Sheep Canyon Trail Hiking details

Hiking the Sheep Canyon trail

Sheep Canyon Trail #240

Length:2.2 One Way

Trail Categories:Forested Paths-Big Trees Volcanic Landscapes-Climbing Volcanic Landscapes-High Country Views

Season of Use:summer to fall

Elevation:3400 to 4600 feet above sea level

Visitor Use:Low

Location:begins, Sheep Canyon Trailhead on Forest Road 8123; ends, Loowit Trail #216

Trail Talk:Take a side trip (1/4 mile) to view the volcano-ravaged Toutle River Valley. Hike up the trail through young trees and then enter the cool, dark interior of a towering noble fir forest. Discover a 75-foot ribbon of water streaming down a solid rock cliff. Notice evidence left by the 1980 eruption. An abrasive mudflow scoured the canyon to bedrock and bounced from bank to bank as it roared down the valley. Stop and appreciate the view from the bridge; a composition of Mount St. Helens framed by the steely gray canyon walls and the rich greens of a conifer forest. Witness the arrival of the first pioneer plants to take root in this new landscape. Enjoy one of the most dynamic hikes through a landscape changed by recent volcanic activity by following the loop opportunity described in "Connections."

Trail Facts:This maintained trail passes through an old clearcut and heads into a noble fir forest. It then follows along the canyon edge of Sheep Creek and junctions with the Toutle Trail before crossing the drainage (by bridge). After leaving the edge of the mudflow-scoured canyon, it passes through forest, over old lava flows, and terminates at the junction of Loowit Trail #216.

Considerations:Beware of steep dropoffs near the waterfalls.

Connections:For an excellent hike through a constantly changing volcanic landscape, follow Sheep Canyon Trail #240 to Loowit Trail #216 and turn north. The Loowit Trail junctions with Toutle Trail #238 near the South Fork Toutle River Valley. By following Toutle Trail #238 south you'll reconnect with Sheep Canyon Trail #240.

Map:Mount St. Helens and Goat Mountain quadrangles.