Mount St. Helens
From Evergreen Trail Guide
Mount Saint Helens is a National Monument in the area surrounding the Volcano that blew its top on May 18, 1980. The area contains some of the most dramatic scenery in Washington as evidence of the blast, and the re-growth of nature, unfolds before your eyes. Some of the best mountain biking in Washington State is on Mt. St. Helens.
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Proposal for a National Park
National Parks has historically made it difficult to allow mountain biking on trails (only on roads and improved pathways). IMBA is currently working with the National Parks System to change this situation, and has signed an MOU with the NPS. Saint Helens is an opportunity to grandfather in our current trail access, and have a showcase National Park that contains world class singletrack. Imagine if all National Parks in Washington allowed mountain bikes on singletrack.
- Link to NPR news article.
- Press release from Senator Cantwell.
Action Alert
Contact Senator Cantwell and voice your support of continued access to singletrack on Mount Saint Helens.
Sample Letter
- Dear Senator Cantwell,
- I am a mountain biker from Washington State who rides narrow dirt trails, what we call singletrack, on Mount Saint Helens. The mountain biking here is some of the most beautiful and enjoyable in the country.
- Thank you for proposing creative and practical solutions to the funding issues we face at Mount Saint Helens. I will support your National Park proposal provided that mountain bikes maintain access to all the trails we are currently allowed to ride.
- Mountain bikers are low-impact users that take pride in our trails and natural resources. As a group we spend thousands of volunteer hours each year in Washington State helping to maintain our trails.
- Sincerely,
- Your name here
Directions - Please copy the above text and click on the link to Contact Senator Maria Cantwell. Remember to include your name.
If you have a few extra minutes, also email our other legislators, listed below.
Congressional Contact Info
- Staffer Joel Merkel in D.C. (202) 224-3441
- Cantwell is the one who is championing this idea.
- Staffer Jaime Shimek in D.C. (202) 224-2621
- Murray does not yet have a position on the idea - waiting for a public process and input from stakeholders.
- Staffer Pete Modaff in D.C. (202) 225-5916
- Staffer Brian Wagner in D.C. (202) 225-3536
- Baird is not yet taking a position on this issue.
Mountain Bike Trails on Mt. Saint Helens
Rides in Mount Saint Helens National Monument:
- Ape Canyon. Safe to say there is no other ride quite like this anywhere in the states. Climb through a forest that somehow survived the blast of St. Helens with views getting better and better the farther you climb.
- Smith Creek. This is an epic ride with some unique scenery, interesting routefinding, varied terrain, and a wild sense of remoteness.
- Mount Margaret. A scenic but difficult ride on the north side of the mountain.
- Goat Mountain. This epic ride includes Vanson Peak, Goat, Stawberry and Tumwater Mountains, and combines fantastic trails with mind blowing views of Mt St Helens.
A list of the individual trails and their Forest Service number:
- Boundary Trail #1
- Cinnamon #204
- Goat Creek #205
- Lakes #211
- Shovel Lake #211C
- Ridge #213A
- Loowit (Round The Mountain) #216
- Pine Creek #216C
- Abraham #216D
- Castle Ridge #216G
- Vanson Peak #217A
- Vanson Lake #217B
- Deep Lake #217E
- Tumwater #218A
- Smith Creek #225
- Ape Canyon #234
- Smith Creek Butte #235
- Blue Lake Horse #237
- Toutle #238
- Butte Camp #238A
- Sheep Canyon #240
Trails under the Randle Ranger District but go into the National Monument Border
Mountain Biking in National Parks
IMBA has been working with the National Parks Service to get more mountain bike trails in National Parks. Currently there are 22 National Parks that have singletrack open to mountain bikes.
For an existing National Park, an extensive administrative and legislative process is required to open up trails to mountain bikes. Mount Saint Helens presents an opportunity because as part of turning the National Volcanic Monument into a National Park, mountain bike access to all of our existing trails could be included as part of the Legislation.
IMBA is actively involved in the process and is excited about the opportunity to have another National Park that has prime mountain bike trails.
- IMBA National Park Service Resource Page
