The Mount St. Helens Spirit Run near Kelso, Washington, stretches beyond the typical trail run or hike. It is a purposeful journey through terrain that commands respect—forested limbs lean over narrow paths, while volcanic soil crunches underfoot, daring you onward. This course is approximately 26 miles long with an elevation gain of about 3,200 feet, threading through mixed terrains from rugged volcanic ash fields to shaded fir groves.

Runners and hikers alike will encounter a variety of surfaces: firm earth trails, loose gravel, and occasional rock steps that invite careful footwork. The Spirit Run embodies an elemental force—nature boldly reshaped by the 1980 eruption—and it remains fiercely itself: unpredictable, textured, alive. The air carries the earthy scent of damp moss and lightly scorched pines, whispering reminders of the mountain’s volatile past.

Because this isn’t a casual stroll, preparation is key. Keen hydration is essential as the landscape offers limited water sources—carry a hydration pack or bottles suited for long effort. Footwear should balance grip with cushioning; trail shoes with solid tread will protect your ankles on uneven ground. Expect to move from dense woods into open vistas where the wind pushes playfully, urging you forward toward panoramic views of Spirit Lake and the jagged crater rim.

Early morning starts are recommended to avoid afternoon heat and shifting weather, which can change rapidly in this volcanic zone. The ascending trail tests endurance but rewards with clearings that frame Mount St. Helens like a tough jewel against the sky. Plan your pace to match the trail’s rhythm, allowing yourself moments to absorb the alive land, rather than race through it.

As the trail rounds the lake, watch for signs of rebirth in the flora—fireweed nodding bravely against blackened trunks, and the persistent raccoon or deer that inhabit these reclaimed spaces. The spirit here is raw; it asks respect but promises a deep and memorable connection. Whether you run or hike, the Spirit Run is an invitation to engage fiercely with a wild landscape that knows its own power and patiently waits for each traveler’s story.