Getting Oriented
The road branches off Forest Road 25 about 19 miles south of Randle and 19 miles north of the SR-503 junction at Cougar. The pair of FR 25 and FR 99 forms the standard eastern approach to Mount St. Helens, on Gifford Pinchot National Forest land. The Cowlitz Valley Ranger District handles the area; the Pine Creek Information Center (south end) and Woods Creek Information Center (north end) are the closest staffed Forest Service offices.
Trail Overview
Sixteen miles, out-and-back from FR 25. The road climbs gradually through standing dead timber from the 1980 blast, with the volcanic landscape becoming progressively more apparent. Past Bear Meadow, the road enters the official blast zone. Tight switchbacks and steep grades dominate the upper miles. The road ends at the Windy Ridge parking lot, with views into the crater, down onto Spirit Lake's floating log mat, and across the Pumice Plain. Trail #207 (Truman Trail) leaves the lot and provides walk-in access toward the crater for those willing to make the descent.
Points of Interest
- Bear Meadow Interpretive Site. Where the Rosenquist eruption photo sequence was taken in 1980.
- Miners Car. Site of two eruption fatalities, with the demolished car still in place.
- Meta Lake. Lake near the road with a short interpretive walk.
- Cascade Peaks Viewpoint. Roadside viewpoint of Mounts Hood, Adams, and Rainier.
- Harmony Falls Viewpoint. Trailhead for the walk-in to former Harmony Falls Lodge site.
- Smith Creek Picnic and Viewpoint. Mid-route picnic stop with views east into the Smith Creek drainage.
- Norway Pass Trailhead. Backcountry access to the volcano's north flank.
- Windy Ridge Interpretive Site. Road's end. Direct view of crater, Spirit Lake, and the Pumice Plain.
- Sand Ladder. 368-step climb to a higher viewpoint above the parking lot.
Where to Camp
There are no developed campgrounds on FR 99. Iron Creek Campground (USFS) sits 12 miles north on FR 25 near Randle and serves as the standard developed base. Lower Falls Campground on FR 90 (Lewis River corridor) sits to the south. Dispersed camping is permitted on Gifford Pinchot land off FR 25 with the standard 14-day stay limit. Randle and Cougar have small commercial bases.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Confirm current open status with the Mount St. Helens Information Center. FR 99 has been closed in recent years for storm damage.
- A Northwest Forest Pass or interagency pass is required at the trailheads.
- The road typically opens late June and closes with first snow in October or November.
- Carry layers. Windy Ridge sits 4,200 feet above sea level and the wind is constant.
- The Pumice Plain has minimal shade. Carry sun protection.
- Cell coverage drops out at Randle / Cougar and stays out.
- The sand ladder above the parking lot is steep; allow 30 minutes round-trip.
- Lightning is common at Windy Ridge in summer. Plan to be down by afternoon.
- The road surface is rough; trailers and RVs handle the climb poorly.
