Lava Canyon
Cougar, WA
A gorge scoured out by the 1980 mudflows, with waterfalls and a suspension bridge. The upper loop is short and partly accessible; the lower trail is steep and exposed. At the end of Forest Road 83.
- Nearest town
- Cougar, WA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.1654, -122.0880
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lower Falls CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Lava Canyon · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Beaver Bay CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Lewis River Horse CampCampsite11 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansToilets
- Olallie Lake CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansToilets
- Peterson Prairie CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Takhlakh Lake CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Lava CanyonTentsCaravansToilets
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lava Canyon?
Lava Canyon is in Cougar, WA, at GPS 46.1654, -122.0880. It is about 6 mi from Windy Ridge.
Can you camp near Lava Canyon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Climbers Bivouac, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 46 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lava Canyon?
Lava Canyon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount St. Helens south and east: Ape Cave to Windy Ridge.
What is there to see near Lava Canyon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Windy Ridge Viewpoint (6 mi), Ape Cave (7 mi), Johnston Ridge Observatory (10 mi) and Beacon Rock State Park (37 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lava Canyon?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)