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Mount St. Helens Area Hikes

Hummocks Trail

Parent Category: Hiking
in Mount St. Helens Area
Created: 21 March 2014

Pictures below will take you on a virtual trip along Hummocks Trail. Get panoramic views of the mountains and ponds along the way!

Distance:
2.5 miles
Hiking Time:
Roundtrip: 1-2 hours 
Elevation Gain: 
200 ft 
High Point: 2,545 ft 
Pass:
Northwest Forest Pass or Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
GPS Coordinates: Trailhead: 46°17'11.0"N 122°16'18.0"W
Description:

Photo from Mt. St. Helens Area, Hummocks TrailThe Hummocks Trail which is located on the north side of Mount St. Helens is a must-visit place. The trail runs along beautiful hummocks and clear ponds, which were created after the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. These hummocks are special knolls, which were created after the eruption by the blocks of the mountain’s summits. Visitors will able to read about the geology of the hummocks on the signs, which can be found along the trail. These signs also remind hikers to stay on the trail, because this area is still a territory for research and study.

Photo from Mt. St. Helens Area, Hummocks TrailHikers recommend starting the Hummocks Trail at the southern trailhead, because here visitors will immediately enjoy the most gorgeous views of Mount St. Helens’ huge crater. The trail passes small ponds with clear water, curves around the hummocks and offers great possibilities for relaxation and meditation.
In about 0.8 mile, you will come to a junction with the Boundary Trail and enjoy perfect views of the mountain. If you continue to follow the Hummocks Trail, you will see more ponds and valleys with large alder trees.

Alders play an important role here, they help to restore destroyed by the eruption habitat. These trees convert nitrogen from the air in a different form that can be used by other plants; their roots intensify the fertility of the soil.

Photo from Mt. St. Helens Area, Hummocks TrailMany scientists thought that after the eruption it would be difficult to restore the life in this region. But, surprisingly, animals, birds, insects as well as wildflowers returned here very quickly. Some trees and plants even survived the blast, because they were covered with the layer of ash.

In summer, especially in late summer, hikers will surely enjoy wildflowers in bloom: fireweed, Indian paintbrush, pearly everlasting, lupine, daisies, foxgloves and ocean spray.


Getting There

From Seattle
Take Exit #49 from I-5 to State Route 504, continue to drive for 45 miles to the trailhead, it will be on the right.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://beautifulwashington.com/south-cascades/hiking/mount-st-helens-area/162-hummocks-trail.html#sigProId42b753f92c

These pictures were taken on July 19, 2013

 

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://beautifulwashington.com/south-cascades/hiking/mount-st-helens-area/162-hummocks-trail.html#sigProId87c9890fad

These pictures were taken on July 07, 2017

Map:

In order to get directions, click on the map below

Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Pavlo Petryshyn, Juliana Voitsikhovska

Information: Marina Petrova

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