Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Backcountry - Mount Margaret

Permit Application | Conditions Report | Map gif pdf

Welcome

Mount Margaret Backcountry Re-opens to Camping .

Hikers may explore trails that lead to the sapphire lakes, pinnacle studded ridges and flowered mountain slopes of the Mount Margaret Backcountry. Visitors to this rugged and spectacular portion of the Monument can see effects of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The lateral blast, a hot stone filled wind, shattered trees and swirled around peaks and basins as it toppled thousands of acres of pristine forest.

Trails in the Mount Margaret Backcountry have narrow tread, are steep in places and can climb over 2,000 feet in elevation. Some trails are very challenging. The Whittier Trail #214, in particular, is very narrow and crosses steep cliffs, it is not suitable for hikers that are uncomfortable with heights. 

Portions of trails are often covered by snow until midsummer. Be prepared to cross snow slopes if you plan an early season visit.

Eight backcountry camps can accommodate tent campers.

To protect natural features, pets and pack stock are prohibited in the Mount Margaret Backcountry. Fires are not allowed, plan to use a camp stove for cooking.

Permits & Fees

All campers in the Mount Margaret Backcountry must carry a valid Northwest Forest Pass and camping permit.

The Northwest Forest Pass is part of the National Fee Demonstration Program, which allows the Forest Service to retain up to 80% of funds collected from pass sales to help support services and facilities for campers.

Northwest Forest Passes are sold at all Forest Service offices, area retail outlets, on the internet at www.naturenw.org and by telephone at 1-800-270-7504.

Camping is limited to designated campgrounds only. Maximum group size for camping is four people.

Backcountry Camps

Eight camps are located in Mount Margaret Backcountry. Each campsite has a level, wooden framed, earth filled tent pad as well as a gray water sump for waste water from washing and cooking. Solar composting toilets are also provided. Please use these facilities to help protect vegetation, water quality and other natural features.

Visitors should still expect steep and large snow fields on north and east exposures, particularly above 5,000 feet.

Water from any source should be treated before drinking.

Ridge Camp is located along the Coldwater Trail #230 at an elevation of 3,800 feet. Near the camp there are views of Coldwater Lake, Minnie Peak and Coldwater Creek canyon. In early summer, water is available from a spring 1/4 mile north of the camp. This water source is dry in late summer and autumn. Carry your own water.

Dome Camp, Margaret Camp and Bear Camps are all located along the Boundary Trail #1 at elevations over 5,000 feet. At or near each camp, there are stunning views of the Spirit Lake Basin, Mount St. Helens and the rugged peaks of the Mount Margaret Backcountry. Water is available from small springs north of the Boundary Trail.

Shovel, Snow, Obscurity and Panhandle Camps are all located along the Lakes Trail #211, beside tranquil mountain lakes. These lakes are at elevations between 4,300 feet and 4,700 feet. In early summer, snow is usually present and the surfaces of the lakes may be partially frozen. At these camps, water is available from lakes and streams. These lakes support Eastern Brook Trout.

All campsites may be snow covered in early summer, if you plan an early season trip be prepared to camp on snow.

Obtaining Backcountry Permits

Early application is encouraged for backcountry permits. Permits are free of charge, but must be accompanied by a Northwest Forest Pass to be valid. Permit applications will be accepted via mail, FAX and in person at Monument Headquarters. Allow three weeks total for processing when applying by mail or FAX. Permits can be obtained in person at Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center.

Closures & Restrictions

To protect research opportunities and natural features, some portions of the Mount Margaret Backcountry are closed to public entry. Closed areas include the Boot Lake basin, St. Helens Lake, all areas south of the Boundary Trail #1 and a few other areas where research activity is taking place.

Camping is prohibited at Grizzly, Venus and Lower Venus Lakes as well as areas within the blast area which are not designated for camping. 

Anglers must follow state regulations.

At A Glance

• Camping Permits and Northwest Forest Passes are required year-round.
• Maximum party size for camping is four.
• Pack stock and pets are not allowed in the Mount Margaret Backcountry.
• Campfires are not allowed in the Mount Margaret Backcountry.

Other Backpacking Opportunities At Mount St. Helens

Camping in the Mount Margaret Backcountry is only one of the many ways to explore Mount St. Helens backcountry.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument has nearly 200 miles of trails where hikers can experience features of the 1980 eruption. Most of these trails can be accessed without a permit. Popular backpacking trails in the Monument include: 

• Boundary Trail #1 east of Norway Pass 
• Loowit Trail #216 which circles the volcano. 
• Green River Trail #213 and the Goat Mountain Trail #217 which traverse high lakes and old growth forest north of the 1980 blast area. 

Mount St. Helens is also a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Late spring through early fall is the most popular season. A climbing permit is required year-round.

Addresses

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters
42218 N.E. Yale Bride Road
Amboy, WA 98601

Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center
19000 Spirit Lake Highway

P.O. Box 326
Toutle, WA 98649

USDA Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Saturday, 04 November 2006 at 17:21:44 EST