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.
“Circumnavigate the volcano that famously erupted in 1980, walking through a lunar landscape where life is slowly reclaiming the devastation.”
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Be notified instantly when Loowit Trail permits become available due to cancellations.
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Loowit Trail permits become available.
Loowit Trail Quick Facts
Key Information
Permit Details
What to Expect
Route Details
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
How to Get This Permit
Check availability requirements
Walk-up permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
Visit the ranger station
Go to the designated permit office or ranger station. Bring ID and know your planned itinerary.
Have backup plans
Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
When to Go
Conditions
Warmest and driest season. Snow-free at most elevations by late July.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Best weather
- +Snow-free travel
- +Long days
Challenges
- !Bugs in early season
- !Crowded popular trails
- !Permit demand peaks
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
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.
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.
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
Key Landmarks
Landmarks (8)
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Loowit Trail.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Loowit Trail FAQ
How do I get a Loowit Trail permit?
Loowit Trail permits are obtained through a walk-up system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
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 using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Loowit Trail permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography 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.
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.
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.
Tradeoffs
Permit required April-October. Different experience but more intimate volcano views.