3.3 hr
Overview
This hike is longer than the popular Upper Lava Canyon Hike , but it offers views of additional lava formations deep in Lava Canyon (also known as the Muddy River Gorge). It has the benefit of starting at the bottom, so you'll get the climbing done earlier and you will find some solitude on the lower section of the hike. This is a spectacular gorge, exposed during the 1980 Mount Saint Helens eruption when most of the Shoestring Glacier came cascading down the Muddy River and scoured out the forested canyon, baring weathered 2,000 year-old lava flows from the Castle Creek eruption period, tortured defiles, and six sets of thundering waterfalls. Take your time - there are exposed sections of trail - and be careful at the waterfalls. It's frustrating not to get complete views of some of them, but the terrain is deadly and there have been numerous "accidents" here. Leave your dogs at home, and note also that the last five miles of driving on FR 8322 is rough and very potholed: high clearance recommended.
Trail Stats
9.3 km
378 m
867 m
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Photos
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