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A historic long distance trail that provides many challenges with amazing views.


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Map Key

54.0

Miles

86.9

KM

87%

Runnable

5,657' 1,724 m

High

2,516' 767 m

Low

10,615' 3,235 m

Up

8,211' 2,503 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

61%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

Boundary Trail is a very challenging long distance route beginning off of the Spirit Lake Highway in the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and ending at Council Lake

Along its length, the trail has fantastic views of St. Helens, Rainier, Adams with a few glimpses of Mt Hood. During the Ice Age, the area was heavily glaciated, evident by the knife-edge ridges and cirque basins seen from the route.

Due to its length and technical challenge, Boundary is often done as an out-and-back along portions of the trail or by shuttling to the end of the trail. There are significant climbs and descents throughout the route.

From Elk Pass to Badger Peak, there is a long, steady climb. From there to the south ridge below Craggy Peak, the route follows a more mellow grade to the east side of Hat Rock. The segments from Langille Ridge to the eastern end are a series of very steep climbs and descents through creek drainages, accessing Juniper Ridge Trail #261 and Dark Meadow Trail #263. Throughout the run you'll have expansive views of the South Cascades in a very remote setting.

Be aware that from Bear Meadows until Council Lake the trail is shared with horses, motorcycles, and bicycles.

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier with improvements by Karl W

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#12853

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
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Trail Rankings

#621

in Washington

#12,853

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,963 Since Jul 10, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

A flotilla of logs on Spirit Lake, Harry's Ridge, and Mount Saint Helens
Oct 16, 2019 near Morton, WA
Three mountain goats give scale to Mount Saint Helens (white dots, lower right)
Oct 16, 2019 near Morton, WA
Memorial on Eruption Trail for those who died during the 1980 eruption.
Jun 12, 2019 near Morton, WA
Mount Saint Helens
Oct 18, 2023 near Morton, WA
Mount St Helens, Washington, USA
Aug 10, 2017 near Morton, WA
Elk are common in the area.
Nov 6, 2021 near Morton, WA

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