This trail traverses a wide variety of ecosystems representative of the Mt St Helens area pre- and post-eruption. The trail begins in a recent lava flow, crosses a wildflower meadow, then enters old-growth pine and hemlock forest, followed by a younger lodgepole pine forest on an old lava flow. A pretty campsite at 4,000 feet is a good place to turn around, or you can press on past a steep climb to the broad western flanks of Mt St Helens at the intersection with the Loowit Trail, where there are good views of Mt Hood. A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.