Strawberry Mountain
Mt. St. Helens AreaBest Jul–Oct
A neglected ridge route to a former lookout site with a 360-degree view of Mt. St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and the Goat Rocks.
About This Trail
Strawberry Mountain rises five thousand nine hundred feet northeast of the Mt. St. Helens crater, the high point of a ridge that catches the eruption's full view. The trail leaves the Bear Meadow viewpoint pullout — itself a piece of history, where photographers Gary Rosenquist and Bob Kaseweter documented the 1980 lateral blast — and climbs ten miles round trip to a former fire lookout site on the summit.
The trail has slipped over the past decade. Brush has reclaimed sections, blowdowns multiply, and the WTA itself flags the route as in danger of being abandoned without sustained tread work. The pumice slope on the final approach to the summit climbs steep through loose footing. Wild strawberries hold along the trail; small Strawberry Lake sits below the ridge.
The summit pays for the work. Three hundred and sixty degrees of view — Mt. St. Helens crater hard to the southwest, Rainier filling the north, Mt. Adams east, the Goat Rocks beyond, and Oregon peaks on a clear day. Strawberry Mountain is one of the few Mt. St. Helens area trails that permits dogs. Northwest Forest Pass at the trailhead.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Brush, blowdown, and the long drive to Bear Meadow filter out casual hikers. Even peak weekends see only a few parties.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Trail neglected — expect blowdowns and brush hiding tread
- Steep pumice on final approach — loose footing, slick when wet
- Open summit with no weather shelter
Getting There
Bear Meadow viewpoint trailhead with restrooms. Northwest Forest Pass required.
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