Trail #207 Truman (Willow Springs #207A)
⚠️ Important Alert: Certain trails and areas on Forest Road 99 are closed Monday through Friday until October 31. View information about temporary trail closures and Spirit Lake Tunnel Outlet Construction.
The 5.7-mile Truman Trail #207 immerses you in the area devastated by the 1980 eruption. Looking north, you see log-filled Spirit Lake topped by Mount Margaret. To the south you look upward at Mount St. Helens’ crater and lava dome.
The trail begins at Windy Ridge Interpretive Site and starts by following a road built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to access the Spirit Lake pumping station after the 1980 eruption. (Shortly after the 1980 eruption the water level in Spirit Lake rose alarmingly, threatening to overtop the debris dam and to send a deluge down the Toutle Valley. To help alleviate this danger, barge-mounted pumps were installed to remove water from the lake. Pumping continued until a 1.7-mile-long tunnel could be completed, allowing Spirit Lake to drain into South Coldwater Creek.)
Flanked by ever-growing patches of lupine, Indian paintbrush, and other wildflowers, the trail crosses several streams that originate in the crater. Wooden marking posts aid you in staying on trail as you travel across the pumice plain and climb the debris avalanche to the junction with Boundary Trail #1.
Willow Springs Trail #207A from its junction with Truman Trail #207, offers a loop opportunity. This 0.8-mile trail provides a link to the Loowit Trail #216. You can make a loop of these trails by connecting with the Loowit Trail #216 and the Windy Trail #216E.
Abraham Trail #216D branches off the Truman Trail and climbs steadily along the ridgeline. “Sand ladders” aid in your ascent over hillsides covered by loose pumice. The terrain opens as you enter the Plains of Abraham with views of Mount Rainier to the north and Mount Adams to the east.
Special Conditions: Off trail travel prohibited. No pets or stock. Day-use only. Bicycles are prohibited west of the junction with Abraham Trail #216D.
Active Alerts
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Low elevation trails typically melt out by mid-May. High elevation trails typically melt out by mid-July. Snow may persist in spots on north facing slopes. There may be downed trees, washouts, and/or landslides on trails. Carrying mosquito repellent is advisable. Backcountry creeks and streams may dry out so plan ahead in case you need to bring in water. Recreating in burned areas poses greater risks. See safety tips for burned areas. Please assist in reporting wildfires by calling 911 or Columbia Dispatch at (360) 891-5140. Sign up for emergency alerts by county.
- Windy Ridge Interpretive Site requires $5 per vehicle per day or Recreation Pass.
- Johnston Ridge Observatory entrance requires $8 per adult, children 15 and younger free. A Northwest Forest ANNUAL Pass admits one adult.
- Off-trail travel prohibited.
- Pets, bicycles, horses and stock, and motorized use are prohibited.
- Day-use only.
- Bicycles are prohibited west of the junction with Abraham Trail 216D. See Mount St. Helens Map for site rules.
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Windy Ridge Interpretive Site (Forest Road 99)
Access from Boundary Trail #1 via Johnston Ridge Observatory (State Route 504)
Additional Information
Operated By
Forest Service
