Hike - June Lake, Gifford Pinchot NF, Washington

Hiked with friends and Buddy Boy (the dog) to June Lake on July 4, 2023. The hike was an easy 2.9 mile out-and-back from the trailhead. Not surprisingly, it was somewhat busy with hikers and dogs. 

June Lake is located on the south side of Mount St. Helens just inside Mount St. Helens NVM (National Volcanic Monument). The trailhead, however, is located outside the NVM in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

June Lake is beautiful, surrounded by trees and lava fields with a 70-foot waterfall on the far side. We had hoped to get a view of Mount St. Helens, but were only able to get a glimpse of the mountain from along the trail. 

Being somewhat determined, we decided we needed to find a spot with a view of Mount St. Helens. So, we drove down forest road 83 and up forest road 81 to a spot where we were able to find a picnic spot with a great view of the mountain and some gnarly lava fields in the foreground 

View of Mt St Helens from forest road 81

Buddy Boy wading in June Lake

Wide angle view of June Lake