Trail Overview

This 2.5-mile section of National Forest Road 81 features pullouts, old overgrown roads, and smaller spur trails for exploring. The unpaved road passes through forest south of Mount St. Helens, transitioning into the post-blast landscape with moss-covered rocks and unique stands of trees. While mostly easy, expect washboard sections, sharp rocks, potholes, and a narrow curve with potential washout that can worsen after heavy rain or winter thaw. The route connects Merrill Lake to Cougar Sno Park, with access to trailheads, horse trails, ski trails, and camping areas.

Photos of Merrill Lake Road - FS 81

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

This route is unpaved but not terribly difficult, though there are some washboard sections and a few places where you'll want to look out for large, sharp rocks and potholes. There is one small curve section that is one lane wide with a washout waiting to happen, so this section may become difficult during heavy rain or after the winter thaw. The road may not be accessible in the snow.

Technical Rating