Gifford-Pinchot / Mt. St. Helens

From Hwy 12 eastbound in the town of Randle turn right (south) onto USFS Rd 25 you’ll immediately cross the Cowlitz River. About 2 miles south of the Cowlitz turn left onto USFS Rd 23. Rd 23 winds through some farmland and then goes into large timber where it eventually follows the Cispus River. About 13 miles down Rd 23 is the Blue Lake Trailhead and Campground. The Blue Lake Ridge Trail and the Valley Trail run into/out of this trailhead.

Approx 3 miles past Blue Lake Trailhead veer left onto USFS Rd 21. Continue on Rd 21 for about 10 miles. The pavement ends and the road turns to dirt at the Old Chimney campground which is on the lefthand side of the road. The Valley Trail and Hamilton Buttes run into/out of this campground.

NOTE: Trail maps are available at the USFS ranger station in Randle. It is located on the east end of Randle on Hwy 12 about a mile past the Rd 25 turn-off.