The Drive to Windy Ridge

There are three sides of Mount St. Helens that are accessible to the public; on this outing we visited the northeast side of the volcano, often referred to as the Windy Ridge side. We set the odometer at zero in Randle after turning off of US Highway 12 onto SR 131 (it is also Forest Service Road Rd No.25).

At 5.8 miles from Randle we passed the Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife area and the Iron Creek campground at 9.7 miles.  The roads at lower elevations are lined withfoxgloves, ferns and goatsbeard now, during the summer. This is also logging country where trucks hurtle along through dappled light on forest service roads, coming and going to jettison or pick up a load of timber.

A slide area is passed at about 14.5 miles where a stream is crossed on a bridge. At 20 miles from Randle we turned right onto Forest Service Road No. 99 (Windy Point is 36 miles from Randle). We next stopped at the Bear Meadow Interpretive Site (left) with views of Mount St. Helens (24.7 miles).  Views grow even more expansive the further you drive; at 26.7 miles there are views of Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens and the Clearwater valley. We also passed Forest Service Road No. 26 that leads to the popular trek to Norway Pass.

Our next stop was the Miners Car Viewpoint and a short path to Meta Lake (29 miles from Randle). At the Miners Car Viewpoint the twisted, burnt-out Pontiac tells a silent and horrific tale about the family that hiked to a miner’s cabin when the mountain erupted in 1980. They tried to escape but did not survive.  

Though the crumpled, burned metal of the car is sobering, take heart in seeing how the region is returning to life. Fireweed has poked its way through the rusted roof of the car and the tall evergreens you see lining the path to Meta Lake were mere seedlings during the eruption; already they have formed a cool, sheltering forest along the trail. Fireweed, mountain ash, Indian paintbrush, penstemon, yellow composites, lupine, valerian and alders are also thriving along the trail to the lake. From Meta Lake you’ll view an area once described as Hell where today the hills that were denuded by the blast are dotted by evergreens.  

Before the eruption on May 18, 1980 Meta Lake was covered with snow and ice; this enabled some of the fish to survive the blast. The melting ice from the blast formed a protective layer that helped protect the fish.  The trees near the lake are firs that were small enough to be covered by the snow pack; taller trees were killed (plants and animals that survive and/or return are called colonizers). 

We also stopped at the Cascade View viewpoint (30 miles) with views of Mount Adams. At 32.2 miles from Randle we passed the trailhead to Independence Pass (a trail connection to Norway Pass).

At 33.5 miles we stopped at the Harmony Viewpoint where the 1-mile long Spirit Lake trail descends 700 feet to the lake, the only legal access to Spirit Lake. The peace and quiet of the Harmony Falls Resort was lost during the recent eruption. Gone were the days when families could reach the resort by boat on tranquil Spirit Lake to escape the angst and the hustle-bustle of the 20^th century. Regrettably we’d never been there and will never experience the story-book tranquility of the resort. During the 1980 eruption the lodge was destroyed in seconds as a giant avalanche swept down the mountain and slammed into the lake; the waves were reported to be up to 850 feet high. Trees were snapped like pick-up-sticks and tossed mindlessly into the lake creating a layer of logs. The eruption was to powerful it enlarged the lake making it a mile longer and a couple hundred feet higher than it was before.  If you hike the trail to Spirit Lake be sure to stay on the trail as the surrounding area remains closed for research.

Our next stop was Cedar Viewpoint (33.9 miles) and just beyond, the Donnybrook Viewpoint with views of Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake. Here you will see logs from the eruption still floating on the surface of the lake. At 34.9 miles is the Smith Creek Trailhead and at 35.4 miles the Smith Creek Viewpoint. 

We topped out at Windy Ridge (36.5 miles from Randle), having made several “unofficial” stops for views where pull-outs allowed us to do so safely. At Windy Ridge there’s plenty of room to park, a restroom and the amazing Windy Ridge Sand Ladder that leads to a higher, designated viewpoint and interpretive signs.

The Windy Ridge viewpoint must be seen to be believed with its 360-degree views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount Margaret and startling views of Spirit Lake with its islands of floating trees blasted from the earth, driven with fierce velocity into the lake, the trees on the adjacent hillsides flattened as if by a giant’s angry breath. You can also see the Pumice Plain, Spud Mountain, Elk Rock, Johnston Ridge, and Harry’s Ridge.

Windy Ridge is at 4,000 feet and is about as close as you’ll get to Mount St. Helens unless you make a reservation to climb the volcano (reservations are booked months ahead). From there take in views of other peaks including Mount Margaret (far right). The logs you see floating on Spirit Lake today once covered the entire surface of the lake (they are slow to sink and can float many years).

On the way back from Windy Ridge we stopped at the Smith Creek Viewpoint to view the headwaters of Smith Creek.  During the eruption a mudflow poured down the creek. When you look at Mount Adams from there imagine how the climbers on Mount Adams that day must have felt on that fateful day in 1980 when the mountain erupted. As ash began to fall the climbers vacated the peak as fast as they could. That ash was carried all the way to Yakima and Ritzville!

No matter where you stop you cannot help but get a chill up and down your spine when you imagine David Johnston, the geologist, who didn’t stop shooting photographs of the erupting volcano until he was overtaken by the blast (his camera was found later, the film later developed for some of the photographs of the eruption we see today), not to mention the losses of families who lost kin during the eruption and its horrifying after-effects.

Before you return to civilization take time to walk down to Iron Creek Falls (you’ll find the parking area on your right along the forested road near the Iron Creek Campground). Here, a short path drops to the base of the falls. The route to the base of the waterfall is a little challenging to get to as logs and root-balls have blocked easy access but the view is still stunning. Go left to see a pretty pool formed by the waterfall; it is much easier to get to.

Additional Information:

Maps:  Green Trails No. 332 Spirit Lake

For more information on Mount St. Helens National Monument see www.fs.usda.gov/mountsthelens or call 360-449-7800.

Hiking Trails:

Norway Pass is accessed by Forest Service Road No. 26 and via the Independence Pass trailhead on Forest Service Road No. 99. The trail can be hiked in either direction and will appear on this site in the near future. The trail is six miles one-way starting from the Norway Pass trailhead on Forest Road No. 26. The best views purportedly begin in about two miles with views of Spirit Lake (with two cars you can arrange a six-mile one-way hike via Independence Pass).

The Truman Trail (from Windy Ridge via the sand-ladder):  It is 1.4 miles to Forest Service Road 99 which is where it connects to Trail 225 (the Smith Creek Trail). Follow the Truman trail along Windy Ridge as far as your hiking experience and comfort zone allow (the Truman trail essentially continues from the designated viewpoint on Windy Ridge).

Note: Confusion is possible because of the discrepancy of the trail numbers on the Green Trail map which shows Trail No. 227 where the sign at the top of the sand-ladder shows Trail No. 207.

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Mount Rainier National Park Will Not Require Timed Entry Reservations in 2026

ASHFORD, Wash. – Mount Rainier National Park will not implement a timed entry reservation for any portion of the park in 2026. The park will use parking management strategies to maximize available capacity and remains committed to ensuring visitor access while protecting park resources and maintaining safe, enjoyable experiences.

“Mount Rainier National Park is dedicated to providing meaningful access to visitors while responsibly managing congestion during peak periods,” said Superintendent Gregory Dudgeon. “We will continue using proven traffic and parking management strategies to support a safe and memorable experience for all.”

Visitors planning to travel to Mount Rainier in 2026 are encouraged to use the following strategies to maximize opportunities to enjoy the park.

• Visit the park’s official website for the most up to date information on trip planning.
• Identify an alternative location if your preferred option is full.
• Consider visiting the park prior to 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. The park’s many hours of summer daylight provide opportunities to enjoy less congested trails and greater parking availability during the afternoon hours.
• Consider weekday trips; the park tends to be busiest during weekends and holidays.
• Explore lesser known trails for hiking and sightseeing. Pets are not permitted on park trails; please leave your pet at home.

Additional information, including planning resources, travel tips and current alerts is available at Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

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A Forest Adventure: Choose & Cut Your Christmas Tree

If you’re looking for a holiday tradition that combines adventure, nature, and a real forest-fresh feel, cutting your own Christmas tree in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a perfect choice. With a simple permit, families and visitors can head into the forest, pick their favorite tree, and bring home a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• • Permits cost $5 per tree, and one household can purchase up to 5 permits.

• • You can purchase a permit online (via Recreation.gov), at Forest Service district offices, or from a network of local vendors in towns like Ashford, Packwood, Cougar, Randle, and more.

• • Permits are one-time use, and all sales are final—so pick wisely!

Important Tree-Cutting Guidelines

To protect the forest and ensure sustainability, the Forest Service asks cutters to follow these rules:

Cut one tree per permit; limit is five trees per household.

• • Choose a tree under ~12 feet tall and cut it no more than 12 inches above the ground.

• • Don’t “top” trees — you must remove the entire tree, leaving no standing stub

• • Avoid cutting in restricted areas: no wilderness zones, no streams, no campgrounds, no trails, no developed sites, and stay a safe distance from water sources.

What to Bring & How to Prepare

Before heading into the forest, plan carefully and check conditions:

• • Bring the printed permit — forest staff can require it.

• • Dress for winter: boots, gloves, warm layers, and pack food, water, and blankets.

• • Have a saw, measuring tape, tarp or sled, rope or straps to secure the tree, and maybe tire chains or shovel if roads are snowy.

• • Plan to leave the woods before dark — winter days are short.

• • Once home, make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk and place the tree in a bucket of water; this helps the tree stay fresh longer for the holidays.

Why It’s a Great Holiday Tradition

• • You get a real, wild-grown tree, fresher and more fragrant than most store-bought trees.

• • Cutting your own tree is a memorable family activity, blending winter adventure with a seasonal tradition.

• • You contribute to sustainable forest management by thinning out smaller trees that help reduce fire risk and support healthy forest growth.

Cutting your own Christmas tree in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a simple, memorable way to celebrate the season while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors! With a little preparation and a $5 permit, you can bring home a fresh tree and create a tradition your family will treasure for years to come. Happy hunting!

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Restrictions include:
– Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including a charcoal fire and pellet fire, on all National Forest System lands. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are allowed, as they can be switched off instantly.
– Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
– Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited year-round on national forest lands.
– Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.

Nearly nine out of ten wildfires nationwide are human-caused and can be prevented. Everyone can do their part to help prevent wildfires. Smokey Bear’s message of preventing unwanted human-caused ignitions is more relevant today than ever before as more people live closer to wildlands and recreate outdoors.

Neighboring national forests are also beginning to enact public use restrictions for the wildfire season. Find more about restrictions and fire safety on adjacent lands:

• Gifford Pinchot National Forest
• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
• Mt. Hood National Forest
• Willamette National Forest
• Learn how you can prevent wildfires
• Check the local and regional fire outlook

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The High Rock Lookout has been maintained by the White Pass Historical Museum since it was no longer needed for lookout operations. In 2017 the lookout was determined to have significant rot damage. Because of the difficulties of the repairs, it was determined to remove the lookout which took place in 2020 and transported off site by helicopter for restoration work in a controlled setting. This summer, the lookout’s foundation will be replaced, and the structure will be transported back to its administrative site on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to be reinstalled.

Due to its cliff-side location with a drop of 600 feet, the rugged steepness of the High Rock Trail, and popularity of the lookout, there is a risk to public and personnel safety during the heavy equipment operations and construction activities. The purpose of this order is to protect the public and personnel’s health and safety of those involved in the construction operations of the High Rock Lookout and allow for safe travel along the NFS Trail #266 High Rock Trail and at the High Rock Trailhead.

The designated closure area includes:

• NFS Trail #266 High Rock Trail in its entirety.
• High Rock Trailhead
• Within 150 feet of the High Rock Lookout foundation and structure.

Exemptions:

1. Any Federal, State, or County officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this order.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.
Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

View the full Closure Order and Map.

To learn more about the High Rock Lookout Restoration Project see:

• The White Pass Country Historical Museum
• The Historic Property Management Plan for High Rock Fire Lookout (#4010)
• The Sand Mountain Society and Facebook page

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Vancouver, Wash., — Beginning May 5th, 2025, the Huffaker Bridge located on Forest Road 25 at mile 7.66 within the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, will be closed to all traffic to facilitate a full bridge replacement. The road will be closed until November 24th, 2025, however if any changes to the schedule occur the Forest Service will communicate those changes. The closure begins at the junction of FSR 2508 and ends at junction of FSR 26 (approximately ¼ mile stretch).

Due to a significant landslide at milepost 26, FSR 25 remains closed as a through-route until further notice.

Asphalt and deep patch repair work along FSR 25 will be taking place this summer at MP 16.48 and MP 40.63 from 30 min to 1 hour delays. Scheduled start date is unknown at this time.

Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available at Forest Service District Offices or online at:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/giffordpinchot/home/?cid=stelprdb5289777.

A map of the Huffaker Bridge closure area is provided below.

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Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals seeking walk up permits will incur the same per person, per night fees as those who have made advance reservations.

The change in the wilderness fee structure ensures equitability. Under the prior per trip flat fee, smaller groups that had less impact and used fewer resources paid higher costs individually than larger groups who had a greater impact on park resources.

“These fees directly support the experience of wilderness permit holders,” said park Superintendent Greg Dudgeon. “For instance, they support the work of rangers who patrol the park’s more than 270 miles of maintained trails; manage and transport backcountry users’ food caches; clean, service, and pack out accumulated waste from backcountry toilets; and ensure compliance with permits and regulations that protect park resources and the wilderness experience.”

Wilderness permit reservation fees at Mount Rainier National Park have remained unchanged for 26 years. A Recreation.gov use fee was added in 2021. The park issues almost 7,000 wilderness and climbing permits each year.

Information on wilderness permits can be found on the Mount Rainier National Park website.

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ASHFORD, Wash. –  Two major Mount Rainier National Park construction projects starting in 2025 will replace decades-old crumbling infrastructure in the park’s popular Ohanapecosh Campground and improve travel through the park on State Route 123.

Both projects address important deficiencies and will improve the visitor experience once completed. However, construction activities will cause temporary roadway and/or facilities closures.

The Ohanapecosh Campground rehabilitation project will provide significant upgrades to the popular campground located in the southeast corner of the park. This effort will rehabilitate the campground’s 185 campsites and nine bathrooms, replace the aging wastewater collection system, upgrade electrical and water systems, and support improvements to campground accessibility.

The project will be completed during the 2025 visitor season. The Ohanapecosh Campground and all associated structures including the visitor center, bathrooms, picnic area and auditorium will remain closed to visitors for the duration of construction. However, the improved campground will reopen to visitors in time for the 2026 camping season.

Visitors who wish to camp in the park during the summer 2025 camping season will still have access to both the White River Campground and Cougar Rock Campground.

The Ohanapecosh Campground project is partly funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), Recreation Fee revenue and the National Park Foundation. GAOA is historic bipartisan legislation that expands equitable and accessible recreational opportunities and addresses long overdue infrastructure improvement and modernization needs on public lands managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Indian Education schools. The funding is reducing the maintenance and repair backlog, protecting critical resources, expanding recreational opportunities, and promoting long-term sustainable operations.

The State Route 123 construction project is a two-year effort that will rehabilitate a 2.8-mile section of roadway between Laughingwater Creek and Panther Creek along the park’s eastern boundary. This project is funded through the Federal Highways Administration.

Construction impacts are projected to be as follows:

• Construction Year One (2025)
  • A 2.8-mile section of roadway will be under construction April-October 2025. Travelers will experience delays of up to 30 minutes.
  • A full road closure of a portion of the roadway between Stevens Canyon Road and Panther Creek will take place September 2-30, 2025. The roadway will be bisected to install two large box culverts which will be more resilient during high flows and flooding reducing risk of road washouts and costly repairs and also annual maintenance needs. They should also improve habitat for amphibians and fish.
    • There will be no vehicle, pedestrian or bicycling access through the construction zone during this one-month culvert replacement project.
• Construction Year Two (2026)
  • There will be no full closures of the roadway during the 2026 construction season.
  • A 2.8-mile section of roadway will be under construction April-October 2026. Travelers will experience delays of up to 30 minutes.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to make much-needed improvements to the Ohanapecosh Campground and State Route 123,” stated Superintendent Greg Dudgeon. “There will be some temporary inconveniences next year, but we know that this critical investment in our facilities will help ensure recreational opportunities for visitors for decades to come.”

Information about both construction projects will be posted on the park’s website in spring 2025 prior to the start of construction. For general information about Mount Rainier National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/mora.

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Christmas Tree season has arrived! You may now buy Christmas tree cutting permits in-person at Mt. Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Cowlitz Valley Ranger District offices and many local vendors. Permits cost $5.00 each, using cash, check, or credit card.

Online permits may also be purchased now at Recreation.gov. Additional administrative fees will apply to all online sales. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information before purchasing the permit. You will need to bring your printed permit with you onto the forest.

There is a limit of five permits per household, and permits are valid for one-time use. Christmas tree permits include a map of areas that are closed to cutting and an information sheet with special instructions for cutting your tree on the national forest.

Households with fourth graders can get a Christmas tree cutting permit for free! After earning their Every Kid Outdoors pass online, fourth graders simply need to show their valid paper voucher or Every Kid Outdoors pass at national forest office for their free Christmas tree permit. Fourth graders and their parents should visit everykidoutdoors.gov for more details and to obtain their paper voucher.

To ensure a successful trip, make sure to plan and prepare. Ranger District office and vendor hours may vary, so be sure to call ahead to check current operational hours. Be aware that winter weather in the forest can change rapidly and that most forest roads are not maintained for winter driving. Forest staff recommend bringing traction devices and a shovel, extra food, drinking water, winter clothing, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget a tool for cutting the tree and a rope or cord to secure it to your vehicle. Tree cutting and travel may take longer than anticipated, so let a friend or family member know where you are going, get an early start, and leave the woods well before dark.

For additional information and a video on successful tree harvesting please visit our website: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/treepermit For more information on current road status and closures please visit: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/giffordpinchot/recreation#conditions

This year visitors can purchase Christmas tree permits at the following Forest Service offices and vendor locations:

Forest Offices:

• Mt. Adams Ranger District, 2455 Highway 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650; (509) 395-3400

• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & District Office, 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd., Amboy, WA 98601; (360) 449-7800

• Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, 10024 US Hwy 12, Randle, WA 98377; (360) 497-1100 All Forest Service offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day Nov. 28, 2024.

Vendor Locations (Call for hours of operation and information):

• Amboy, WA – Chelatchie Prairie General Store (360) 247-5529

• Ashford, WA – Ashford General Store (360) 569-2377

• Ashford, WA – Ashford Valley Grocery (360) 569-2560

• Carson, WA – Wind River Market (509) 427-5565

• Cougar, WA – Lakeside Country Store (360) 238-5202

• Cougar, WA – Cougar Store (360) 238-5228

• Elbe, WA – Elbe Mall (360) 569-2772

• Glenoma, WA – Mead Family Market (360) 492-7017

• Kalama, WA – Kalama Spirits and Tobacco (360) 673-4991

• Kelso, WA – Sportsman’s Warehouse (360) 423-2600

• Morton, WA – Quicky Mart/Shell Gas Station (360) 496-5553

• Packwood, WA – Blanton’s Market (360) 494-6101

• Randle, WA – Fischer’s Market (360) 497-5355

• Stevenson, WA – Main St. Convenience Store (open 24 hours) (509) 427-5653

• Trout Lake, WA – Little Mountain (True Value) Hardware (509) 395-2773

• Vancouver, WA – Sportsman’s Warehouse (360) 604-8000

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