Mount St. Helens South: Forest Roads 83 & 81
Forest Road 83: This nine-mile, paved road passes through forests, over 2,000-year-old lava flows and across a mudflow created during the 1980 eruption.
From Forest Road 8303, a spur road, visit Trail of Two Forests Interpretive Site or Ape Cave. Continuing driving on 83 to access June Lake Trail, Lahar Viewpoint (the only clear view of the mountain’s south side from the road), Ape Canyon Trail and Lava Canyon Interpretive Site.
Forest Road 81: This mostly paved but several miles of gravel, rough road transports you through less traveled parts of the Monument and surrounding area. Spur Road 830 ends at Climber’s Bivouac Trailhead, the start of the summer climbing route. The road winds west to Red Rock Pass, Blue Lake Trailhead, and Kalama Horse Camp Campground, eventually connecting back with Highway 503.
General Information
Accessible Adventures Video: Mount St. Helens South Side Attractions
- December 1 to March 30: Washington State Sno-Park Permit required at Sno-Parks and not available on-site. Purchase permit online or from a vendor.
- Climbing Permits are required year-round above 4,800 ft. on the slopes of Mount St. Helens. See Mount St. Helens Summit information.
- Climbing Permits are by advance reservation only from April 1st thru October 31st. A climbing quota is in effect of 110 climbers per day May 15th thru October 31st.
- No parking allowed on Forest Road 83.
- $5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass required at developed recreation sites. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & District
Contact Phone: (360) 449-7800
Getting There
Directions
Forest Road 83: From Cougar, WA take the State Route 503 Spur east for 6.4 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 83.
Forest Road 81: From Cougar, WA take Lewis River Road/Forest Road 90 east for 6.4 miles then go left on Forest Road 83. Follow Forest Road 83 for 3 miles then stay left onto Forest Road 81.
