📷 Photo by Alex Safareli on UnsplashLava Canyon
Cougar, WA
A gorge scoured out by the 1980 mudflows, with waterfalls and a suspension bridge. The upper loop is short and partly accessible; the lower trail is steep and exposed. At the end of Forest Road 83.
Lava Canyon is a gorge with waterfalls on the southeast side of Mount St. Helens in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington. The trailhead is at the end of Forest Road 83. From Cougar, drive Forest Road 90 past Swift Dam and turn onto FR 83, about 12 miles to the end. According to Oregon Hikers, the canyon has six groups of waterfalls.
The short section is easy to manage: Lava Canyon Trail #184 is paved at the start and leads to an accessible viewing platform, followed later by wooden walkways and tight switchbacks to the loop junction. Upper Lava Canyon Falls is about 56 feet (17 meters) high. The suspension bridge across the canyon is closed because of cable damage, according to the Washington Trails Association. The lower part of the canyon is steep and exposed, with ladders, metal stairs and a cable at a water crossing. Avoid it if you are afraid of heights. Warning signs mention several deaths and injuries, so stay on the trail.
Practical notes: Oregon Hikers lists the route as open June 1 to October 31 (check beforehand), and a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required. Dogs are not allowed.
- Nearest town
- Cougar, WA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.1654, -122.0880
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lower Falls CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Lava Canyon · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Beaver Bay CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Lewis River Horse CampCampsite11 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansToilets
- Olallie Lake CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansToilets
- Peterson Prairie CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Takhlakh Lake CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansToilets
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lava Canyon?
Lava Canyon is in Cougar, WA, at GPS 46.1654, -122.0880. It is about 6 mi from Windy Ridge.
Can you camp near Lava Canyon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Climbers Bivouac, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 46 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lava Canyon?
Lava Canyon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount St. Helens south and east: Ape Cave to Windy Ridge.
What is there to see near Lava Canyon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Windy Ridge Viewpoint (6 mi), Ape Cave (7 mi), Johnston Ridge Observatory (10 mi) and Beacon Rock State Park (37 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lava Canyon?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)