Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
40.00 ft (12.19 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.70 mi (4.35 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.

When visiting the Mount St. Helens National Monument, don't miss this short, 2.7-mile interpretive loop hiking trail.

When Mount St. Helens erupted in the late spring of 1980, a half a cubic mile of instantaneous glacial melt, ash, rock and vegetation poured down 14 miles of the North Fork Toutle River in just 10 minutes.  As the avalanche tumbled down the river valley, sediment formed "hummocks," the general geological term for small knolls or mounds with extremely irregular surfaces.

As you meander through the hummocks, stop and read the excellent interpretive boards, catch a glimpse of Mount St. Helens, look for the wildlife that has settled in the numerous pond-filled depressions, and pull off of the trail to gain views of the North Fork Toutle River as it is today.

This hike can also be used as a departure point for the 3.7-mile, 1,800-foot climb up to Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great introductory hike to the National Monument. Views of Mount St. Helens.

Cons

No dogs allowed.

Trailhead Elevation

2,490.00 ft (758.95 m)

Features

Big vistas

Location

Nearby Adventures

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Mount St. Helens National Monument
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

Comments

04/21/2018
When the road is closed for winter to reach the Johnson Ridge Observatory, this is the last option along highway 504 before the dead end. Great hike for a family with all the views of mountains and rivers plus lots of wildlife.
07/11/2017
Hummocks Trail to Johnston Ridge Observatory!!!
06/18/2016
This is a short loop trail for all ages views include small ponds, river and forrest. Trails were all in good condition. No dogs or pets. No Camping. No Alcohol. Enjoy the Views.
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