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Kayak at Yale Lake

Ariel, Washington

5.0

Just 55 miles northeast of Portland lies a body of water so pure you have to see it to believe it...that's right, we're talking about Yale Lake. One of three lakes beneath Washington's ever rumbling Mount St Helens, Yale offers the outdoor lover just about everything they could ask for: calm waters, forested banks, views of world famous volcanoes...the list goes on and on and on.Now to begin t...

Fly Fish Merrill Lake

Ariel, Washington

1 mi / 100 ft gain

Surrounded by old growth forest, Merrill Lake near Cougar, Washington is the perfect little gem to get in some late summer, mid-elevation mountain lake fishing. The morning and evening hatches are known state wide for the size of fish they attract. There are stories of Eagles even stealing trout right off the line! This is a Fly-Fishing, catch and release lake only. Come for the early morning...

Trail of Two Forests Trail

Cougar, Washington

0.27 mi / 13 ft gain

Explore the Ape Caves

Cougar, Washington

3.9

As if erupting volcanoes weren't awesome enough, ancient lava flows also left behind these giant, hollow tubes as they cooled. Spend all day exploring deep underground in this 2.5 mile cave.To get there, head to the SOUTH side of Mount Saint Helens. You must pass through the town of Cougar to get here, DON'T go to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.Now, let's explore some caves! It's a short walk f...

Toutle River Trail

Ariel, Washington

11.41 mi / 2949 ft gain

Summit Mount St. Helens via Worm Flows

Cougar, Washington

4.8

10.8 mi / 5700 ft gain

The Worm Flow Route, starting at Marble Mountain Sno Park, is the most direct winter route up to the summit. You'll start at around 2,700 feet and begin a steady walk along the trail for 2 miles. Although the trail is fairly well marked well above the snow, you'll want to pay attention to the arrows (especially if departing in early dawn).Once you've cleared the forest, the trail is a bit more ...

Hike/Snowshoe to June Lake, WA

Cougar, Washington

5.0

5.25 mi / 1000 ft gain

In the winter you will need to start at Marble Mt. Snowpark and purchase a snow park permit. The hike starts here on the eastern side. Follow the Pine Ski Trail for about 1 mile along NF-83 Road. Then follow the June lake Trailhead up to June lake for about 1.5 miles. You will come to June lake at this point. It is an easy hike to the lake and beautiful in the snow. From here you can continue o...

Siouxon Trail to 14 Mile Falls

Amboy, Washington

5.0

13.03 mi / 2310 ft gain

When you park at the top of the trail, all you see is layers and layers of emerald trees and ground clear of any underbrush. Once on the trail, you start on a rapid decline that brings you to the first of the many streams along this hike. Cross the bridge made out of logs and head towards the main waterway in the area, Siouxon Creek. The trail will have its ups and downs as you follow the gree...

Summit Mount St. Helens via Monitor Ridge

Cougar, Washington

4.4

9.4 mi / 4585 ft gain

Monitor Ridge is the "easiest" of the routes one can take in order to claim that they have stood on top the sleeping giant better known as Mount St. Helens. This route is heavily favored over Worm Flows as the starting elevation is not only an additional 1,000 feet higher but the overall ascent is less steep and long as well.Beginning at Climber's Bivouac (northeast of Ape Caves approx. 5.4 mi...

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