Gifford Pinchot National Forest Harmony Falls ~ Spirit Lake Hike Hike 35
Length: 2 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 700' Elevation loss then re-gain Season: Summer thru Fall Difficulty: Moderate due to shortness of hike Permit: NW Forest Pass Required
Volcano Alert
Call this number to see if this trail is closed: 360-449-7800 Features:
Here is an outstanding little hike, that would
be considered Challenging if it wasn't so short.
You begin the hike at a parking area along
Forest Road 99. The trail descends immediately
and steeply toward Spirit Lake.
Be aware that this is the only way you can
legally reach the shore and touch the water
of Spirit Lake. Also be aware that it is
illegal to stray from the trail at any point.
The treeless landscape offers great vistas all
along this hike. You will pass through some
small new trees and shrubs that have grown since
Mt St Helens exploded in 1980. In season this
is a very floral hike.
As the signs request, you must stay on the
trails provided for your use. The steepest
part of the trail is the part closest to
the trail head. As you near the lake, the
trail levels off. The trail crosses a sea
of pumice left over from the violent explosion
of Mt St Helens. The views of Mt St Helens
from this prospective are unique and
inspiring.
The trail takes you right up to the edge of
Spirit Lake. The lake has thousands of
logs still floating on it from the devastating
event of 1980. As the trail approaches the
lake, Harmony Falls will be right beside you.
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
