29 min
Overview
One of the larger lakes around Mount Saint Helens , Merrill Lake was created, just like most of the natural lakes in the Mount Saint Helens area, by activity emanating from the mountain, in this case a lava flow dam. Most of the hillside forest around the lake is privately owned, but the Washington Department of Natural Resources has a campground and boat launch here; an interpretive trail with colorful interpretive signs has recently been constructed to showcase a remnant stand of old growth Douglas-fir on the lake’s eastern shore. The lake is also part of a Natural Resource Conservation Area: in 2015, additional land was purchased by the state to expand the protected area at the lake. Note that a Discover Pass is required to park here.
Trail Stats
1.4 km
44 m
500 m
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Photos
Trail photo
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Trail photo
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Trail photo
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Trail photo
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