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    Hikes/United States/Washington State/Gifford Pinchot National Forest

    Trail of Two Forests

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    0.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    0.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    4 m
    User Ratings
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    Trail of Two Forests is a very short, easy hike in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This hike is only about a third of a mile long, but it packs lots to see into that short distance. Check out the interpretive signs and informational placards, climb through a lava tube, and examine a tree hollowed out by lava. This trail is family-friendly.

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    Route Description for Trail of Two Forests

    The quick interpretive Trail of Two Forests is a fun stop for families and older hikers alike. A boardwalk takes you past informational interpretive signage into a forest affected by the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens. You can observe a lava tunnel and even climb down a ladder to walk through it and check out a tree hollowed out in the middle by lava.

    This trail is stroller-friendly and easy enough for all skill levels. If you want to check out the lava tube from the inside, you’ll need to be able to climb up and down a short ladder. Note that there are two trails that depart from the access road, and the one that leads to the bathroom ends shortly thereafter. You’ll want the one on your left.

    The loop is very easy to follow and there are no junctions. Go either way you prefer and explore until you reach the parking area again.

    Getting to the Trail of Two Forests Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Trail of Two Forests is on an access road off Forest Road 8303.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      March-November

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Loop

    Trail of Two Forests Elevation Graph

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