Although Mount St Helens is most renown for a devastating eruption in May of 1980 that killed 57 people and drastically altered the physiology of the volcano and its surrounding landscape, much renewal has occurred since then, making it a fantastic outdoor destination for hikers and nature lovers alike. There are a variety of trails to explore, but one of the most rewarding parts of Mount St Helens hiking, if a bit strenuous, is the 7-mile hike up to Loowit Falls.
Loowit Falls is a 60-foot cascade of frigid glacial runoff that ultimately originates from Crater Glacier, which began forming after the eruption of 1980. A 2011 survey measured the height of the falls at 186 feet, but continuing erosion through natural processes is changing the height and appearance of the falls as time passes, a factor which geologists theorize could make Loowit Falls a temporary feature of the surrounding landscape. The possibility of the stream that feeds the falls being diverted or even completely covered over by Crater Glacier looms within the next century.
Getting to the lookout for Loowit Falls is not for the timid; it’s a considerable hike of seven miles — one way — that will take you up and down with elevation losses and gains of roughly 1,000 feet. However, the scenery along the way is unmatched in its wild beauty: vast pumice fields, moss-covered valleys, and depending on the season, wildflowers that seem to extend to infinity. Be prepared with plenty of sunscreen and protective clothing, as there is virtually no respite from the sun throughout the duration of the hike.
Check out this fantastic footage of what you can expect to see on a Mount St Helens hike to Loowit Falls!
Image via brewbooks
