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Mount Margaret Backcountry
Explore rugged trails which lead to clear lakes, steep ridges and flowered, mountain slopes. View downed and standing dead trees killed during the 1980 eruption by a sizzling, lateral blast that pummeled the pristine forest, and see the plants and wildlife that have returned. The backcounty offers spectacular views of the crater, blast zone, and log-strewn Spirit Lake, as well as Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.
Trails are narrow, steep in places and can climb over 2,000 feet. Whittier Trail #214 is extremely challenging, very narrow, crosses steep cliffs, and is unsuitable for inexperienced hikers or those uncomfortable with heights.
Camping allowed at eight campsites by advance reservation only. Forest Road 99 and Forest Road 26 to Norway Pass Trailhead normally open the end of June through November. Portions of trails are often covered by snow until midsummer. Be prepared to cross snow slopes if you plan an early season visit as snow fields can linger through June.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 06/12/2024: Permits are required from April 1st to November 30th to camp in the Mount Margaret Backcountry, with the exception of the north side of Green River. No dispersed camping is allowed within Mount Margaret Backcountry. You may purchase permits on Recreation.Gov. All of Mount Margaret Backcountry has a significant snowfield to cross, so it is strongly recommended you use frequent navigation checks during your hike. You can access the Mount Margaret Backcountry by either the South Coldwater Trail to Boundary Trail or Lakes Trail via State Route 504, or the Norway Pass Trailhead via Forest Road 26. |
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| Operational Hours: | Day use only unless you purchase a Mount Margaret Backcountry Camping Permit. |
| Reservations: | Purchase camping reservations in advance on www.recreation.gov. Permits are $7/per person, per night. Reservations are released in a similar manner to Mount St. Helens Climbing Permits. All reservations are sold one month (30 days) in advance on the first of every month. For example, permits for July are sold June 1st, permits for August sold on July 1st, and will progress in this manner until November. |
| Fees: |
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| Permit Info: | Mount Margaret Backcountry Camping Permit required for overnight camping. Eight campsites to choose from. Obtain online or by phone (877) 444-6777 or if hearing impaired, (866) TDD-6777. |
| Open Season: | Spring - Fall |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | Randle, WA, Toutle, WA |
| Water: | Water is often seasonal springs or snow melt and not always available. |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required at Norway Pass Trailhead: Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass accepted. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: |
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General Information
General Notes:Attached you will find camp maps with current available water sources. Please note, water availablity may change through out the summer at Ridge Camp and camps located along the Boundary Trail.
Ridge Camp, Snow Camp, Shovel Camp, Obsurity Camp, Bear Camp, Dome Camp and Margaret Camp.
Directions:
Eastside access:
- Norway Pass Trailhead (Fee site) - Boundary Trail #1
Westside access:
- Coldwater Lake Boat Launch (Fee site) - Lakes Trail #211
- South Coldwater Trailhead (No Fee) - South Coldwater Trail #230A
- Johnston Ridge Observatory (Fee site) - Boundary Trail #1