Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers more than just the famous scars of Mount St. Helens; it delivers vibrant adventures where waterfalls roar and volcanic landscapes command attention. Wander through moss-draped trails where towering firs stand like watchful guardians, while rushing creeks challenge your pace and lift your spirit.

Begin with the Ape Canyon Loop, a 9-mile circuit that arcs around old lava flows and sends you plunging through groves dripping with the spray of Hidden Falls. The 1,200 feet of elevation gain will test your stamina but reward you with views that stretch over rugged volcanic ridges, unshackled from the crowds around the volcano’s crater. The trail’s dirt and rocky paths demand sturdy boots, and shifting volcanic rock can slow your step.

Hungry for shorter but spectacular options? The Swift Creek Falls trail offers a steep 3.5-mile round trip with 850 feet elevation gain. The waterfall crashes fiercely just a few steps from the trail’s end, daring you to stay awhile and listen. Keep your camera at the ready—sunlight turns the mist into dancing prisms most mornings.

For those embracing volcanic terrain in full force, the Marble Mountain Wilderness beckons. The terrain here feels raw and elemental—the forest suddenly thinning to reveal jagged lava flows and sulfur-smelling steam vents. The hikes here, like the Marble Mountain Trail, push a moderate 6 miles with 1,500 feet elevation gain, weaving between basalt columns and fragile alpine meadows.

Prepare for your trek knowing conditions swing fast—the forest canopy can mask sudden rain, volcanic soils shift underfoot, and rivers can swell without warning. Hydration is critical; pack at least two liters and filtration gear if you intend to refill. Layer your clothing for the interplay of sun and shadow. Start early to avoid afternoon heat and afternoon storms common July through September.

Each trail pulses with nature’s force, making you feel less like a visitor and more a participant facing something fiercely itself. Here, waterfalls don’t just fall—they roar and lure. Volcanic ridges don’t simply rise, they challenge and inspire. Adventure here demands respect but pays back with moments of raw connection and panoramic escape.

With clear trails, tangible wildlife, and geological wonders sculpted by volcanic fury and water’s persistence, Gifford Pinchot offers outdoor experiences well beyond a single well-known peak. Whether you crave soaking spray or sulfur scents, this forest’s hikes invite you to sharpen senses, test yourself, and meet the land on its own terms.