South Cascades

One of the areas I need to spend more time in. It is such a different landscape, especially around Mt St Helens (loowit). There is so much to offer here with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Goat Rocks Wilderness, Mount Adams (Pahto) Wilderness, Indian Heaven Wilderness, and the one and only Mount St Helens National Monument.

Fun Fact: Mt St Helens has erupted more frequently than any other volcano in the entire Cascade Range. Its last major eruption was in May 1980.

Where to visit: Highway 503 to the Johnstonville Observatory will leave you awestruck. Seeing Mt St Helens up close is something everyone should experience. Also, Coldwater Lake is a gorgeous stop. Upper Lewis Falls is gorgeous as well as Talklakh Lake.

You can find camping, hiking, and National Park info below. There is also a good amount of DNR dispersed camping as well. Backpacking is wonderful out here but a Wilderness Permit is required.