Hummocks Trail at Mount St. Helens: Trail of the Week

Hummocks Trail

HIKE DESCRIPTION: When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, it wiped away a forest and, in its place, deposited large mounds of debris called hummocks. This trail loop passes these mounds that were once the heart of the volcano, giving geology buffs a tour of the young landscape.

The route passes near the North Fork of the Toutle River, which was once covered by the sand and gravel remnants of the mountain. Several ponds have formed between the hummocks, creating wetlands that can be good places to spot wildlife. Hikers might see beavers, birds, squirrels or other animals. The trail is part of the Southwest Loop of Audubon Washington’s Great Washington State Birding Trail.

Interpretive signs line the trail describing the frogs, bugs, plants and geological formations hiker might encounter. QR codes posted along the trail can be scanned using the Agents of Nature app, designed to pique kids’ interest in the outdoors. Scanning the code unlocks challenges that can be solved by answering questions about the surroundings.

Hiking clockwise from the parking lot, the trail soon exits the trees and offers a view of Mount St. Helens and its gaping crater.

DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 5, take Exit 63 and follow state Route 505 southeast for 16 miles to state Route 504. Turn left and continue 30 miles and find the well-marked parking lot on your left.

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (5 is most difficult, 1 is easiest).

MILES ROUND TRIP: 2.5 miles.

ELEVATION GAIN: 250 feet.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR: April-November.

MAP: Green Trails 332S: Mount St. Helens.

PASS: Northwest Forest Pass, $5 per day or $30 annually per vehicles.

ALSO: The Hummocks Trail should be just one of several stops when visiting Mount St. Helens. There are several other short (and a few longer) hiking opportunities in the area. The Boundary Trail leads 4.5 miles to Johnston Ridge and more than 50 miles beyond. Coldwater Lake is nearby and the trail sits between the Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center and the Johnston Ridge Observatory (at the terminus of Route 504). There is an $8-per-person fee at the observatory, but some recreation passes are accepted. Dogs and bikes are not permitted on this trail. While there are some social trails along the way, hikers are asked to remain on the primary trail.

INFO: fs.usda.gov/mountsthelens.

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Hummocks Trail at Mount St. Helens: Trail of the Week."