Mount Margaret via Norway Pass

A moderate hike to the top of a mountain next to Mount Saint Helens. Observe the regrowth of vegetation and stages of natural recovery after the 1980 eruption and find fantastic views of Spirit Lake, Mount Saint Helens and other major peaks from the top of Mount Margaret.

getting there

From SR-12 in Randle, drive 20 miles south on SR-131 which becomes Forest Road 25 to its junction with Forest Road 99 (found just past Iron Creek Falls). Turn right (west) onto Forest Road 99 and drive 9.2 miles before turning right (north) onto Forest Road 26. Continue about 1 mile on Forest Road 26 to the Norway Pass Trailhead ( ft).

ON THE TRAIL

Norway Pass (4,508 ft)

4.5 miles round trip with 860 feet of elevation gain

Hike the Norway Pass Trail 2¼ miles to Norway Pass. From the pass, walk about 0.1 mile south on the Independence Pass Trail. This short side-trek opens up views southeast to Windy Ridge.

Mount Margaret (5,858 ft)

11 miles round trip with 2,300 feet of elevation gain

Follow the Norway Pass Trail 2.5 miles to Norway Pass (4,508 ft). One can view small Meta Lake on the way to Norway Pass, then large Spirit Lake opens up at Norway Pass. From Norway Pass the trail heads north and then east, then loops west again, reaching 4,940 ft. Bear Pass in about ½ mile. Continue west, generally gaining in elevation, at about 5.5 miles find a short spur trail to the right that climbs to within 20 feet of the summit of Mount Margaret, 5,858 ft. Besides Mount St. Helens enjoy excellent views of  Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and even Mount Hood if the weather is clear.

Boundary Trail & Coldwater Lakes Loop

30.4-mile loop, 9,980 feet of elevation gain

  • Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Length: 11.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft
  • 5,858 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Mount St Helens NVM No. 332S
  • Green Trails Spirit Lake No. 332
Activities

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Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Mount Margaret
  • Norway Pass
  • Boundary Trail & Coldwater Lake Loop
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