Forest Road 99 will be open on or around July 4th, providing access to the Windy Ridge Viewpoint and other trails in the area. Due to a landslide of Forest Road 25, Randle and Forest Road 99 will be inaccessible from Cougar. Contact the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument for more information at 360-449-7800.

We were already in the area on the way to Windy Ridge, and we stopped at Miner's Car Interpretive Site to see the crushed Pontiac Grand Prix. It was quite sobering that this area was deemed to be safe from any eruption, and to think that so many people were still there when the mountain finally went.

There's a small, paved trail from Miner's Car Interpretive Site to the Meta Lake parking lot. We opted to stay at Miner's Car and hoof it to the Meta Lake trail. While technically ADA, there's some brushy spots which would make it difficult to access for anyone using a wheelchair, rollator or mobility scooter.

The hike description for Meta Lake states that the viewpoint at the end can flood in spring. When we reached it, it was completely submerged with reeds and cattails growing in it. It's also mid-September when the snow melt is long gone and no recent rain. This suggests to me that either the lake level has risen or the foundation of the view point has failed and it is now under water constantly.

Overall, Meta Lake is much more photogenic from halfway up the Norway Pass trail, but it's a decent option for those with kids or someone who is mobility-impaired, as long as you're not aiming for a pristine lake view.

Nice stroll on a sunny day with no bugs present,last 30-40 ft of trail still under water as lake level is high. Guess we were the only ones wearing masks today. While the road is suitable for all vehicles those with low clearance vehicles beware of road sections with gravel,some have more than 2inches of drop between asphalt and gravel.

We hiked this short trail.  Part of it is still under water.  Afterwards we walked over to Miner's Car.  Wear some bug spray!

My last (I thought) stop of Tuesday was this very short little interpretive trail. Not much to report except that it was a lovely, sleepy stroll after an eventful day of hiking. I was surprised to see the observation deck underwater, but it seems like that's an annual, early-season occurrence. Either way, I had a lovely time blissing out on the birds chirping and the bugs buzzing, and having a good stretch before getting back in the car and heading back to the Iron Creek Campground.