カウリッツ郡のおすすめランニングルート

The combination of stunning scenery and a lack of crowds is one of the most alluring aspects of the Boundary Trail, especially in the fall when the colors change, temperatures cool, and insects have disappeared.

After two months of volcanic activity and shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical volcano collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In moments, this slab of rock and ice slammed into Spirit Lake, crossed a 1,300-foot ridge and roared 14 miles down the Toutle River. The avalanche quickly released pressurized gases inside the volcano. A massive lateral explosion ripped through the avalanche and developed into a turbulent, rock-filled wind that swept over ridges and toppled trees. Nearly 150 square miles of forest were blown away or left dead and standing. At the same time, a mushroom-shaped column of ash rose thousands of feet into the sky and drifted against the wind, turning day into night as dark, gray ash fell across eastern Washington and beyond. Wet, cement-like mud of rock and silt scoured all sides of the volcano. Searing currents of pumice poured from the crater. The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape changed dramatically in a matter of moments.

The Seaquest #1 is a great trail in Seaquest State Park. The trail is well-maintained and mostly runs through dense woodland.

The Butte Camp Trail highlights an interesting collision of geological forces: A glacier helped carve out the shape of this terrain, with the rounded shape of Butte Camp Mound visible in the near distance. But you can also see evidence of lava beds — a more recent sort of remodeling — mixed in with the forest and flowers. Better yet, if you want to camp overnight here you do not need a permit.

Volcanic eruptions don't only destroy. Sometimes they also create, as happened here: Debris from the eruption blocked the normal outflow of Coldwater Creek, which ultimately created this beautiful lake.

All in all, the Boundary Trail runs some 57 miles, mostly east-west along the north side of Mount St. Helens. Shorter chunks of it, like this one, are handy for linking trailheads or completing trail loops.

Epic views of the destructive force of the Mt St Helens eruption are on full display from Norway Pass. Sunrise views of Mt St Helens, Mt Adams and Mt Rainier are especially gorgeous.

The visitor center is currently closed (6.2023) due to a large landslide, and it will be closed for some time as they repair the road. The closest access point is the Mt St Helens Science and Learning Center, located on Coldwater Lake. There is a trail from the Learning Center that can link up to the Boundary Trail and other popular Mt St Helens trails, although it does add considerable distance.