Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
3,405.00 ft (1,037.84 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
12.00 mi (19.31 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

For those who think that Dog Mountain is a challenge, the hike to Horseshoe Ridge is way more challenging. This is a true conditioning hike, 12 round-trip miles of uphill climbing through beautiful and lush forest dripping with moss in varying shades of green to a ridged summit at 3,480 feet with broad views over southwest Washington on a clear day.

The uphill climb is over 2 miles long, some of it near-vertical on a very narrow trail. The trail is not maintained very well, and there are many sections that require climbing over, going under, or going around fallen trees. In some areas the trail is hard to see and marked with plastic flags tied to trees. The trail across the top of the ridge has many huge rock areas covered in moss. Do not attempt this hike if you are not already in considerably good shape.

The trail shoots off the Siouxon Trail, which has many waterfalls to view. Keep on the Siouxon Trail until you see a sign for Horshoe Ridge Trail West. It goes to the right. This is where the trail gets steep. The loop is about 10 miles and comes back to the Siouxon Trail's east junction a mile or so farther up from where you left it to start the hike. It does go through a camp area near the top. The trail crossed several small creeks on the return side of the loop that were quite beautiful. The forest coming down is breathtaking. Dogs are allowed if they are kept on a leash.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

No

Open from

March 01 to November 30

Pros

Beautiful. Waterfalls. Dispersed camping.

Cons

Trail is hard to follow. Very steep. Not family friendly.

Trailhead Elevation

1,335.00 ft (406.91 m)

Highest point

3,480.00 ft (1,060.70 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Waterfalls

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington
Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington
Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington
Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington
Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington

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