Is there public access to Spirit Lake?
The only access is via the Harmony Falls Trail which leads to the northeastern shore of the lake. The Spirit Lake basin and Toutle River valley (Class I Research Area) are closed to public access, except on developed trails. Restricting public access to the valley directly north of the volcano and Spirit Lake helps protect opportunities for long-term research. By preserving this important natural laboratory, we ensure that future visitors will have an opportunity to learn about nature’s recovery processes at Mount St. Helens.
