Hummocks Loop Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Hummocks Trailhead
- End point: North Fork Toutle River Viewpoint
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 100 feet
- High Point: 2,540 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Late spring into fall
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Hike Description
This easy interpretive trail gives another perspective on the destruction wrought on May 18th, 1980. The "hummocks" are massive mounds of pyroclastic material - not just ash but also some large boulders - that used to be part of Mount Saint Helens. The trail undulates through this revegetating landscape, the stark slopes of the mounds contrasting with alder-shaded bogs, and reaches the North Fork Toutle River Viewpoint, from which you can scan the much altered landscape for herds of elk.
To begin the hike, take the trail at the far end of the lot (the left one, as you enter the parking area). This part of the Hummocks Trail is also the Boundary Trail. The trail weaves slowly downhill through meadows, past ponds and around hummocks. Several interpretive signs explain the formation and evolution of hummocks. The Hummocks Trail splits from the Boundary Trail at the Boundary-Hummocks Trail Junction a half-mile from the trailhead. There's a nice view of Mount Saint Helens over a pond from the junction.
Turn right and follow the Hummocks Trail downhill. There's a pretty pond 2/10 of a mile later that's often the home of ducks and geese. The trail crosses an arm of the lake on a short bridge. tow-tenths of a mile farther, you'll come to a nice viewpoint of the North Fork of the Toutle River. Continuing river erosion continues to widen the streambed and a short section of the trail has slid down the hill. Not to worry though, hikers have created a new, safer route around the slipout.
There's a side trail in a bit, that leads to the signed North Fork Toutle River Viewpoint. Take in views here to the west and then continue on the Hummocks Trail. The trail crosses seasonal streams on small wooden bridges under white alders, and then comes to a recent beaver dam. Beavers have created two dams here and the large lodge is just a few feet from the trail. Continue past a second, smaller beaver pond, then up the hill to the parking lot.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Green Trails Maps: Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA #332S
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & Administrative Area
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount St. Helens - Mt. Adams
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- This is one of the few trailheads in the area that does not require a monument pass.
- Stay on trail: minimum $100 fine for leaving trail
- No dogs allowed
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Hummocks
- Coldwater Lake and Hummocks
- St Helens Hummocks / Coldwater Lake / hwy 504 conditions
- Hummocks and Coldwater Lake 1/20/13
- 5/19/12 Hummocks Loop & Boundary Trl #1 to Observatory (MSH)
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Hummocks
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- A FalconGuide to Mount St. Helens by Fred Barstad
- Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington by Susan Elderkin
- Day Hiking: South Cascades by Dan A. Nelson & Alan L. Bauer
- Day Hiking Mount St. Helens by Craig Romano & Aaron Theisen
- Pacific Northwest National Parks & Monuments: The Creaky Knees Guide by Seabury Blair, Jr.
- 100 Hikes: Northwest Oregon by William L. Sullivan
More Links
- Hummocks Trail #229 (USFS)
- Hummocks Trails (Washington Trails Association)
- Hummocks Trail (Olympic Wanderer)
- Hummocks Trail (Outdoor Project)
Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)
- bobcat