, but many of the snowmelt-fed streams dry up by mid-summer. The sources that do exist may be silty, clogging up water filters quickly.

You’ll want to make sure to plan your fill-ups carefully and carry enough water to get from one source to the next. And don’t forget: There is very little shade along the Loowit, and temperatures can get hot, so make sure to carry plenty of water. All hikers are different, but in general, you should plan for at least 4 liters of water per person per day. On very hot days, you may want to drink around 6 liters. This may mean bringing along an extra water vessel, such as a Platy Bottle, and filling up at one of the year-round springs listed below.

We used chlorine-dioxide tablets on the Loowit due to the silty nature of some water sources, and we were happy with our choice. Check out our best water filters list for more great options.

Dependable, year-round springs are located at the following locations. Other sources/streams may exist, but water can be scarce, especially later in the summer.

• 1 mile from the Butte Camp / Loowit Junction on the Butte Camp Trail
• 1/4 mile from the Loowit / Toutle Junction on the Toutle Trail
• 1/2 mile from the Windy / Loowit Junction flowing across the Loowit

What Are the Best Practices for Food Storage?

Bears are not a problem in this area, so there are no food storage requirements. That said, you should always protect your food from rodents and small critters, which will tear through your backpack or tent without hesitation. We recommend packaging all your food and scented products in a food storage container such as an Ursack. 

Do I Need to Worry About Bugs?

Mosquitoes are present along this route in early summer but level off later in the season as sitting water dissipates. Hiking later in the season is often bug-free. Use a combination of permethrin on your clothing and a small amount of DEET on exposed skin for full protection. 

More Loowit Trail Photos