Short yet fun trail in Mount St Helens NVM. Mostly gentle climb but sustained all the way to the Loowit trail. There are a couple sections near the top that some may consider sketchy as far as s
Short yet fun trail in Mount St Helens NVM. Mostly gentle climb but sustained all the way to the Loowit trail. There are a couple sections near the top that some may consider sketchy as far as so-called exposure, but that is a short section, recently repaired. If you continue onto the Loowit trail, it may get a bit technical. Probably rate this an intermediate ride for people who are in at least fairly good shape
How to Find It
Bing Maps directions to get to the Red Rock Pass trailhead.
Northwest Forest Pass is required at Red Rock Pass trailhead!
From Seattle (North). Estimated drive: 195 miles, 4 hours.
- From Snoqualmie, take Hwy 18 South for 28 miles.
- Take I-5 South for 120 miles.
- Take exit 21 to get on Hwy 503 towards Woodland / Cougar.
- Follow Hwy 503 / Lewis River Rd for 28 miles to town of Cougar.
- Follow State Route 503 North to the junction with Forest Road 83.
- Follow this road to the Cougar Sno*Park, continuing onto Forest Road 81 North.
- The road to the trailhead has extremely varied terrain - drive slowly, with caution, and consider using a 4-wheel drive vehicle with high road clearance.
From Portland (South). Estimated drive: 70 miles, 1.5 hours.
- Similar to directions from North, except head North on I-5 for 28 miles, take exit 21, all directions are the same.
Typical Conditions
Despite short length of trail the climb is significant so be in shape. Trail is within tree line for much of the way. Flies can be a nuisance, especially at Butte Camp, but keep moving and you'll be fine.
Local Points of Interest
Ape Caves is nearby. You may want to end the day with a swim in the Swift Reservoir, which you passed shortly before hitting the forest roads. Another option would be to go for a hike at Lava Canyon. The maps listed in the Misc section can give you some ideas of nearby recreation. A classic ride nearby is Ape Canyon.
Advocacy & Stewardship
See Mount St. Helens and Helens Fest for advocacy information. A work party with Evergreen, NWTA, and MSHI from 2009 is described at July 2009 work party along with a lot of photos that show the type of trail this is.
Turn by Turn
From Red Rock Pass Trailhead, begin climbing on Trail #238. In 10 minutes or so, shortly after you pass the basalt lava flow (see photos), ignore the cross country trail on the left, and continue on the right fork to continue on the main trail. Keep climping for a mile or so. At the next intersection (Trail 238 and 238A) ignore the left trail as it is signed for horses only. Keep going straight onto 238A towards the Loowit Trail #216. Hearty bikers may want to continue following Loowit Trail #216 to the right, but it may be a little too technical for all but experienced riders. Return along the way you came.
