Trail Overview
Set within the scenic expanses of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, W-535 serves as a brief but incredibly rewarding out-and-back backcountry spur that delivers spectacular regional vistas. Outdoor recreationists, sightseers, and overlanders frequent this route to take in the breathtaking, unobstructed views of Mount St. Helens looming majestically to the south, while sportsmen utilize the track during the late summer and fall seasons for active elk, bear, and deer hunting. The driving surface consists of a rough, unpaved dirt and gravel track that earns an accessible Grade 2 difficulty rating. The journey begins with a noticeably steep ascent through a dense, shadowed evergreen canopy before breaking out into a sprawling, sun-drenched clear-cut meadow featuring primitive camping opportunities. Along the way, the path presents a moderately bumpy ride with minor surface irregularities, but it ultimately remains a fantastic, scenic detour for those looking to capture iconic volcanic landscapes.
Difficulty
Earning a mild Grade 2 difficulty rating, this out-and-back spur features a somewhat rough dirt and gravel foundation that requires attentive driving. While extreme technical off-road obstacles such as deep mud bogs, sheer cliffside drop-offs, and massive rock-crawling boulders are completely absent, the track does present several notable non-technical terrain challenges. Drivers must navigate a steep, sustained incline at the immediate beginning of the route before the landscape eventually levels out into the clearing. Additionally, travelers will encounter small surface washouts, scattered potholes, and occasional fallen tree debris encroaching on the travel corridor. Maintaining a slow, controlled momentum during the initial steep climb and carefully steering around the shallow washouts and downed timber will ensure a safe, highly enjoyable drive to the mountain viewpoints.
Offroad