Is swimming allowed at Loowit Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Loowit Falls.

Live Conditions · 114 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Loowit Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Loowit Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Loowit Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Loowit Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $0.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking. Additional permits may be required for certain activities within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Loowit Falls, see below

Gifford Pinchot National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

wenzday01 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

leit motif CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

ben.hollis CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

8.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Loowit Falls

Loowit Falls is a striking waterfall located on the north side of Mount St. Helens in Washington. It is fed by glacial meltwater and runoff from the volcanic landscape, offering a unique and dramatic setting. The waterfall is part of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and is a popular destination for hikers exploring the area.

The Setting

Loowit Falls sits at 4,954 feet within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, fed by the Muddy River, in the mountains of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The hard hike follows Loowit (#216), a 8.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

LOOWIT #216

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

5-8%

USFS Segment

17.40 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Loowit Falls traverses volcanic terrain, including ash fields, rocky paths, and exposed ridges. Hikers will experience stunning views of Mount St. Helens, the surrounding blast zone, and the waterfall itself. The trail is challenging, with uneven footing and little shade, so proper preparation is essential.

What to Expect

Expect a strenuous hike through a unique volcanic landscape. The trail offers breathtaking views of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding area, but it can be exposed to the elements, with little shade and potentially strong winds. Loowit Falls is a rewarding sight, cascading down the rugged terrain.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Loowit Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking. Additional permits may be required for certain activities within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Loowit Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the trail is typically free of snow and the weather is more favorable. Summer offers the clearest views, but fall can provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Gifford Pinchot National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Hikers should be prepared for exposed conditions, including strong winds and intense sun. Volcanic terrain can be unstable, so stay on marked trails. Carry plenty of water and be aware of your physical limits. Check weather and trail conditions before your hike.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 39 minutes ago Roaring

114 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

115 123 202 332

Based on 68 years of record

13.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

MUDDY RIVER BELOW CLEAR CREEK NEAR COUGAR, WA

USGS 14216500

13.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 135 sq mi

Altitude: 1,036 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MUDDY RIVER BELOW CLEAR CREEK NEAR COUGAR, WA (22 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

111 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

127 cfs

7/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

121 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

113 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

111 cfs

9/10

Tue

Strong

115 cfs

8/10

Wed

Strong

125 cfs

8/10

Thu

Strong

126 cfs

8/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, peaking in May.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Cougar hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 355 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,718 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 158 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 103 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Loowit Falls near Cougar, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Loowit Falls near Cougar, Washington, showing about 355 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 4,718 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 355 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Loowit Falls is accessed via the Loowit Trail, which encircles Mount St. Helens. The most common starting point is the Johnston Ridge Observatory or other trailheads within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The trail to the falls requires a significant hike through rugged volcanic terrain.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at designated trailheads, such as the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Parking may require a Northwest Forest Pass or other applicable permits.

Elevation

4,954 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.223620° N, -122.183601° W

Land Management

Gifford Pinchot National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid the heat and ensure you have enough time to complete the hike. Bring plenty of water, as there are no reliable water sources along the trail. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for uneven, rocky terrain. Check trail conditions before heading out, as volcanic terrain can be unstable.

Where to Stay

Lone Fir Resort

8.3 101 reviews

4-Bedroom Chateau in Southern Washington- Luxurious Retreat with Pond & Creek

9.7 3 reviews

Explore Mt St Helens A-Frame Chalet with Deck!

Riverfront Woodland Cabin: Wooded & Forested Views

10.0 9 reviews

See all hotels near Mossyrock

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

LOWER FALLS CAMPGROUND

15.3 miles away · 44 sites

Reservable

Overview Lower Falls Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors enjoy several waterfalls in the area and access to the Lewis River Trail. The campground is open from mid-May through October.Recreation Near the campground are several trailheads that provide visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. There are hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse trails, and motorcycle trails within 10 miles of the campground. The Lewis River contains rainbow, cutthroat

Book on Recreation.gov