Loowit Trail
~2 days · 26.6 mi · hard · Loop
Quick facts
What the Loowit Trail is known for
The Loowit Trail is a loop of officially about 30 miles (Ridgefold's mapped route measures 26.6) that circumnavigates Mount St. Helens in Washington's Cascades, crossing pumice plains, hardened lava flows, and the blast zone left by the 1980 eruption. It links terrain from barren volcanic desert on the north side to forested canyons and deep, eroded drainages that can require scrambling. It is known as a raw, exposed circuit around an active volcano within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,196 ft to 4,895 ft over 26.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 9.9 mi · 38%
- Downhill 9.3 mi · 35%
- Flat 7.1 mi · 27%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Loowit Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Loowit Trail scores 32/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best hiked from mid-summer to early fall (roughly July to September), once snow has cleared from the higher pumice slopes and water sources are more reliable.
Permits: A self-issued wilderness/monument permit is required, and camping is restricted within a designated zone around the crater in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Loowit Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Loowit Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 26.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Loowit Trail?
The Loowit Trail climbs roughly 7,205 ft total — about 271 ft per mile, topping out near 4,908 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Loowit Trail?
Best hiked from mid-summer to early fall (roughly July to September), once snow has cleared from the higher pumice slopes and water sources are more reliable.
Do you need a permit for the Loowit Trail?
A self-issued wilderness/monument permit is required, and camping is restricted within a designated zone around the crater in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.