Green Mountain Trail #110

The Green Mountain Trail #110 is a 9-km point-to-point trail in Washington State, United States, climbing approximately 460 m of elevation to the summit of Green Mountain in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Rated moderate, it delivers one of the Pacific Northwest's finest triple-volcano panoramas — Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier visible from a single ridge — and treats late-summer hikers to huckleberry fields and wildflower meadows along the way.

About the Green Mountain Trail #110

Green Mountain Trail #110 cuts through a remote corner of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, one of the largest national forests in the Pacific Northwest, flanking the southern slopes of Mount St. Helens and spanning more than 1.3 million acres of southern Washington. The trail lies within the Dark Divide Roadless Area — a 45,000-acre wilderness-quality zone long celebrated by naturalists and outdoor photographers for its undisturbed old-growth pockets and raw volcanic scenery.

At 9 km (5.6 miles) one way, Trail #110 begins at a trailhead on Forest Road 5601 and works steadily upward through mixed conifer forest. It crosses a spur road before ascending open subalpine terrain to the Green Mountain summit at approximately 1,226 m (4,023 ft). The route ends at the junction with Spring Creek Trail #115, making it ideal as a point-to-point shuttle hike or an out-and-back depending on logistics and energy levels.

The trail carries designations for hiking, equestrian use, mountain biking, and motorcycle travel under U.S. Forest Service management. This multi-use status means trail surfaces are broad and relatively well-maintained, though the upper section narrows as it transitions from the roaded corridor to open ridge. Windfall can block the path early in the season before USFS trail crews complete their annual clearing runs, typically by mid-June.

What sets Trail #110 apart from most Cascade day hikes is the combination of visual payoff and ecological richness packed into a single route. From the summit ridge, hikers enjoy unobstructed sightlines to three of Washington's iconic stratovolcanoes simultaneously — on clear days the view stretches 80–100 km in every direction. Below the ridgeline, the trail passes through old-growth Douglas fir and Pacific silver fir stands that provide habitat for spotted owls, black bears, and Roosevelt elk. In late July and August, the upper meadows fill with Indian paintbrush, lupine, and beargrass before giving way to the huckleberry shrublands that define the Dark Divide in early autumn.

The trail is accessed from the Randle Ranger District, with the nearest services approximately 35 km north in Randle, Washington. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for trailhead parking, available online, at ranger stations, and at many outdoor retailers in Washington and Oregon.

Route Overview & Stages

Trail #110 is straightforward in direction but gains elevation steadily across four distinct segments. Most of the climbing is concentrated in stages one and three, with a brief flat traverse on the spur road in between. Total cumulative elevation gain is approximately 460 m (1,510 ft), with a short descent on the final stretch to the Spring Creek junction.

Most hikers complete the out-and-back in 4–5 hours at a steady pace, covering 18 km total with approximately 920 m of cumulative elevation change. A one-way shuttle hike cuts that to 4–5 hours but requires two vehicles or pre-arranged pickup at the Spring Creek trailhead on Forest Road 2509.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Green Mountain Summit (1,226 m / 4,023 ft) — The payoff of the entire route. On clear days the summit ridge delivers simultaneous views of Mount St. Helens (50 km northwest), Mount Adams (40 km east-southeast), and Mount Rainier (80 km north) — three active Cascade stratovolcanoes framed in a single panoramic sweep. Few points in Washington State offer this three-peak alignment.
• Dark Divide Old-Growth Zone — The lower forest section between the trailhead and the Spur 017 junction passes through Pacific silver fir and Douglas fir stands estimated at 200–400 years old. Nurse logs, standing snags, and a striking depth of quiet mark this segment.
• Huckleberry Meadows — From roughly 900 m elevation upward, blue huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum) dominates the understory. Berries ripen from mid-August through mid-September most years, and the entire upper trail can be sweet-smelling and intensely purple in a good season.
• Wildflower Clearings — Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja miniata), spreading phlox, and lupine bloom on open slopes between late June and late July. The transition zone where forest gives way to subalpine meadow at approximately 1,100 m is particularly photogenic.
• Mt. St. Helens Alignment View — At a specific bend on the upper ridge, the 1980 eruption blast zone on the north face of Mount St. Helens is directly visible, offering a geological and historical reference point that gives real scale to the volcanic landscape surrounding the Dark Divide.
• Spring Creek Trail #115 Junction — The trail's endpoint opens multi-day route options. Spring Creek Trail descends northward through the Dark Divide toward Quartz Creek and FR 2509, adding a potential through-hike corridor of more than 25 km for experienced parties.
• Spur 017 Corridor — The middle section follows an overgrown former forest road that offers rare broad-sky views in an otherwise dense Cascade landscape. Watch for northern harriers hunting the open ground in the mornings.
• Raptor Migration Corridor — Red-tailed hawks and occasionally golden eagles use the Green Mountain ridge as a thermal corridor in September and October, making the summit an underrated birdwatching destination during autumn migration.

Best Time to Hike the Green Mountain Trail #110

Green Mountain Trail #110 has a defined hiking window shaped by snowpack, Pacific Northwest weather patterns, and late-summer wildfire risk. As of 2026, snow typically clears from the upper trail by mid-June in average years, though heavy winters can delay access into early July. The trailhead itself at approximately 1,000 m elevation usually melts out by mid-May and is accessible well before the summit terrain becomes safe.

June — Snow may still linger on the upper 2 km of the summit approach. Wildflowers begin in the lower forest belt and the trail is mud-heavy through the spur road section. Stream crossings on connecting trails can run high with snowmelt. Suitable for experienced hikers willing to navigate lingering snowfields.

July — The prime wildflower month. Indian paintbrush, lupine, and beargrass peak in the first two weeks of July and the upper meadows are accessible and dry. Days in southern Washington run up to 16 hours of daylight, and temperatures at the summit hover between 14°C and 22°C. Expect the largest crowds of the season on weekends.

August — The single best month to hike Trail #110. Wildflowers fade but huckleberry picking begins in earnest above 900 m, typically peaking around the third week of August. Skies are reliably clear, maximizing the triple-volcano panorama. Temperatures in the forested lower trail remain comfortable at 18°C–26°C, while the summit ridge stays cooler. Wildfire smoke is a risk in dry years — check the Gifford Pinchot fire restrictions and air quality index before setting out.

September — A strong second choice. Huckleberries are fully ripe, the forest transitions to gold and amber, and crowds thin noticeably after Labor Day. Morning cloud inversions fill the valleys and make for dramatic photography from the summit. Nights drop to 5°C–10°C; pack a warm layer regardless of the forecast.

October — The season closes. First frosts arrive at summit level in early October, and the upper trail can ice over without warning. Lower sections remain hikeable well into the month and autumn color is spectacular. Requires careful weather monitoring and microspikes on hand after mid-October.

The single best month is August — optimal trail conditions, huckleberry season at full swing, and the clearest skies for the three-volcano panorama that defines this trail.

Practical Information

Accommodation

There are no huts or hostels on or immediately adjacent to Trail #110. Accommodation options range from dispersed backcountry camping within the forest to established campgrounds and motel rooms in Randle.

Dispersed camping is permitted throughout Gifford Pinchot National Forest under Leave No Trace principles, at least 60 m from water sources, trails, and roads. No nightly fee applies, but the Northwest Forest Pass is still required at the designated trailhead parking area on FR 5601.

Iron Creek Campground — The nearest developed campground, approximately 22 km north of the trailhead on Forest Road 25 near Randle. Sites cost $20–22 per night (approximately €19–20) and provide tent pads, picnic tables, bear boxes, and vault toilets. No electrical hookups. Book via Recreation.gov for July and August weekends, as sites fill by Thursday for peak-season Saturdays.

Panther Creek Campground — Located approximately 45 km east near the Wind River corridor in the east end of Gifford Pinchot, with a similar fee structure. Quieter than Iron Creek and a good base for multi-day Dark Divide exploration combining Trail #110 with the Boundary Trail system.

Randle, WA — The nearest town, 35 km north, has several motels and short-term rental cabins. Expect $85–140 per night (approximately €78–129). Randle also has a gas station, a small grocery store, and the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District office, where you can pick up current conditions, maps, and fire restriction updates.

Getting There & Back

The trailhead for Green Mountain Trail #110 is reached via Forest Road 5601, which branches off Forest Road 25 south of Randle, Washington. No public transit serves this trailhead — a private vehicle is required.

From Portland, Oregon — Drive approximately 120 km northeast via I-205 N, then WA-14 E to WA-141 N, continuing on US-12 west to Randle. From Randle, Forest Road 25 heads south into the national forest. Total drive time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Forest roads can be rutted and narrow; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended though not strictly required in summer.

From Seattle, Washington — Drive approximately 210 km south via I-5 S to US-12 E through Morton and Randle. Allow 2 hours 45 minutes. This is the more common approach for northern Washington hikers.

Nearest airports — Portland International Airport (PDX, ~130 km) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA, ~210 km) are both realistic options. Car hire at either airport is the practical choice for accessing this remote trailhead.

Shuttle logistics — For a true one-way point-to-point ending at Spring Creek Trail #115, arrange a second vehicle at the Spring Creek trailhead accessed via FR 2509. No commercial shuttle services operate in the Dark Divide area; coordinate within your hiking group.

Permits & Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Forest Road 5601 trailhead. No reservation or day-use entry permit is needed for the trail itself — only the parking pass. Fee structure as of 2026:

No overnight wilderness permit is required for dispersed camping in the Dark Divide Roadless Area. Campfire restrictions frequently apply from July through September — check current restrictions with the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District in Randle before your visit. Violations carry fines of $250 or more.

Gear & Packing List

Green Mountain Trail #110 is a moderate day hike for most fit hikers, but its remote location inside the Dark Divide — with no services, unreliable cell coverage, and Pacific Northwest weather that can shift from clear to wet inside 30 minutes — means gear choices carry real weight. Pack for self-sufficiency.

Backpack: A 20–35 L daypack handles everything needed for the out-and-back. The Salomon ADV Skin 20 is ideal for a fast-and-light approach, sitting close to the body and excelling on the open ridge where wind resistance matters. For those linking Trail #110 with the Spring Creek Trail into a multi-day itinerary, the Osprey Aether 65 provides the volume needed for gear, food, and bear canister. Ultralight hikers who want to keep total pack weight under 5 kg for the day hike will find the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider — at under 500 g — a particularly strong choice for the forested lower sections and exposed ridge alike.

Food and calorie planning matters on a trail with 460 m of climb. The guide at How Many Calories Do You Need Hiking a Full Day? covers exact energy calculations for a day at elevation — a useful reference before packing snacks for the summit push.

Essential items for Green Mountain Trail #110:

• Water filter or purification tablets — Carry at least 2 L capacity. Water sources above 900 m are seasonal and may be dry by late August; treat any surface water from seasonal streams on the lower trail.
• Trekking poles — The steep summit approach involves loose volcanic soil and exposed roots. Poles reduce knee impact significantly on the descent.
• Rain shell — The Pacific Northwest can produce rain squalls at any time of year. A packable waterproof jacket weighing under 400 g is adequate for summer conditions.
• Sun protection — SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a hat are essential above 1,100 m where the ridge provides no shade. Reflected glare off volcanic rock intensifies UV exposure.
• Bear spray or bear canister — Black bears are active in the Dark Divide, particularly during huckleberry season in August and September. Carry spray clipped and accessible, not buried in a pack.
• Paper map and compass — Cell coverage is unreliable throughout the Dark Divide area. Download offline maps before leaving the trailhead but carry a paper backup for the upper ridge.
• Headlamp — For early starts targeting the summit at sunrise, or as insurance against an unexpectedly long day.
• First aid kit — Include blister treatment; the spur road section's firm gravel surface can cause hotspots on less broken-in footwear.

If you are planning a lightweight overnight to combine this route with the Spring Creek Trail, the Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026: 7 Sub-1 kg Packs Tested covers options that handle Pacific Northwest wet conditions without adding unnecessary weight.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the open-ridge summit experience and volcano panoramas of Green Mountain Trail #110 are what you are after, the following Pacific Northwest and western U.S. trails offer comparable rewards — combining significant elevation gain, sweeping summit or canyon vistas, and strong wildflower or wilderness character across different landscapes and seasons.

• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — A high-altitude ridge hike in Yosemite National Park with arguably the finest panoramic view in the Sierra Nevada, comparable in scale and drama to the Green Mountain summit but in a granite rather than volcanic setting.
• Panorama Trail (United States) — A circuit trail in Yosemite Valley linking Glacier Point with Panorama Cliff and Nevada Fall, rewarding hikers with iconic waterfall and dome scenery on a well-marked route.
• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — A classic point-to-point descent into the Grand Canyon with dramatic exposure and canyon views at every switchback. Shares the remote shuttle-required logistics of Trail #110.
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — The Grand Canyon's North Rim corridor, pairing naturally with the South Kaibab for a full rim-to-rim traverse through one of the world's most recognizable geological formations.
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — A shorter but dramatic canyon route in Zion National Park with exposed sections and striking red sandstone scenery, ideal for hikers who want a taste of technical Zion terrain without committing to a full-day objective.

For hikers drawn to international alternatives with similar point-to-point mountain drama, the Theth to Valbona Hike in Albania offers a compelling European counterpart — a multi-day Balkan traverse through dramatic limestone peaks with far fewer crowds than comparable Alpine routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Green Mountain Trail #110?

August is the single best month. The upper trail is snow-free from mid-June in typical years, wildflowers peak through July, and huckleberry season runs mid-August through mid-September. Clear summer skies in August maximize the triple-volcano panorama from the summit. September is a strong runner-up with autumn color and thinning crowds. Avoid the upper trail before late June in heavy-snow years and after mid-October when frost and ice arrive at summit elevation.

How difficult is Green Mountain Trail #110?

The trail is rated moderate. The 9-km route gains approximately 460 m (1,510 ft) of elevation one way, with the steepest climbing in the 2.2-km summit approach. Hikers with basic trail fitness and comfortable footwear will find it manageable in 4–5 hours one way. The multi-use trail surface is broad and generally well-packed, though the spur road section holds mud early in the season and the upper approach involves loose volcanic soil requiring careful footing.

How far do you hike per day on this trail?

Most hikers cover the full 9 km to the summit and return, totaling 18 km in a single day. Starting from the FR 5601 trailhead by 8:00 a.m. typically allows a comfortable summit arrival around 11:00 a.m. and return to the trailhead by early afternoon — avoiding afternoon thunderstorm risk on the exposed ridge. Groups linking Trail #110 with Spring Creek Trail #115 for a multi-day itinerary typically plan 12–15 km per day including elevation gain.

What accommodation is available near Green Mountain Trail #110?

There are no huts or hostels on or near the trail. Iron Creek Campground, 22 km north on FR 25, is the nearest developed option at $20–22 per night (approximately €19–20). Dispersed camping is free within the national forest at least 60 m from water and trails. The town of Randle, 35 km north, has motels from $85–140 per night (approximately €78–129). Book Iron Creek via Recreation.gov well ahead of July and August weekends.

Do you need a permit or pass for Green Mountain Trail #110?

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for trailhead parking. Day passes cost $5 (approximately €4.60) and annual passes cost $30 (approximately €27.50). The America the Beautiful Federal Lands Pass ($80/year) also covers the fee. No overnight wilderness permit is required for dispersed camping in the Dark Divide. Campfire restrictions apply most summers from July through September — confirm current status with the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District in Randle before your trip.