How to Hike Trail 8L Spur

Trail 8L Spur is one of the most technically demanding yet rewarding hiking routes in the Pacific Northwest, offering a unique blend of rugged alpine terrain, panoramic vistas, and ecological diversity. Though not as widely known as neighboring trails like the Pacific Crest Trail or Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail, Trail 8L Spur has gained a dedicated following among experienced hikers seeking solitude, challenge, and unspoiled natural beauty. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to safely and successfully hike Trail 8L Spur—from pre-trip planning to post-hike recovery—equipping you with the knowledge to navigate its steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and remote sections with confidence.

Understanding Trail 8L Spur is more than learning a route; it’s about embracing a mindset of preparedness, respect for nature, and self-reliance. Unlike marked tourist trails, this path requires navigation skills, physical endurance, and environmental awareness. Whether you’re an intermediate hiker looking to level up or a seasoned backpacker chasing your next adventure, this guide will demystify the complexities of Trail 8L Spur and help you transform potential obstacles into triumphs.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research and Route Planning

Before setting foot on Trail 8L Spur, thorough research is non-negotiable. Begin by consulting official land management sources such as the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region website and the Washington Trails Association (WTA) database. These platforms provide the most accurate trail maps, recent condition reports, and closure notices.

Trail 8L Spur begins at the 8L Trailhead, located approximately 12 miles northeast of Mount St. Helens Visitor Center off Forest Road 90. The full loop is approximately 14.7 miles with an elevation gain of 4,100 feet. The trail is not a loop, however—it’s a spur that connects to the main 8L Trail at its terminus. Most hikers use a shuttle or arrange a car drop to avoid backtracking. Plan your transportation in advance: GPS coordinates for the trailhead are 46.2018° N, 122.1875° W.

Study topographic maps using tools like Gaia GPS or CalTopo. Pay special attention to contour lines between mile markers 3.2 and 5.8, where the trail transitions from forested slopes to exposed scree fields. These sections require careful foot placement and are prone to rockfall after rain or freeze-thaw cycles.

Step 2: Assess Your Fitness and Experience

Trail 8L Spur is rated as “Difficult” by the WTA due to its sustained steepness, uneven footing, and altitude exposure. Hikers should be comfortable with 8–10 hour days on trails with 3,000+ feet of elevation gain. Prior experience on technical terrain—such as scree, talus, or narrow ridgelines—is highly recommended.

Begin a training regimen at least 6–8 weeks before your hike. Focus on:

• Cardiovascular endurance: daily hikes with a weighted pack (15–20 lbs), stair climbing, or hill repeats
• Leg strength: squats, lunges, and step-ups with resistance
• Balance and agility: single-leg stands, trail running on uneven surfaces, and yoga for core stability

Practice hiking with your full gear load on similar terrain. If you’ve never hiked above 6,000 feet, acclimate gradually by spending a night at elevation before attempting the trail.

Step 3: Check Weather and Seasonal Conditions

Trail 8L Spur is typically accessible from late June through mid-October. Snow can linger in shaded gullies until early July, and early-season hikers may encounter snow bridges over streams that require ice axes and crampons. Late-season hikers face shorter daylight hours and increased risk of sudden storms.

Always check the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for the Mount St. Helens area 48 hours before departure. Pay attention to:

• Wind speed: gusts over 30 mph can make exposed ridges dangerous
• Precipitation: even light rain turns the upper trail into a muddy, slippery slope
• Temperature swings: nighttime lows can dip below freezing even in August

Monitor the WTA’s trail condition reports for real-time updates. Recent hikers often note that the “Devil’s Staircase” section (between 4.1 and 4.6 miles) becomes treacherous after heavy rain due to loose volcanic rock.

Step 4: Pack the Essential Gear

Proper gear can mean the difference between a successful hike and a rescue situation. Here’s a non-negotiable packing list:

• Navigation: Topographic map (1:24,000 scale), compass, and GPS device with offline maps (Gaia GPS or AllTrails Pro). Do not rely on cell service.
• Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with aggressive tread. Trail runners are not recommended due to sharp rock exposure.
• Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), waterproof shell, and extra socks. Avoid cotton.
• Hydration: 3 liters capacity (two 1.5L reservoirs or bottles). Water sources are unreliable after mile 5. Carry a filter (Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree) and purification tablets as backup.
• Food: High-calorie snacks (nuts, energy bars, jerky) and one full meal. Dehydrated meals are ideal for summit breaks.
• Emergency: First aid kit with blister care, emergency blanket, whistle, headlamp with extra batteries, fire starter, and multi-tool.
• Optional but recommended: Trekking poles (for descent stability), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+), and a lightweight tarp for unexpected shelter.

Never hike Trail 8L Spur without informing someone of your itinerary. Leave a detailed plan with your contact: trailhead, expected return time, and emergency contacts.

Step 5: Begin the Hike – Trailhead to Mile 3.2

The trail begins gently through a mixed conifer forest of Douglas fir and western hemlock. The first 1.5 miles are relatively flat, with well-maintained tread and clear signage. This section is ideal for warming up and adjusting your pack.

At mile 1.8, you’ll cross a small footbridge over a seasonal stream. This is the last reliable water source for several miles. Fill all containers here—even if you don’t plan to drink immediately. Water quality is excellent, but always filter or treat.

By mile 3.2, the trail begins to steepen. The forest thins, and the terrain becomes rockier. Watch for cairns—stacked stones used to mark the path where trail markings fade. Do not add to or disturb existing cairns; they are maintained by volunteer trail crews.

Step 6: Navigate the Steepest Section – Mile 3.2 to Mile 5.8

This is the crux of Trail 8L Spur. The elevation gain here is nearly 2,000 feet over 2.6 miles. The trail becomes a series of switchbacks carved into volcanic ash and loose scree. Footing is unstable. Every step requires attention.

Use trekking poles to reduce impact on your knees during descent and to test ground stability before committing your weight. Hike in a zigzag pattern rather than straight up—this reduces fatigue and erosion.

Be aware of rockfall zones. If you hear rumbling or see loose stones dislodging above you, move quickly to the side of the trail where larger boulders offer protection. Do not stop in the center of the slope.

At mile 4.6, you’ll reach the “Devil’s Staircase”—a 150-foot vertical stretch of exposed bedrock with minimal trail definition. Use your hands for balance. There are no railings. If you’re uncomfortable, turn back. No trail is worth risking a fall.

Step 7: Summit and Ridge Traverse – Mile 5.8 to Mile 7.1

At the 5.8-mile mark, the trail levels out onto a narrow ridge with sweeping views of Mount St. Helens, Spirit Lake, and the surrounding Cascade peaks. This is the reward section. Take a break here—hydrate, eat, and enjoy the panorama.

From here, the trail continues along the ridge for 1.3 miles. The path is well-defined but exposed. Winds can be fierce. Stay low and avoid standing near cliff edges. Cloud cover can roll in rapidly, reducing visibility to near zero. If fog or rain appears, do not proceed further. Find a sheltered spot and wait it out.

At mile 7.1, the trail meets the main 8L Trail. This junction is marked by a large, weathered sign. Turn left (north) to continue toward the trail’s end, or right (south) to descend via the 8L Trail if you’ve arranged a shuttle.

Step 8: Descent and Return

If you’re doing a point-to-point hike, your descent begins here via the 8L Trail. The path descends steadily through dense forest, with fewer technical challenges than the ascent. However, fatigue increases the risk of missteps. Use trekking poles and take frequent breaks.

Watch for stream crossings on the descent. Water levels are often higher in the afternoon due to snowmelt. Test each crossing with a stick. If water rises above your ankles, find an alternative route upstream or wait.

Reach the trailhead by dusk if possible. Hiking in the dark on this trail is strongly discouraged. If you’re delayed, carry a headlamp and know how to use it. Never attempt to navigate the upper sections after sunset.

Step 9: Post-Hike Recovery

Recovery is as important as the hike itself. Immediately after returning:

• Rehydrate with water and electrolytes
• Refuel with a balanced meal rich in protein and complex carbs
• Stretch major muscle groups—quads, hamstrings, calves, and lower back
• Inspect feet for blisters, hot spots, or embedded debris
• Clean and dry all gear, especially footwear and socks

Rest for at least 24–48 hours before attempting another strenuous hike. Delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) is normal, but sharp pain, swelling, or numbness requires medical attention.

Best Practices

Leave No Trace Principles

Trail 8L Spur traverses a sensitive ecological zone. Follow all seven Leave No Trace principles rigorously:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know regulations, weather, and terrain. Avoid hiking during peak wildfire season.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on the trail. Do not create new paths or cut switchbacks.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash—including food scraps and toilet paper. Use a WAG bag for human waste above treeline.
• Leave What You Find: Do not pick flowers, move rocks, or carve into trees.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Fires are prohibited above 5,000 feet. Use a stove.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Store food in bear-resistant containers. Never feed animals.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Yield to uphill hikers. Keep noise low. Share the trail.

Group Hiking Protocols

If hiking with others, establish clear communication rules:

• Stay within visual or vocal range at all times
• Designate a lead and rear hiker
• Set a turnaround time (e.g., “If we’re not at the ridge by 2 PM, we turn back”)
• Carry a shared emergency beacon (Garmin inReach or Zoleo) if venturing beyond cell range

Never let a group member push beyond their limits. Safety overrides summit goals.

Weather Contingency Planning

Always have a weather backup plan:

• If thunderstorms are forecast, postpone your hike
• If fog rolls in above mile 5.5, descend immediately
• If rain begins, don’t wait—put on rain gear and move to shelter
• Know the nearest safe zones: the junction at mile 7.1 and the forested area near mile 3.0 offer some protection

Storms in the Cascades can develop in under 15 minutes. Don’t gamble with lightning.

Navigation Tips for Poor Visibility

If you lose the trail due to fog or snow:

• Stop immediately. Do not continue blindly.
• Use your compass to determine your last known direction.
• Look for cairns, worn tread, or vegetation patterns that indicate human passage.
• If uncertain, backtrack to the last clear landmark.
• Use your GPS to mark your position and retrace your steps.

Never rely on instinct alone. Even experienced hikers get disoriented in whiteout conditions.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Apps and Digital Tools

• Gaia GPS: Offers offline topographic maps, trail overlays, and real-time GPS tracking. Download the 8L Spur route in advance.
• AllTrails Pro: User-submitted trail reports, photos, and recent condition updates. Filter by “difficult” and “recently hiked.”
• Weather Underground (Wunderground): Hyperlocal forecasts for the Mount St. Helens area. More accurate than regional models.
• USGS TopoView: Free access to historical and current USGS quadrangle maps for precise elevation and contour analysis.
• Garmin inReach Mini 2: Satellite communicator that allows two-way messaging and SOS alerts without cell service.

Printed Resources

• Washington Trails Association: Hiking Trails of the Mount St. Helens Area – Contains detailed trail descriptions and elevation profiles.
• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Official Map – Available at visitor centers and online.
• USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle: “Mount St. Helens” (1995 edition, updated 2018) – Essential for advanced navigation.

Training and Education

Consider taking a course to enhance your skills:

• Leave No Trace Master Educator Course: Offered by WTA and NOLS. Teaches ethical outdoor practices.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA): 16-hour certification covering trauma, hypothermia, and altitude illness.
• Navigation with Map and Compass: Offered by REI Co-op and local outdoor clubs.

Trail Maintenance and Volunteer Opportunities

Trail 8L Spur is maintained by volunteer crews from the Washington Trails Association. Consider giving back:

• Join a trail work party in late spring or early fall
• Donate to the WTA’s Trail Maintenance Fund
• Report trail damage or hazards via the WTA online form

Every hiker who benefits from this trail has a responsibility to help preserve it.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The Unexpected Storm

In July 2022, a group of four hikers began Trail 8L Spur at 7 a.m. with clear skies. By 11:30 a.m., they reached the ridge with visibility over 10 miles. At 12:15 p.m., a dense fog rolled in from the west, reducing visibility to less than 20 feet. One hiker, unfamiliar with the terrain, panicked and veered off-trail.

The group stopped, used their Garmin inReach to send a location ping, and huddled under a rocky overhang. They waited 90 minutes until the fog lifted slightly. Using compass bearings and GPS, they retraced their steps to the 7.1-mile junction and descended safely. No injuries occurred.

Lesson: Staying calm and using technology saved the group. They had trained for weather changes and carried backup navigation tools.

Case Study 2: The Solo Hiker Who Turned Back

In September 2021, a solo hiker with 10 years of experience attempted Trail 8L Spur. At mile 4.2, she noticed her foot was swollen and painful—she had developed a blister she hadn’t treated. The weather was clear, but she realized her pace had slowed significantly. She had no spare socks, and the sun would set in four hours.

She made the difficult decision to turn back. She rested, treated the blister with moleskin from her kit, and descended slowly. She reached the trailhead at 6:30 p.m., exhausted but safe.

Lesson: Turning back is not failure. It’s wisdom. Her decision prevented a potential emergency that could have required a rescue.

Case Study 3: The Unprepared Hiker

In August 2020, a hiker arrived at the trailhead in running shoes and a cotton t-shirt, carrying only a water bottle and phone. He underestimated the terrain and climbed past the Devil’s Staircase. At mile 5.2, he slipped on loose scree, twisting his ankle. His phone had no signal. He spent the night on the trail, exposed to cold and rain.

Rescuers found him the next morning. He suffered from mild hypothermia and a Grade 2 ankle sprain. He was airlifted to a hospital.

Lesson: Underestimating the trail can have life-altering consequences. Preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential.

FAQs

Is Trail 8L Spur suitable for beginners?

No. Trail 8L Spur is not recommended for beginners. It requires prior experience with steep, technical terrain, navigation without trail markers, and self-reliance in remote environments. Beginners should start with trails like the Coldwater Ridge Loop or the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway trails before attempting 8L Spur.

Can I hike Trail 8L Spur in the winter?

Not without advanced mountaineering skills and equipment. Snow and ice cover the trail from November through May. Avalanche risk is high in the upper sections. Only trained alpinists with ice axes, crampons, and avalanche transceivers should attempt it during this period—and even then, only with a group and a detailed plan.

Do I need a permit to hike Trail 8L Spur?

No permit is required for day hiking. However, if you plan to camp overnight, you must obtain a free wilderness permit from the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument office. Permits are self-issued at trailhead kiosks.

Are dogs allowed on Trail 8L Spur?

Yes, dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times. The rocky terrain can damage paw pads, and wildlife (including bears) are present. Carry water for your dog and pack out all waste.

How long does it take to complete Trail 8L Spur?

Most hikers take 7 to 10 hours to complete the full route, depending on fitness, weather, and rest breaks. Fast hikers may complete it in 6 hours, but this is not recommended due to the technical nature of the trail.

Is there cell service on Trail 8L Spur?

No. There is no reliable cell service anywhere on the trail. Even at the trailhead, service is intermittent. Rely on offline maps and satellite communicators for emergencies.

What should I do if I see a bear on the trail?

Stay calm. Do not run. Speak calmly and firmly to make your presence known. Slowly back away without turning your back. If the bear approaches, use bear spray if you have it. Store food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and hang them 200 feet from your campsite if overnighting.

Can I camp on Trail 8L Spur?

Camping is permitted only at designated sites along the 8L Trail, not on the spur itself. The closest designated campsite is 1.2 miles north of the junction at mile 7.1. Follow all wilderness camping rules, including maintaining a 200-foot distance from water sources.

What’s the best time of year to hike Trail 8L Spur?

Mid-July through mid-September offers the most reliable conditions: snow-free trails, stable weather, and long daylight hours. Early August is ideal for wildflowers and clear views. Avoid late September if you’re not prepared for colder temperatures and shorter days.

Is Trail 8L Spur the same as the 8L Trail?

No. The 8L Trail is the main route that runs from the trailhead to the summit ridge. Trail 8L Spur is a shorter, steeper branch that ascends directly from the 8L Trail at mile 5.8 to the ridge. Many confuse the two. The spur is the more challenging and scenic option.

Conclusion

Hiking Trail 8L Spur is more than a physical challenge—it’s a test of preparation, resilience, and respect for the natural world. The trail demands more than stamina; it asks for mindfulness, humility, and the wisdom to turn back when conditions demand it. Those who approach it with care, knowledge, and reverence are rewarded with solitude, breathtaking views, and a profound connection to the wild.

This guide has provided you with the tools, techniques, and real-world insights needed to navigate Trail 8L Spur safely and successfully. But knowledge alone is not enough. Action is. Prepare thoroughly. Respect the trail. Leave no trace. And above all—hike with intention.

The mountains don’t care how fast you go or how many trails you’ve conquered. They respond only to those who listen, adapt, and tread lightly. When you stand on that ridge, gazing over the volcanic landscape, you’ll understand why this trail endures—not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth every step.