The present specification discloses a muffler for attenuating exhaust noise from an internal combustion engine. The muffler includes a main chamber, an intermediate pipe, a diffuser chamber, a spark arrester, and an exhaust pipe. Exhaust gases from the engine enter the main chamber after which they flow through the intermediate pipe. The intermediate pipe extends back through the main chamber to the diffuser chamber. The spark arrester is a screen held within the exhaust muffler and removably coupled to the exhaust pipe. Gases flow through the screen to separate hot particles. The exhaust pipe extends within the main chamber, completing a 180.degree. bend within the chamber before exiting the main chamber and the muffler. An outer enclosure may surround the muffler. A method of attenuating exhaust gas noise is also disclosed.