Mount Margaret Backcountry

About Mount Margaret Backcountry

Overview:Sapphire lakes, pinnacle-studded ridges and flowered mountain slopes; this is the Mount Margaret Backcountry. Part of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, this rugged and spectacular area offers hikers an opportunity to explore and discover the dramatic effects of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The lateral blast, a hot stone-filled wind, shattered trees and swirled around peaks and basins as it toppled thousands of acres of pristine forest.

How to Get There

Visitors can access the Mount Margaret Backcountry from the north side of State Route 504 at the Coldwater Lake boat launch, South Coldwater Trail #230A or from Johnston Ridge Observatory at the end of State Route 504. Visitors also have access on the east side of the Mount Margaret Backcountry from the Norway Pass Trailhead, located on Forest Road 26.

Plan Your Visit to Mount Margaret Backcountry

Heading to Mount Margaret Backcountry? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)