Lava Canyon Interpretive Site via Smith Creek Trail #225
23.3 mi
Distance
11 hrs 33 min
Time
terrain
2,927 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a moderate one way trail to Lava Canyon Interpretive Site in Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument.
This trail goes by Lava Canyon Falls, Smith Creek Trailhead (Road 99), Harmony Lake Viewpoint, Windy Ridge Viewpoint, Windy Ridge Interpretive Site, Pumice Butte, and Ape Canyon Trailhead.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Public Tracks
Ape canyon to Smith to Lava Canyon
We hiked this clockwise. Left at 2 am.
I would not recommend the final section back by way of lava canyon trail. That section was really dangerous, with trail erosion and some very narrow sandy sections along cliffs above the canyon. We didn’t see the danger sign until the end. Beautiful section, but not worth the risk for me.