Reservation7/10
Mount Margaret Backcountry cancellations
Eight designated campsites on the ridgelines above Spirit Lake, one permit per s...
Walk-UpThru-HikeHigh Demand
Loowit Trail Permit
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Walk through the aftermath of one of America's most violent volcanic eruptions—a 30-mile loop across lava flows, pumice plains, and the haunting blast zone of Mount St. Helens.
Other permits in Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument we can watch
“Circumnavigate the volcano that famously erupted in 1980, walking through a lunar landscape where life is slowly reclaiming the devastation.”
How to get Loowit Trail
Loowit Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
More about Mount St. Helens National Volcanic MonumentPlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Loowit Trail
Loowit Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
More about Mount St. Helens National Volcanic MonumentPlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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Loowit Trail Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelHigh7/10
CostFree (Northwest Forest Pass for parking)
Max Group Size12 people
Loowit Trail Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Loowit Trail in Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington requires a permit issued via walk-up.
- Loowit Trail is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The Loowit Trail route covers 30 miles, rated strenuous.
This permit is not bookable online
You get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone. There is no online reservation to race for, so availability alerts do not apply. We still track key dates and season info for your trip.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level7/10
LocationSouthern Washington Cascades, WA
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
30 miles
Route Type
Loop
Duration
2-3 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
2,750 - 4,900 ft
Highlights
- •30 miles over 2-3 days with approximately 6,500 feet of elevation gain
- •10-mile Blast Zone section where camping is PROHIBITED
- •Rope-assisted scrambles and unstable canyon crossings
- •Limited water sources—carry capacity for long dry stretches
- •No shade—exposed terrain with volcanic ash and pumice
- •Dogs are NOT allowed on the trail
Best Time to Visit
Late July through September. Earlier snow can block access; later in season water sources dry up. August offers the best balance of accessibility and water availability.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Extreme water scarcity—carry minimum 3 liters; plan water carefully
- !Exposure—virtually no tree cover; heat, wind, and ash exposure constant
- !Unstable terrain—canyon walls and gullies collapse regularly
- !Route-finding—trail washes out annually; be prepared for diversions
- !No camping in Blast Zone—must complete 10-mile stretch in one push
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (3,200 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Tomorrow: 98% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 6: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
- Snow expected: Check current trail conditions before departing.
Today
❄️
37°
29°
56%
Sun
❄️
29°
25°
98%
Mon
☁️
42°
25°
Tue
☁️
48°
25°
Wed
☀️
57°
30°
Thu
☀️
60°
35°
Fri
☀️
65°
40°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued — and any fee — at the managing agency's website before your trip.
2
Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served, and quotas can fill early on weekends and holidays.
3
Have backup plans
Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk4/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation3/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced backpackers seeking a unique, challenging volcanic landscape.
Recommended Experience
Should have multi-day backpacking experience and be comfortable with off-trail travel and rope-assisted scrambles.
Not Recommended For
Those uncomfortable with route-finding, exposure, or limited water.
About This Permit
The Loowit Trail is a 30-mile loop circumnavigating Mount St. Helens at approximately 4,000-foot elevation. The trail crosses the 1980 eruption's blast zone, lava flows, and recovering ecosystems, offering one of the most unique backpacking experiences in North America.
Unlike most major trails in the Pacific Northwest, no wilderness permit is required—just a Northwest Forest Pass for parking. However, the rugged terrain, limited water, and no-camping zones make this a challenging undertaking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted with the force of 500 Hiroshima bombs, killing 57 people and flattening 230 square miles of forest. The Loowit Trail circles this still-active volcano, offering a front-row view of ecological recovery and geological violence. It's one of America's most unique hiking experiences—a journey through a landscape that looks like another planet.
The Route
From June Lake, the trail enters a world unlike any other in the Pacific Northwest. The first miles traverse thick forest before emerging onto the Plains of Abraham—vast pumice flats where purple lupine and red paintbrush now bloom.
The north side demands respect. The Blast Zone is a 10-mile stretch where camping is prohibited, where the 1980 eruption flattened everything in its path. Loowit Falls drops 150 feet from the crater's edge. Spirit Lake shimmers below Windy Pass, still filled with the logs of forests destroyed decades ago.
The western traverse is the most challenging—rope-assisted scrambles down crumbling canyon walls, river crossings through unstable volcanic sediment. The south side offers respite: lava flows frozen in time, the Ape Canyon's towering cliffs, and finally the gentle return through recovering forest to June Lake.
The Feeling
The north side is pure desolation—grey ash, bleached logs, and gullies carved by lahars still visible after four decades. The crater yawns open above you, steam rising from the lava dome. Then the trail rounds to the south, and life returns: wildflowers pushing through pumice, marmots whistling from boulder fields, waterfalls cascading over fresh lava. You're walking through a lesson in both destruction and renewal, witnessing the Earth remaking itself in real time.
Trailhead Information
June Lake Trailhead
2,700 ft elevationMost popular access point. 1.3-mile approach via June Lake Trail to reach the Loowit loop.
Restrooms
No water
No Service
Parking
Northwest Forest Pass required. Gravel lot can fill on summer weekends.
Getting There
From Cougar, take FR 83 approximately 7 miles to June Lake Trailhead.
Nearest Services
Cougar has a small store and restaurant. Woodland (40 miles) has full services.
Climber's Bivouac
3,750 ft elevationSouth side access via Ptarmigan Trail. Also used for summit climbs.
Restrooms
No water
No Service
Parking
Northwest Forest Pass required. Popular with summit climbers.
Getting There
From Cougar, take FR 83 to FR 81 to FR 830.
Nearest Services
Cougar has limited services.
Rules & Regulations
- •No wilderness permit required (only Northwest Forest Pass for parking)
- •Camping PROHIBITED in the Research Area (Blast Zone) spanning ~10 miles on north side
- •Maximum group size of 12 people
- •Dogs strictly prohibited throughout the National Volcanic Monument
- •No bikes
- •No campfires—stoves only
Gear Checklist
Required
- Northwest Forest Pass for parking
- High-capacity water storage (3-4+ liters—water is scarce)
- High-quality sun protection (no shade for miles)
- Sturdy, high-traction boots (volcanic terrain is rough)
- Gaiters (volcanic ash penetrates everything)
Recommended
- GPS device—trail is poorly marked in places
- Bandana or pre-filter for silty water sources
- 50 feet of cord for rope-assisted gully crossings
- Backup water treatment (plan for worst case)
- Lightweight shelter rated for wind exposure
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Loowit Trail
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Key Landmarks
⛰️
4,900ft
High📏
26.0mi
DistanceClick on a marker to view details•8 landmarks
Landmarks (8)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Loowit Trail.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Loowit Trail FAQ
How do I get a Loowit Trail permit?
Loowit Trail is not sold online. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Loowit Trail?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Loowit Trail permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and reading the official permit page for how this one is issued.
What if I can't get a Loowit Trail permit?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Windy Pass shows the crater and Spirit Lake in dramatic light. The Plains of Abraham glow golden in late afternoon.
Best Light
The north side crater views are best in morning light. Loowit Falls needs midday light to illuminate the cascade.
Beat the Crowds
The Loowit sees far fewer hikers than the Timberline Trail. Weekdays in September offer the most solitude.
Classic Shots
- 📍Mount St. Helens crater from the north side
- 📍Spirit Lake with floating logs from the eruption
- 📍Loowit Falls dropping from the crater edge
- 📍Wildflowers on the Plains of Abraham
- 📍The Blast Zone's devastation with regenerating forest
- 📍Sunset over the lava dome from Butte Camp
Can't Get a Loowit Trail Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Ape Cave
Same AreaExplore the longest lava tube in the continental US—a 2-mile underground passage through frozen lava.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
Different experience but demonstrates the volcano's power. Good option if Loowit conditions are poor.
Timberline Trail (Mt. Hood)
Similar Experience41-mile circumnavigation of Mount Hood with more water, shade, and developed trail.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Easier logistics but less dramatic volcanic scenery.
Mount St. Helens Summit
Same AreaClimb to the crater rim for up-close views of the lava dome.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Permit required April-October. Different experience but more intimate volcano views.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Loowit Trail trip
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