Located in the northeast corner of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, site of the 1980 eruption, the Mount Margaret Backcountry offers excellent backpacking & hiking opportunities. There are several options for start and end points and you can easily make this loop around Mount Margaret, Coldwater Peak and backcountry lakes. Trails cross through forest that was blown down by the dramatic lateral blast of the eruption, leaving behind a scoured landscape that has since regenerated with young alder trees, wildflowers and berry bushes. Although the trails are steep and challenging, the views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range, as well as the quiet solitude, are unparalleled.
Backpacking permits are required in order to spend a night in the backcountry. Eight designated campsites are scattered throughout the high-elevation lakes and jagged ridgelines of the remote area, offering a rugged hiking experience.
Starting at Norway Pass Trailhead from the east, this loop is a slightly shorter option with more gradual climbs than the Lakes Loop. The trailhead at Norway Pass may be inaccessible depending on road conditions, so call ahead to the Ranger Station before selecting this route. This loop passes through Norway and Bear Passes, both providing incredible views.
We have opted camping at Ridge Camp as it is exactly half way, although not having any option for water. On the way to Ridge Camp, the trail from Norway Pass travels by Mount Margaret and Coldwater Peak, both making excellent option for side trip.
From the Norway Pass Trailhead, we followed the Boundary Trail until the junction with the Lakes Trail (211), turning left and continuing along the Boundary trail, passing three possible campsites at Bear, Margaret and Dome Camps, before reaching the Coldwater Trail junction. Here we filled up water as this was the last water source before Ridge Camp. Amazing views of Spirit Lake, Coldwater Lake and Mount St. Helens along the way. Turning right and continue to the South Coldwater Trail, soon arriving at Ridge Camp.
Continuing to the Lakes Trail next morning after spending a night at Ridge Camp. The Lakes Trail passes camps at Snow, Shovel, Panhandle and Obscurity Lakes before reaching Bear Pass and the junction with the Boundary Trail. It is mostly uphill on not so well maintained trail, overgrown in places. We ran into trail crew few miles after Ridge Camp. Once hitting first of the lakes, Snow Lakes, the trail flattens a bit, descending to Shovel, Panhandle and Obscurity Lakes but climbing then again, to Bear Pass and back down to Norway Pass.
Permit & Season Information
Permits are sold and required for overnight camping in the Mount Margaret Backcountry between March 1st and November 30th. This area is often inaccessible due to snow until late spring or early summer.
Important Dates
March 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021 – Permits required and available for advanced reservation starting at 7:00 a.m. PT on March 1. Note that not all campsites and trailheads may have access in early spring and late fall, due to snow.
How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?
Camping is limited to 8 designated sites, with one permit issued per site per night (except Ridge Camp, which allows for 2 permits per night). Group size is limited to 4 persons per group.
