how much time to visit mt st helens

Perfect Mt St Helens day trip from Seattle or Portland

Last Updated on July 1, 2023

Are you a volcano lover? Nature lover? If so then you absolutely must do a Mt St Helens day trip if you are anywhere near Seattle or Portland. On May 18, 1980, Loowit (Mt St Helens) erupted with incredible force, enough to incinerate miles of forest, unleash an epic mudslide that took out part of Interstate 5 and send an ash cloud miles into the sky that blocked out the sun for much of the west and sent ash traveling around the entire globe multiple times.

June 2023 Note : State Route 504, the Spirit Lake Highway, experienced a landslide in the Spring 2023 and the road is closed to Johnston Ridge Observatory. I will update this once they announce when the road and Johnston Ridge will reopen.

Loowit (Mt St Helens) is a fascinating place to learn about the destruction of the 1980 volcanic eruption and how life returns. You can hike trails, explore epic views, and learn about the science of volcanoes and how ecosystems change and recover after such a disruptive event. It’s an incredible experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!

Loowit means “smoking mountain” and is the homeland of the Cowlitz People and the Klickitat People.

Passes Needed : Monument Pass (purchase at the Johnston Ridge Observatory) – $8 per adult (free if you have an annual federal lands pass)

Cell Service : None along the Spirit Lake Highway or in Mt St Helens National Monument.

Dog Friendly : Dogs are not allowed on trails in Mt St Helens National Monument. In addition there is no shade at the Johnston Ridge Observatory so it is not safe to leave your dog in the car either. I recommend NOT bringing your dog to Mt St Helens.

Accessibility : Johnston Ridge has a ADA accessible parking and an ADA accessible restroom as well as a short accessible hiking trail through the destruction of the blast zone. Seaquest State Park also has accessible restrooms, parking an an ADA accessible trail.

Services : Make sure you have a full take of gas and bring plenty of food and water with you. Once you leave I-5, there are no services.

When is the best time to visit Mt St Helens?

• How do you get to Mt St Helens from Seattle?
• How do you get to Mt St Helens from Portland?

Johnston Ridge Observatory

Coldwater lake, forest learning center.

• Buried A-frame and Bigfoot statue

Silver Lake Visitor Center and Seaquest State Park

• Hikes at Mt St Helens

Windy Ridge

• Climbing Mt St Helens

Summer is the best time to visit Mt St Helens, since it really isn’t accessible in the winter. The Spirit Lake Highway which takes you from I-5 to Johnston Ridge is only open in the summer, generally mid-May through October.

I recommend going in July because that gives you the best chance of clear weather, no lingering snow and not too much haze yet. June, August and September are also excellent times to go. If you are not a fan of hot weather, I recommend September because it is a bit cooler than July.

July has stunning wildflowers at Johnston Ridge.

Much of Mt St Helens National Monument has no trees and no shade so it can be VERY hot. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection!

How to get to Mt St Helens from Seattle

Mt St Helens is a long drive from Seattle and if you’re a camper, you might want to consider spending the weekend at Seaquest State Park. You can still do a Mt St Helens day trip from Seattle, no problem!

Head south on I-5 past Chehalis. South of Chehalis, take Exit 68 for US Highway 12. I recommend a short but worthwhile detour and leg stretch to Lewis and Clark State Park. This small state park has an impressive stand of old growth trees like the many that were leveled in the Mt St Helens 1980 eruption. When I did day trip tours to Mt St Helens from Seattle, we always stopped here so people could see the kinds of ancient forest that once existed in the volcanic landscape before the eruption.

There’s a short nature trail that gives you a chance to stretch your legs and use the restroom a couple hours into your trip which is a good time for a break. A Washington Discover Pass is needed to park here.

Once you exit I-5 on to Highway 12, look for Jackson Highway on the right in 4.5 miles. This will take you straight to Lewis and Clark State Park in just a couple miles.

When you leave Lewis and Clark State Park, continue south on Jackson Highway for five miles and then turn left onto State Highway 505. In 14 miles, turn left on State Highway 504, the Spirit Lake Highway. If you want to check out Silver Lake or Seaquest State Park, take a right here to back track about 12 miles. You can also return this way back to the freeway, although it’s slightly longer.

The Spirit Lake Highway takes you straight to the Johnston Ridge Observatory

Driving time from Seattle to Johnston Ridge Observatory (without stops) takes about 3 hours .

How to get to Mt St Helens from Portland

Mt St Helens is a shorter drive from Portland. To get there, take I-5 north into Washington and take exit 49 in Castle Rock. Turn right on State Highway 504, the Spirit Lake Highway. The Spirit Lake Highway dead ends at the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Driving time from Portland to Johnston Ridge Observatory (without stops) takes about 2 hours .

Things to do on a Mt St Helens day trip

Johnston Ridge Observatory is named for the late volcanologist David Johnston, who’s famous radio broadcast told alerted the scientific community that the expected eruption was happening, just moments before he died in the eruption. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why this was the perfect place to observe the volcano as it became more active in early 1980.

Today, the observatory has exhibits as well as an excellent movie about the eruption and the way the ecosystem is recovering from the eruption. Make sure to stay all the way through the credits because at the end the curtain pulls up to show a dramatic view straight into the crater of Mt St Helens that you don’t want to miss!

There are also restrooms here, a couple of short nature trails as well as longer trails if you wish to head out deeper into the blast zone.

Stop at the Coldwater Lake recreation area and boat launch to see a gorgeous and huge lake that has only existed since 1980! Massive mud flows and landslides dammed up Coldwater Creek creating a new lake right before our eyes.

You can do a lovely hike along the lake here, or you can just head out to the boardwalk on the short Birth of a Lake trail to learn all about how the eruption created the lake.

It’s easy to overlook this stop, but don’t do that! This is a great opportunity to learn about forestry, see a great view and possibly even some elk from the Elk Viewpoint.

The Forest Learning Center is operated by Weyerhauser, Washington’s big logging company. Keep that in mind as you explore the exhibits, but don’t dismiss it for that reason either. This is a really great place to learn all about forestry! There’s also a short paved trail here with some amazing views and a definitely chance to see elk in the valley below.

Buried A-frame and Bigfoot Statue

This is an absolute must stop for anyone who likes weird roadside attractions! This is one of the best ones in Washington.

An A-frame is a type of cabin that is common in the Pacific Northwest, usually made of roof with a very steep roof. Several hours after the 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens, a massive mud flow came down the Toutle River, destroying plenty of roads, bridges, cars and buildings. The A-frame here is a great place to see some of that destruction! You can see how the mud filled the cabin up to the second floor and you can peak inside this cabin that is frozen in time.

There is also a Bigfoot statue (28 feet high!) and a Bigfoot giftshop here.

If you’re coming from Portland, I highly recommend stopping here! If you’re coming from Seattle this is slightly out of your way, but still worth a stop. This is also the best camping situation near Mt St Helens and a great place to spend a weekend.

The visitor center has a seismograph showing the current volcanic activity on Mt St Helens as well as a step in volcano model which is pretty cool! Outside there is a boardwalk through a wetland with many birds and a view of Mt St Helens.

Seaquest State Park also offers swimming and hiking trails. They also have yurts you can reserve for a camping experience with no tent required!

Hiking at Mt St Helens

While the summit climb is awesome, it is also super hard and an all day adventure that takes plenty of preparation. There are many other wonderful hikes you can do on a Mt St Helens day trip that are much shorter and easier and give you plenty of opportunity to soak up big views, epic volcanic landscapes and scenes of nature recovering from the destruction of the 1980 eruption.

There is no cell service and no shade, so make sure to be prepared, especially with food, water and sun protection.

These are a few of my favorite hikes in Mt St Helens National Monument.

Lakes Trail

• Location : Coldwater Lake
• Distance : up to 9 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: up to 600 feet round trip
• Special Features : Walk along the shore of a naturally created lake from the 1980 eruption! Epic views and cool breezes too.

Hummocks Trail

• Distance : 2.5 mile loop
• Elevation Gain : 300 feet
• Special Features : a unique and weird landscape of piles of avalanche debris from the 1980 eruption, some of which are several hundred feet high.

Harry’s Ridge

• Location : Johnston Ridge
• Distance : Up to 8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain : Up to 1000 feet
• Special Features : This hike is harder than it looks on paper, because there is no shade whatsoever and it can be extremely dusty. It is still an incredible hike with astounding views the entire time. You’ll be in the heart of the blast zone with views of Mt St Helens and Spirit Lake. You do not need to go all the way to Harry’s Ridge to experience this awesome trail, you can turn around at any point.

Pumice Plain

• Location: Johnston Ridge
• Distance : Up to 10.4 miles
• Elevation Gain : Up to 1100 feet
• Special Features : This is the best trail for those who really want to get as far as possible into the blast zone! You’ll start the same way as Harry’s Ridge and then divert down into the pumice plain and towards the crater. Like Harry’s Ridge, you don’t need to be destination oriented here, you can follow the trail even a short distance to get a feel for this spectacular volcanic landscape.

Other interesting things to do at Mt St Helens

The list of things to do on a Mt St Helens day trip above are all along the Spirit Lake Highway between I-5 and the Johnston Ridge Observatory. This is the best place for visitors to go on a day trip, but there are some other really cool things to see and do in Mt St Helens National Monument. I think they are worth including here in case you have more time.

Located on the other side of Mt St Helens from the blast zone of the 1980 eruption, Ape Cave was created by Mt St Helens about 2000 years ago!

It is what’s known as a lava tube, where hardening lava creates a tube that provides some protection from colder air outside, allowing the lava to continue to flow liquid a longer distance. After everything cools, it creates a long, narrow cave.

You can go inside (make sure you have fresh headlamp batteries and a back up light!) and go up to a couple of miles inside the lava tube.

Ape Cave is on the south side of Mt St Helens near the town of Cougar. It’s a two and a half hour drive from Johnston Ridge, a three and a half hour drive from Seattle and an hour and a half drive from Portland.

Windy Ridge is on the northeast side of Mt St Helens National Monument and is harder and longer to get to. This is the best place for visitors who don’t like crowds!

It’s only open during the summer months and involves a lot of driving on forest service roads. There are quite a few forest service campgrounds near by.

Windy Ridge provides the same epic views of Mt St Helens and many wonderful hiking trails.

Climb Mt St Helens

Climbing to the summit of Mt St Helens and looking into the crater is one of the top three experiences of my life! I’ve done it several times and it’s absolutely incredible. It is a challenging, long, steep and exposed all day adventure that requires preparation.

Read all about how to plan your own summit climb here .

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How to Visit Mt St Helens in One Day or Two

Mount St Helens is a volcano in southern Washington State. The mountain is an awe-inspiring spectacle—a volcanic temple to the power of mother nature. Even 40 years on from its headline-making eruption, the evidence of its explosive is clear. This is a day trip or weekender not to be missed. Visit Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument with this itinerary and guide.

Table of contents

Mount st helens fast facts, is mount st helens worth visiting, what is the best time to visit mount st helens, getting to mt st helens national volcanic monument, how long do you need to visit mount st helens, how much does it cost to visit mt st helens, general mount st helens visitor tips.

• Mount St Helens is not a National Park, it is a National Monument established by US Congress in 1982.
• The volcano is known by the Native American names Loowit or Louwala-Clough , which translate to “smoking mountain”.
• Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy dubbed the volcano Mt St Helens in 1792. It’s namesake is Alleyne Fitzherbert, the Baron St Helens who served as the British Ambassador to Spain.
• Mount St Helens’ last major eruption was on Sunday May 18, 1980. It began with an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, followed by the collapse of the north face of the mountain. The collapse released pressurized gases in the volcano triggering a lateral explosion which decimated nearly 38,850 hectares (150 square miles) of the surrounding landscape.
• The area around Mt St Helens had been mostly evacuated prior to the eruption, however 57 people were killed. Three of these people were within the “red zone”: a scientist, a photojournalist and a stubborn resident who wouldn’t leave.
• Mt St Helens lost about 2.6 cubic kilometres (0.63 cubic mile) of its volume in the eruption and which reduced its height about 396m (1300ft).

Volcanic activity continued until 1986 until the mountain settled down again.

In a word, yes! If seeing an active volcano in person excites you, then you will get a kick out of visiting Mt St Helens.  It is incredible (and a little scary) to see the destruction wreaked by the 1980 eruption and that even after 40 years it is still so evident on the landscape. Plus, I think of it as a chance to preview what nearby Mt Rainier might look like in the future.

The main road accessing Mount St Helens is State Route 504 (aka Spirit Lake Memorial Highway). The upper part of this road is generally open May to October, making summer and early autumn the best times to visit Mt St Helens. Check with the Forest Service for specific conditions. Summer brings beautiful wildflower blooms, however, note that Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument has no shade. Early autumn is a little cooler for those who don’t like to be out in the intense summer heat.

The two closest airports to Mount St Helens are Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) and Portland International (PDX).

From there, the best way to get to the volcano is by car. Here are some rough distances and drive times from the major metro areas to Johnston Observatory:

From Seattle, WA – Approximately 260km (160mi)/ 3.5 hours drive

From Tacoma, WA – Approximately 210km (130mi)/ 2.5 hours drive

From Olympia, WA – Approximately 155km (95mi)/ 1.75 hours drive

From Portland, OR – Approximately 180km (110mi)/ 2.25 hours drive

To visit Mt St Helens in a day trip, you really don’t want to be starting out further away than Olympia, WA or Portland, OR. 

It is possible to day trip from Tacoma or Seattle, WA but it would be an awfully long day with a huge proportion spent in the car. If you plan to day trip from Seattle, it would be best to invite some friends that you trust to share the driving duties.

With two days, Mt St Helens is a more comfortable trip from Seattle and you can see both the north/west and south/east side of the mountain.

If you can afford three days or a long weekend, you can see Mt St Helens from all sides and tie in a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park as well!

Entry fees and passes for Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument are stupidly complicated, so I’ll try to break it down for you the best I can.

The U.S. Forest Service manages the Monument. They charge per-person entry fees to access the Coldwater or Johnson Ridge areas on the west side of the volcano. The cost is $8 per person for adults (kids under 16 are free).

If you also intend to visit the eastern and southern sides of Mt St Helens, you will need to pay $5 per vehicle, per day for a National Forest Day Pass (or $30 for an annual pass) .  Passes are available for purchase at Forest Service offices and self-serve kiosks around the Monument. The Volcanic Monument also honours the America the Beautiful pass and Senior passes for the named pass owner and 3 additional adults. If you have a Northwest Forest Pass (Oregon and Washington), this will allow one person to enter.

Mount St Helens one and two day itinerary

Start early, especially if you are driving 2-3 hours to get to the Park rather than overnighting nearby. We drove to Castle Rock on a Friday night after work, to get a head start on the following day. Castle Rock is the closest town with descent amenities including hotels, restaurants and supermarket where you can pick up supplies.

Take State Route 504 off the I-5. Your first stop will be about 10 mins away from the exit, at the Mt St Helens Visitor Center. Though the Visitor Center has been closed during the pandemic, it is still worth a brief stop to stretch your legs on the short interpretative trail which includes a boardwalk along Silver Lake.

About 15-20 minutes further along State Route 504, look for the Bigfoot statue that marks the North Fork Survivors Gift Shop. There you will find an A-frame home that was partially buried by the mudslides resulting from the eruption.

Back on the road, your next stop is Bridge View Point. This spot overlooks Hoffstadt Bridge, the longest and tallest of the fourteen bridges along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (SR-504). Here, you’ll also begin to comprehend the extent of the area affected by the 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens, as you stand on the edge of the Blast Zone.

Next stop on our itinerary is the Mount St Helens Forest Learning Center. Even if you don’t intend to visit the Center, make a quick stop here for some photos. The Learning Center overlooks the valley through which the deadly mud and debris slide tore moments after the eruption.

A smidgen further up the road at the Mile 37 marker, you will find Elk Rock Viewpoint. This marks the western entrance to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument with views to the crater, the Toutle River Valley and on clear days, the snowy peak of Mount Adams.

Finally, we arrive at Johnston Ridge Observatory. The Ridge and Observatory are named for USGS volcanologist David A. Johnston , who was monitoring Mt St Helens at a nearby observation post on the morning of the eruption and who died in the blast. Here you’ll have direct views into the horseshoe-shaped crater of the volcano which is partially filled by a lava dome and glacier. While you are here, take a short hike on the paved Eruption Trail (approx. 800m/0.5mi) for more astounding views and gorgeous, summer, wildflower blooms.

Return to your place of origin or go drive to your accommodation for the night and continue with day two. Again, Castle Rock is a good place to spend the evening.

Make your way to the east side of the volcano via WA-503 and stop the Trial of Two Forests trailhead. Wander along the boardwalks of this easy and accessible 0.4km (0.25mi) loop trail. Here, two forests meet. The old-growth forest is composed of Douglas firs and western red cedars. The younger forest, which was destroyed by lava flows from Mt St Helens 2000 years ago, is made up of fir and hemlock. There are imprints of trees in lava beds and a lava cast you can climb into (again, have your flashlight at the ready).

Next stop: Ape Cave. The cave is a lava tube formed over 2000 years ago! You’ll need a flashlight to explore either of the two routes departing from the visitors’ center near the main entrance. The lower trail is about 2.5km/1.5mi return on this easy, out-and-back hike.

The upper trail is about double the distance with half the hike taking you through the cave and a return trail above ground. Among other obstacles, the upper trail requires you to scale a slippery 8ft lava wall with limited footholds. This is one for the adult adventurers!

After Ape Cave, get a contrasting view of Mt St Helens, by making your way to Lahar Viewpoint. Here you’ll see how different the recovery of the landscape has been compared to the crater side.

At this point, it’s time to turn homeward.

• Start early, especially if you are driving 1-2 hours to get to the Monument.
• Always check Park conditions and closures before setting out.
• Make sure you have plenty of sun protection.
• Pack lots of food and water. There are extremely few food outlets once you leave the I-5, so pack lunch, snacks and lots of water.

Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints as you enjoy your visit to Mount St Helens.

Peace, love & inspiring travel,

Simple and Scenic Mount Rainier Day Trip Guide

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The All You Need Mount St. Helens Visitor Guide

LAST UPDATED: 2/4/24 – Mount St. Helens Visitor Guide

When Mount Saint Helens in Washington erupted on May 18, 1980, the eruption killed 57 people and sent volcanic ash as far as the East Coast of the United States.  That eruption left a lasting impression on the mountain as it left a horseshoe-shaped crater when the eruption blasted away part of the mountain.  Today, the mountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Northwestern United States, drawing people from all over the world to see the mountain that once shook the United States.

Situated roughly 50 miles Northeast of Portland, Oregon, and roughly 96 miles South of Seattle, Washington as the crow flies, Mount Saint Helens is located in a beautiful part of America’s Pacific Northwest that has an abundance of tourist attractions.  Visitors to the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument can learn about the 1980 eruption that left such a lasting impact on the surrounding landscape, hike in some of the most beautiful and serene landscapes, and marvel at the power of Mother Nature.

An All You Need Mount St. Helens Guide

In this Mount St. Helens visitor guide, I am going to give you all of the information that you need to plan a successful trip to Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument.  I am going to let you know the best ways to get there, outline the best times to plan your visit, and then give you some recommendations on where to stay when you visit.  I will also give you some recommendations on where to get some of the best pictures of the mountain in the area, provide you with some recommended hiking paths, as well as provide you with some additional sightseeing ideas for your trip.

Mount St. Helens Guide Navigation Menu

How to get to mount st. helens.

Mount Saint Helens is located in the Southern part of the state of Washington in the United States, near the border with the state of Oregon.  In fact, Mount Saint Helens is actually closer to the city of Portland in Oregon than it is to Seattle, Washington.  To give you a general sense of where it is located, I have provided an area map for you to review in my Mount St. Helens visitor guide below.

Mount St. Helens is Close to Both Seattle and Portland

Situated between the cities of Seattle and Portland in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Saint Helens is close to many other popular tourist attractions in the area.  To give you a sense of how far Mount Saint Helens is from other attractions in the area, I have included a table below that outlines some of those distances and drive times.

There are three primary ways that you can approach Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument to view the mountain.  From the West, visitors can stop at Johnston Ridge to get some fantastic views of the mountain from the North, as well as make a stop in the interactive visitor center to learn about the mountain’s eruptions. 

In the East, visitors can stop at Windy Ridge viewpoint to get a different perspective of the mountain and hike on some of the area’s most scenic trails.  Finally, in the South of the mountain viewers can hike through Lava Canyon, visit the Ape Caves, or attempt a summit of the mountain.

View Larger Map

Best Time to Visit Mount St. Helens

To assist you in determining the best time for you to plan your trip, I have included some information on average temperature, average precipitation levels, and the average number of visitors for you to review below.

Temperature (°F)

Because Mount Saint Helens is at a relatively high elevation, the weather near the mountain can be rather unpredictable.  In the winter, temperatures near the mountain can be quite chilly and even fall well below freezing.  In the summer, the high elevation keeps the temperatures from getting too warm.  Even in the summer months, nighttime temperatures can be quite cool.

Precipitation (Inches)

If you would like to avoid freezing rain or snow, then I would recommend avoiding the winter months of November through March.  This is the wettest time of year around Mount Saint Helens, with the wettest month being December.  During the summer months of June through September, the area sees the lowest amount of precipitation of the year.

Average Visitors

According to Google Trends, the time of year when people are most interested in Mount Saint Helens is during the Spring months.  This makes sense as the spring and summer months have the best weather.  If you are looking to avoid crowds when you visit, your best bet would probably be early autumn.  You should still have decent weather, but the crowds will be much thinner.

NOTE:  The chart below is from Google Trends and shows the relative amount of Google searches for Mount Saint Helens by tourists throughout the year. The numbers are calculated relative to the peak month, which is mid-May. For instance, September 16th saw roughly 60% of the searches for “Mount Saint Helens” as May 13th, which was the peak day.

Where to Stay Near Mount St. Helens

Unless you are looking to camp out, there aren’t a lot of options for lodging right by Mount Saint Helens.  However, there are quite a few lodging options within an hour’s drive of the monument.  To assist you in locating a place to stay during your travels, I have included a list of recommended hotels at different price points in my Mount St. Helens visitor guide below.

Campgrounds Nearby

If you would like to save some extra money, there are also several quality campgrounds and RV parks in the area that you can stay at.  To give you an idea of what is available, I have included a list of recommendations below for you to review.

• Cougar RV Park & Campground
• Beaver Bay Campground
• Merrill Lake Campground
• Kalama Horse Camp Campground
• Quartz Creek Big Trees Campground
• Iron Creek Campground
• Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park
• Blue Lake Creek Campground
• Campground: Olallie Lake

Hiking Near Mount Saint Helens

Another thing that Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument has in abundance is great hiking trails.  There are a number of great trails in both the East, West, and South of the national monument.  If you are looking for a good hiking trail in the area, I have outlined a half dozen trails that I recommend below.

Popular Mount St. Helens Tours

If you are looking to add some extra adventure to your trip, several really great tours are available in the Mount Saint Helens area.  I have included a list of the highest-rated tours and activities below for you to review should you want to book something for your trip.

The Ape Caves

If you are on the south side of the mountain, one of the most unique features that you can tour is the Ape Caves.  These lava tunnels are surreal and absolutely worthwhile to tour if you have the time.  There is no better way to get a first-hand look at how this volcano works than exploring the mountain’s lava tunnels.

Where to Photograph Mount St. Helens

View Larger Image

There are some absolutely fantastic pictures that you can get on the West side of the mountain.  Not only does the Johnston Ridge viewpoint have some good spots to take photos, but you can get some really good shots of the area where the eruption blast devastated as well.

If you are up for doing some hiking then the East side of the mountain is my favorite side for getting shots.  The path takes you into the valley right in front of the mountain and you can get some absolutely gorgeous shots of Mount Saint Helens.

PRO TIP :   Doing research on a location is one of the best things you can do to increase the quality of your travel photographs.  For some tips on how to do some pre-trip scouting for photo opportunities, check out my article on The Art of Travel Photography – Planning Your Shots.  In this article, I review the process that I use to do pre-trip photography planning to give you photography location tips like the ones you see above.

Other Things to See in the Area

Because of its location, it is really easy to combine a visit to Mount Saint Helens with stops at some of the other popular tourist spots in the Northwest United States.  If you are looking for some additional places to add to your itinerary, I have included a list of the other top tourist spots in the area below.

Mount St. Helens Photo Gallery

Mount Saint Helens is a beautiful mountain in a beautiful landscape.  It is almost impossible not to take beautiful pictures when visiting.  Below is a gallery of just some of the pictures I was able to take during my visit.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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20 comments ›.

I love all the information you provide! Thanks so much!

Thank you so much for the kind words, and for reading! 😀

Visiting Mount Saint Helens is on my list to do this summer, since we are so close (Seattle area)!

You are close! Seattle is such a beautiful city. I love the Northwest 😀👍

There is no shortage of activities to get into up here, that’s for sure.

Indeed! Olympic NP is my favorite.

Put this on my bucket list!

You will love it!! 😀

There is so much to see and do in the Pacific NW. I have to get back there. Excellent post!

Thank you so much!!! It is one of my favorite areas. So beautiful.

I totally agree with you on researching before visiting tour sites. Asides helping you find good camera angles, you could earn a lot of knowledge regarding the place and not appear so much as a “newbie”

Exactly!!! Thanks so much for reading!! 😀👍

This is fantastic. We did the helicopter tour when I was a teenager, and it was so incredible that I still remember it now, 25 years after the fact.

Thanks Scott!! I really appreciate it! The helicopter ride must have been amazing!!

It was! It was worth whatever my parents paid for it, that’s for certain!

Another great post! I made the mistake of visiting Ape Caves during a snowy November when there weren’t many people around the park. I checked it out by myself with a pretty weak flashlight and felt the darkness surround me. It was very eerie, but an excellent trip nonetheless!

Thank you for the kind words! That would be so spooky to visit during the winter.

What an awesome Mount St. Helens visitor guide! I just blogged today about our trip (last fall) to the East side of the park. I somehow missed this post of yours until today, but it’s so good that I just added a link to it in my post. Also, after reading your guide I know that I must see the south and west sides of the park one day as well!

Awesome!! I am definitely going to check out your post! I appreciate the kind words 😀👍

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Thanks so much for the kind words Nick!!

Hello Josh, Great article, love all the info you have provided!! Thanks for sharing. We completely agree that Hwange is…

Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We also provide nepal tour package. Nepal tour Package

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Mt. st. helens scenic daytrip itinerary in washington state.

The volcanic eruption of Mt St Helens in 1980 became the most devastating in U.S. history.   A Mt St Helens daytrip inspires, with the power and renewal of nature.  Getting the most out of a daytrip requires planning, as Mt St Helens Volcanic National Monument is massive with 3 main sections: West, South and East.  For most visitors the west section is the best for first timers.  Here, I explain why and what to do if you only have one day at Mt St Helens National Monument. 

Mt St Helens is located in southwest Washington and part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, a section of the Pacific Ring of Fire.  It lies just 50 miles south of Mount Rainier and 33 miles west of Mount Adams.  Its eruption on May 18, 1980 is one of the largest volcanic explosions in the history of North America.  The active stratovolcano stands at 8,366 feet high, with its crater blown out of the north face.

Mount St Helens Daytrip at West Side

Directions:   Take State Route 504 eastward 52 miles from Castle Rock on Interstate 5.   The main highlights of the west side are along Highway 504.  The Johnston Ridge Observatory is at the end of the 504 about an hour’s drive from Castle Rock.

Overall, the west side is the heart of the blast zone with these main sites: Mt St Helens Visitors Center, Johnston Ridge Observatory, Eruption Trail, Harry’s Ridge Trail, Coldwater Lake and Trail and Hummocks Trail.

Mt St Helens Visitors Center

Mt St Helens Visitors Center is about 30 miles from the volcano and an introduction to its history and significance.  Located on the Spirit Lake Highway it offers learning opportunities, such as, theatre showing the eruption, chronological timeline on events leading up to the eruption, displays and current seismographs of the mountain.   Also, the visitors center is located near Silver Lake with a .6-mile walking trail to learn about the flora and fauna of this ecosystem. 

Johnston Ridge Observatory, Eruption Trail and Harry’s Ridge Trail

If you haven’t seen Mount St. Helen’s before, the Johnston Ridge Observatory is the ideal place to start exploring.  Perched on the Johnston Ridge in the heart of the blast zone, it looks southward at the crater, lava dome, pumice plain and landslide across the valley.  Named after the volcanologist, David A. Johnston, who lost his life in the eruption, the Observatory offers ways to experience and learn about this amazing volcano with stunning views.  Also, there’s an outdoor theatre for presentations facing the volcano. 

Near the Observatory is the .8 mile Eruption Trail on a hill, overlooking the volcano.  It offers explicit displays and placard explaining the timeline and events leading up to the eruption.  This is a great opportunity to let it all sink in and learn all while looking at the smoldering volcano. 

Eruption Trail leads to the longer Harry’s Ridge Trail as the best way to observe the volcano.  It’s named after the curmudgeon, Harry Truman, who wouldn’t leave his home and died in the eruption.  Harry’s Ridge is a 9-mile up and back moderate trail that continuously views Mt St Helens’ crater.  Additionally, this trail displays the colorful wildflowers of the area in summer months.   It goes to the beautiful spot overlooking Spirit Lake with breathtaking views of this cobalt blue body of water below the ridge.   This trail is reasonably wide and well-maintained, however, there are times it gets very close to the steep edge.  So, if you have a fear of heights this trail may be a challenge. 

Coldwater Lake

This pristine blue-green lake is a wonderful place to swim and cool off on a hot day.  The eruption created this lake from its landslide damning the Coldwater Creek.  Furthermore, its Birth of a Lake Trail has interpretive signs, that describe how the lake became created.  There are also picnic tables and restrooms.  Visitors enjoy this lake by swimming, fishing, hiking and paddle boarding. 

Hummocks Trail

Across the road from the Coldwater Lake is the Hummocks Trail.  This 2.3-mile loop takes you through hummocks (small hills) that were pieces of the mountain carried down by the landslide during the eruption.  Walking through the labyrinth of these small hills overgrown with shrubs and small trees is another opportunity to experience parts of the mountain.  Additionally, this welcomes some shade on a hot day.

Overall, Mt St Helens Daytrip

There is nothing like a day here to observe the powers of Mother Nature.  The renewal of the region is awe-inspiring, reminding us that everything in life has its cycles and seasons for birth, death and renewal. 

Read More! Ultimate Guide to Mt Rainier National Park: All You to Need to Know 20 Amazing Must-Do Hiking Trails in Washington State

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Fun things to do in Mt St Helens in a Day

• Post last modified: August 13, 2023
• Post category: Day trips / Itineraries / North America / Washington

In 1980, Mount St Helen erupted exploring ash into the sky and killing 57 people. The debris avalanche that followed covered acres. After the explosion, the volcano and surrounding area were designated as the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument . Today, this is one of the best attractions in Washington state and it makes an excellent day trip from Seattle or Portland. If you’ve decided to visit Mt St Helens, continue reading to see the one day itinerary that we followed and our favorite things to do in Mt St Helens National Monument along with some advice for booking accommodations and budgeting for your day trip.

There are so many things to do in Mt St Helens that will fill your day! The area is great for all ages and offers so many educational and interactive resources, hiking trails and amazing views.  

Top Things To Do

Getting There and Around

Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument is located 3 hours south of Seattle and an hour and a half north of Portland. This makes it a great day trip from Seattle or Portland. We visited Mt St Helens and Mt Rainier from Seattle in a long weekend. For a day or weekend trip to Mt St Helens, you will need to have a car. You could also consider taking a guided tour originating in Seattle or Portland as these are offered frequently and include transportation.  

Check out other Washington day trips from Seattle in our post here.

When to visit.

Normally we say something like “it’s great year round” and then we recommend a particular season for best viewing. However, this park is definitely best to visit in the summer. Part of what is amazing about this park is seeing the way the landscape has recovered from the Mt St Helens eruption. To see this in full effect, you need to visit in the summer when the landscape is in full bloom. As hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Mt St Helens, visiting in the summer will also give you predictable weather for your hike. June through September is best.

This park isn’t a very busy park if you compare it to it’s neighbor, Mt Rainier. So really visit anytime in the summer. However, visiting on a weekday will mean fewer crowds.

Mount St Helens Itinerary

Start your morning at the Science and Learning Center as you being to enter Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the home of Mt St Helens. From here you’ll learn about the history of the volcano, the eruption and the following land preservation efforts.  

Also, we were awed by the trees here. Seriously! Look at them! They are uniform. They make your eyes go wonky because trees never grow uniformly – unless they were all planted at the same time after a giant volcano leveled everything previously growing there. Staring at these trees was one of our favorite things to do in Mt St Helens.  

Next, drive all the way to the Johnston Ridge Observatory . At the Observatory learn about the science of volcanoes and enjoy the interactive experiences. Take time to watch the regularly screened film as well. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is one of the best things to do in Mt St Helens and should not be missed. Additionally, from the Observatory you’ll get some of the best views of the volcano.

Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed until at least spring of 2024 due to a washed out road that needs to be repaired.  

You may occasionally see the cone of the volcano letting off steam. We’re still in disagreement as to whether we were seeing clouds or steam when we visited.  

Next, spend some time hiking the amazing trails. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Mt St Helens. Some of the most popular hikes are the Boundary Trail, Harry’s Ridge Trail and the trails along Coldwater lake. We hiked a bit of them all. Spend as much or as little time hiking here as you like.  

Additionally, you can also hike to the top of Mt St Helens. However, this requires more skill than we can speak to and it requires a permit. Explore the park’s information on climbing here .

At the end of your day, make sure to stop at Coldwater Lake and take in the sights, even if you don’t hike the lake trails.  

Leave the park and head home.

Want to Adjust the Itinerary

If you have less time in the park, stick to the Learning Center and the Observatory. We recommend doing a short hike along the Boundary Trail as it gives you great views of the volcano.

If you have more time, consider visiting Ape Caves. These caves are the empty lava tubes of the volcano. You can hike 2 miles total in the two different caves. However, these caves take about half of a day to visit as you have to access them from the south side of the park. If you visit the caves during the summer months, you’ll be able to join along with a ranger led tour of the caves.

Where to Stay

Staying close to Mt St Helens will allow you to get to the park early and start your day ahead of other visitors. We recommend staying along I-5 somewhere near highway 504. There are very few accommodations closer to the park. We found some really great and really inexpensive AirBnBs in the area. Additionally, hotels are also an option but they aren’t as conveniently located.

What to Budget

Access to Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument requires an $5/vehicle/day admission fee. The American the Beautiful National Parks pass will get you in as well. If you visit Johnston Ridge Observatory, you’ll need to pay the $8/adult admission. Within the park, you shouldn’t need to spend additional money. However, if you plan to visit Ape Cave, you’ll have to pay the $2/person fee to reserve your ticket.

If you visit the Mt St Helens Visitor Center at Seaquest (and we don’t think you should), you’ll pay an additional $5/person. This park/area is one of those strange places that is operated by a ton of different entities so there are multiple visitor centers and gift shops. We think the Johnston Ridge Observatory and the Science and Learning Center are the best.

Accommodations near the park are relatively cheap. Hotels and vacation rentals average around $80/night.  

We think that your best bet for food is to pack a lunch. Once you’re in the park, it’s a bit of a drive back to town. So if you pack a lunch, you’ll save money and get to spend more time in the park. If you do choose to eat in Castle Rock, food is pretty inexpensive averaging around $12/meal for a sit down lunch.

This volcano is one of the most interesting destinations in Washington and is definitely worth a visit. With so many things to do in Mt St Helens we think it is one of the best day trips in the state. We hope this post has helped you to plan your Mt St Helens trip and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.  

This Post Has 4 Comments

Access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed until 2024 due to bridge/road damage. It’s my first time visiting the volcano so perhaps not the best year for a visit?

Thanks for the update. I’ve put that into the post for future readers 🙂 I think if you’ve never been and you aren’t interested in hiking, that you should save a visit for later. Johnston Ridge Observatory was the most easily accessible and most educational spot to learn/view Mt Saint Helens. However, if you’re interested in hiking, there are lots of hiking trails that can easily bring you to similar viewpoints.

Very useful information. Thank you!

Thanks! I hope you have a good visit 🙂

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Day Trip to Mount St Helens National Monument

Last modified on October 1st, 2020 at 10:05

Four decades ago, Mount St Helens unleashed the most destructive eruption in modern US history. The volcano’s explosion expelled 520 million tons of ash that darkened the skies above Washington State. The plumes of smoke traveled eastward nearly 2,000 miles across the country—leaving a blanket of ash in their wake.

The eruption of Mount St Helens created the largest debris avalanche in recorded history. It killed 57 people in its path, and wiped away much of the mountain’s northern face.

Today—forty years after the explosion forever changed the appearance of one of Washington State’s most iconic peaks—the national monument is a beloved Pacific Northwest attraction. It makes for a fantastic weekend getaway, and is a popular day trip destination for travelers from Portland and Seattle.

Table of Contents

MOUNT ST HELENS DAY TRIP FROM SEATTLE OR PORTLAND

Mount St Helens National Monument lies approximately three hours southeast of Seattle and an hour and a half northeast of Portland. Its central location between the Pacific Northwest’s two largest cities, makes it a popular day trip from both Portland and Seattle.

Though Mount St Helens is certainly an ambitious place to visit in one day (especially if coming from Seattle) it is still worth exploring for those with limited time. The area offers a plethora of hiking trails, viewpoints, and educational resources for kids.

When Dan and I chose to take a day trip from Seattle to Mount St Helens, we knew we would have to prioritize certain aspects of our visit. We researched the best hiking trails in Mount St Helens and mapped out the monument’s most scenic viewpoints.

In the end, our day trip to Mount St Helens consisted of a stop by the Johnston Ridge Observatory, and a breathtaking hike along Harry’s Ridge Trail.

JOHNSTON RIDGE OBSERVATORY

The Johnston Ridge Observatory was named for a volcanologist who lost his life during the Mount St Helens eruption. He was one of the 57 people who perished that day.

The observatory lies at the terminus of State Highway 504, in the heart of the volcano’s blast zone. Its viewing platform provides up-close access to the park’s geology. The viewpoint is wheelchair accessible and offers a direct look into the crater.

Access to the area requires an $8 per person Monument Pass.

The visitor’s center at the Johnston Ridge Observatory hosts interpretive displays that tell the story of Mount St. Helens and its eruption. The center’s interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn more about the area’s unique geology and history.

HARRY’S RIDGE TRAIL

Like the Johnston Ridge Observatory, Harry’s Ridge Trail was named after a victim of the volcano’s eruption. Even prior to his death, the victim—Harry R Truman—was a bit of a local legend. A prohibition bootlegger, petty criminal and collector of cats, he was a man who lived by his own rules. In the weeks leading up to the explosion, scientists and researcher were unsuccessful in convincing Truman to evacuate the area. Despite dire signs of an imminent eruption, Truman refused to leave his home at the edge of Spirit Lake. “If the mountain goes. I’m going with it,” he’d stated.

And on that fateful day in 1980, Harry became true to his word. He and his sixteen cats perished in the onslaught.

Harry’s Ridge Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Mount St Helens. It begins at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and extends just over four miles in each direction. For travelers visiting the mountain as a day trip, it is a comprehensive hike that features many of the national monument’s most scenic views. Revealing birds-eye panoramas of the park’s altered landscape, Harry’s Ridge Trail showcases the splendor—and legacy— of the mountain that Harry Truman so dearly loved.

The 8.5 mile out and back trail follows a ridge line and rises at a gradual incline. It is well-maintained and doesn’t require any technical hiking skills.

Throughout the duration of the hike, the trail gives way to intimate views of the Mount St Helens crater and mudflow, before turning inward and climbing gradually up the back side of Harry’s Ridge.

The end of Harry’s Ridge Trail rewards hikers with commanding views of Spirit Lake.

Beyond, its spectacular panoramic vista highlights Mount Adams to the east, Mount St Helens to the south, and Coldwater Peak to the north.

Spirit Lake is the main body of water visible from the end of Harry’s Ridge Trail. The lake has an interesting history, as it has been shaped and altered by volcanic activity for its entire existence.

The lake originally formed when rock fragments dammed two creeks in the area. But then, in 1980, a debris avalanche from the Mount St Helens eruption temporarily displaced much of the lake from its bed. Spirit Lake’s surface area increased in size after the displacement, spreading out its waters to cover an additional 2,000 acres.

The blast deposited thousands of pyrolized trees into Spirit Lake. These shattered trees formed a floating log raft on the lake’s surface. Four decades after the event, the log raft still floats around the northern reaches of the lake.

HIKING MOUNT ST HELENS

Mount St. Helens is a popular climbing destination for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. All routes to the top of Mount St Helens include sections of steep, rugged terrain.

Though climbing Mount St Helens does not require technical skills, hikers must obtain a permit from Recreation.gov. Permits are mandatory year-round for anyone who desires to climb above an altitude of 4,800 ft.

I did not include a hike up Mount St Helens in my day trip itinerary due to limited time and lack of advanced planning, but I hope to summit its cratered peak at some point in the future.

Ape Cave is the longest lava tube in the United States and a popular Mount St Helens attraction. Similar to the Lava River Cave in Central Oregon’s   Newberry Crater , Washington’s Ape Cave is a subterranean passageway formed by molten lava.

Ape Cave lies at the opposite edge of the national monument from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Since roads do not connect the two destinations, it can be difficult to include Ape Cave into a Mount St Helens day trip itinerary.

Travelers interested in visiting the Ape Cave Lava Tube are better off touring the attraction as part of a separate trip, or as part of a multi-day Mount St Helens visit.

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is one of the most geologically fascinating destinations in the Pacific Northwest. The mountain is a living laboratory and an enduring reminder of nature’s power.

Mount St Helens lies in the Cascade Mountain Range, between Mount Rainier and Oregon’s Mount Hood. It is one of three national monuments in Washington State —along with Hanford Reach and the San Juan Islands,

Visiting the national monument as a day trip or weekend trip is a fantastic escape into one of Washington State’s premier attractions. It is an educational outing that provides insight into the geological forces at play in this active and ever-changing corner of the Pacific Northwest.

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The First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Mount St. Helens

Situated in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument occupies a strange space for official classifications. Unlike Mount Rainier to the north, the U.S. Forest Service oversees what would be considered as the Mt St Helens National Park. But it isn't actually a state or national park, even though it's treated like one.

Although Washington state hosts the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake, some famous attractions like the Johnston Ridge Observatory are run by the feds. In contrast, others associated bodies like the monument's Science and Learning Center and the Mount St. Helens Institute are extensions of nonprofit institutions.

But you're not here to read about tedious outdoor bureaucracy! You're here because you want to get better acquainted with backcountry pumice plains and lava canyons. We're here to help you with just that. Whether you're planning a day trip from big cities like Portland and Seattle or plotting a round trip from some other corner of North America, we hope the following guide gets you to the lava flows faster!

Mt. St. Helens Entrance Fee

All U.S. Forest Service areas require a $ 5-day pass for entrance and parking. Those that grant access to Mt. St. Helens also work in all other Oregon and Washington national forests for 24 hours. If you plan on dipping into national forests often, you might consider purchasing an annual recreation pass for $30.

Things to Do at Mount St. Helens

thinair28 via Getty Images

There are many things to do at Mt. St. Helens, from the usual suspects like hiking and boating to more niche activities such as paragliding and metal detecting. The best way to explore the region is in sections. There are several independent routes in and out of the monument, leading visitors to one of its distinct ecosystems. The Forest Service divides the memorial up in the following way, and their website is the best place to get more information :

This is the most accessible area to reach if you take the Spirit Lake Highway (504) from Castle Rock, WA, and the I-5. Here you'll find the Johnston Ridge Observatory and the Science and Learning Center, making it a great destination if you're interested in first-time interpretive experiences. The west side of the park has quite a few hiking trails and mountain biking routes, and Coldwater Lake is a great place for picnicking and aquatic recreation.

The monument's east side grants visitors access to Spirit Lake, the largest body of water on the mountain. This side of St. Helens also offers horseback riding and camping opportunities; the west side doesn't.

fishysam via Getty Images

Here, hikers will find some of the monument's most popular trailheads like the Ape Cave lava tube and the Climber's Bivouac trail. If you're coming up from Oregon, this side of the mountain is the easiest to reach.

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If you're headed to the Norway Pass Trailhead, this side of the mountain is where you want to be. It also has some of the most amazing views the monument has to offer. Similarly, the mountain's northern slope has seen less volcanic damage and is lush with flora and fauna.

Eruption of Mount St. Helens

kwiktor via Getty Images

The good news is that Mt. St. Helens has only erupted a couple times in the last half-century. According   to the USGS , the bad news is those future eruptions are both expected and predicted to be more devastating than the previous two.

But never fear! Folks brave the blast zone daily, and the mountain sends out plenty of signals before blowing its top. Just so, you don't have to worry about it exploding under your feet once you get there.

What's your favorite thing to do on Mt. St. Helens? Give first-timers a lead on our Wide Open Roads Facebook !

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Home » Mount St. Helens Guide: Things to do & More

Mount St. Helens Guide: Things to do & More

Climb a volcano, take a hike, explore a cave system, and so much more.

Known for its eruption in 1980, which spewed massive clouds of ash, today Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument beckons visitors with a combination of history and stellar outdoor recreation.

Climb to the crater rim, hike subterranean lava tubes, kayak in clear mountain lakes, shred blast-zone mountain bike trails or take a guided hike with a geologist. Best of all, Mount St. Helens offers all-season recreation. While summer draws the most crowds, the other three seasons offer plentiful opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Read on for how to make the most of your visit.

Getting to Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is located in southwest Washington east of Interstate 5. The main entrance on the west side of the mountain is on State Route 504, which leads to the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater (open daily in the summer and weekends in the winter) and the Johnston Ridge Observatory (currently closed).

Important Closure Notice: State Route 504 is currently closed past the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater (milepost 45.2) due to a landslide. The Johnston Ridge Observatory, a popular visitor center at the end of highway, will remain closed through 2026. Check the Forest Service page for updates.

Although the end of the highway is closed, the drive along State Route 504 offers scenic viewpoints like Castle Lake and Loowit, as well as access to Coldwater Lake .

Other access points can be found in the south and east. Driving to Cougar, the southern gateway, takes about 3.5-4.5 hours from Seattle and an hour from Portland. On the east and south sides of the monument, a National Forest Recreation Pass ($5 day per vehicle, $30 annual) is required. You can pick one up at self-service pay stations and Forest Service offices.

When to Visit Mount St. Helens

Summer is the busiest season, often drawing significant crowds. Amanda Bonney, a Mount St. Helens visitor services assistant, recommends visiting mid-week and arriving early in the morning to secure parking.

“Crowds are thinner the first and last week of summer break,” Bonney notes. In the fall, crowds thin out, leaving visitors to enjoy autumn colors, milder weather, and fewer insects. There are also stellar, low-crowd days in spring, but be prepared to run into snow.

Travel Tip: Be sure to secure reservations for popular areas. Both the Lewis River Recreation Area and the Ape Caves trail have implemented reservation systems with a fee of $2 per vehicle. Timed reservations are always required to visit Ape Cave during the open season, from May through October. For Lewis River , reservations are required June through September.

Things to Do at Mount St. Helens

Take a hike.

For hikers, the Mount St. Helens area has a little of everything, from lava tubes to waterfalls. Far above ground is Coldwater Peak. The trail to the summit (12 miles roundtrip, 3,100 feet elevation gain) provides scenic mountain views. A landslide currently prevents hikers from starting at the Johnston Ridge Observatory, but the trail can still be accessed from South Coldwater Trailhead (adding a couple of miles).

Choose from a number of short, accessible trails such as the Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail and the Johnston Ridge Eruption Trail (currently closed due to a landslide), or head hit the Lewis River Falls trail , an 8.8-mile relatively flat tour de force of waterfalls. To circumnavigate Mount St. Helens and tour much of its varied terrain, advanced backpackers can take on the 32-mile Loowit Trail .

Visit Ape Caves

Due south of the mountain, the Ape Caves trail (2.8 miles, 350 feet of elevation gain) navigates the third-largest lava tube in North America. Hiking through the Upper Cave requires some dexterity, fitness, and willingness to scramble and duck among the fascinating features of the cavern. After 1.4 miles, hikers exit the cave and loop back on a trail. Alternatively, an easier shorter option (1.5 miles round trip) is the Lower Cave, which is more spacious and less technical.

Travel Tip: Open May through October, the Ape Caves trail requires a reservation to limit foot traffic and protect the delicate subterranean environment.

Climb the Mountain

Mount St. Helensis one of the easiest volcano climbs in Washington thanks to limited avalanche danger and crevasse exposure and attracts both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although it’s climbable year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular time. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac. The non-technical nature of this route, which takes between seven and 13 hours, lends itself to beginners. However, climbers need to scramble up steep sections and be fit enough to climb 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation.

Travel Tip: Climbing permits are always required. For climbers who want support, the Mount St. Helens Institute guides trips to the summit. 

Go Mountain Biking

Intermediate and advanced riders can enjoy a number of iconic and popular mountain bike trails in the area. Mostly singletrack, the Ape Canyon to Plains of Abraham out-and-back ride (21 miles, 2,700 feet of elevation gain) entails a long, steady climb out of the heavily forested Ape Canyon to the moonscape of the blast zone, which becomes rife with wildflowers in the spring.

Southeast of Mount St. Helens, the forested Lewis River Trail (28 miles, 2,700 feet of elevation gain) skirts a river over rolling banks and chunky technical sections. For a guided trip, Trans Cascadia Excursions leads one-day rides on Strawberry Mountain through the blast zone.

Also See: Explore Washington’s Epic Mountain Biking Trails

Visit a Viewpoint

Within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, there are a number of spectacular viewpoints that don’t require hiking. Although currently closed due to a landslide, the Johnston Ridge Observatory is situated in the heart of the blast zone and enjoys expansive views of the volcano and crater. A mile from the observatory, Loowit Viewpoint has vistas across plains of pumice to the lava dome inside the crater.

Five miles north of Mount St. Helens, climb a 368-step sand ladder for magnificent views at the Windy Ridge Interpretive Site , which not only has close-up crater views, but also a panorama of Spirit Lake and now-greening pumice fields left in the wake of the eruption.

Learn Something New

In 1996, the Mount St. Helens Institute (hosted at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater ) opened its doors with the goal of deepening the public’s understanding of the Pacific Northwest’s most active volcano. The institute hosts ecology programs for kids, family camps, and guided daylong or multi-day adventures , from mushroom hunting and photography hikes to snowshoeing and eruption walks with geologists. Drop into other learning centers along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway – including the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center , the Forest Learning Center , and Johnston Ridge Observatory (currently closed due to a landslide).

The lakes and rivers around Mount St. Helens are hallowed destinations for anglers. Just south of Mount St. Helens, Merrill Lake is a haven for fly fishing; this catch-and-release-only lake is heralded for its abundant trout. Spring through fall, the Lewis River is known for its robust salmon and steelhead runs. The river is dammed at three different points –  Yale Lake, Swift Reservoir, and Lake Merwin – where anglers can catch kokanee, tiger muskies, and rainbow trout. Columbia River Fishing Guides lead salmon and steelhead expeditions on the Lewis River.

Enjoy Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Mountain lakes with easy launching options make for lovely kayaking and paddleboarding. With no motorized boats allowed, clear Coldwater Lake provides a serene paddle surrounded by forest and mountains. For those who want to hit the water but don’t have the gear, head to Silver Lake Resort where they rent canoes and kayaks as well as pedal boats and pontoons.

Enjoy Winter Recreation

When snow blankets the slopes of Mount St. Helens, the party is just getting started. At the Marble Mountain SnoPark , cross-country skiers and snowshoers will find around 36 miles of trails (some groomed) and snowmobilers have access to 25 groomed miles. The June Lake trail provides a mellow and incredibly scenic out-and-back snowshoe option (5 miles, 500 feet of elevation gain). Cougar SnoPark caters primarily to snowmobilers and features 25 miles of trail.

Travel Tip: SnoPark permits are required, and it’s advised to check the avalanche report before heading out. Call Mount St. Helens at 360-499-7800 for grooming status updates.

Where to Stay near Mount St. Helens                              

While there is no camping within the monument boundaries, there are several camping options surrounding the monument. Seaquest State Park near Silver Lake boasts a pedestrian tunnel that connects to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and the shoreline interpretive trail. In Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Lower Falls Campground on the Lewis River operates May through October, while northeast of the mountain you’ll find Tower Rock Campground .

Hotels and Resorts

Along the Interstate 5 corridor to the west, visitors can find a slew of traditional hotel options. About midway between the northern and southern Mount St. Helens access roads off Interstate 5, the Kalama Harbor Lodge , a river-view McMenamins property, has uniquely decorated guest rooms showcasing the local history and characters of Kalama.

In Cougar on Yale Lake, the Lone Fir Resort caters to the outdoor set, renting mountaineering gear and offering cozy cabin accommodations along with tent sites. Along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway to the north, Eco Park Resort is an 80-acre forested property that has 12 miles of private trails. Mostly powered by solar and propane, the resort has a cafe on site, and visitors can stay in cabins or camp out. Further west, Silver Lake Resort is open year-round and is all about fishing and lake life.

Mount St. Helens FAQ

What are the entrance fees and operating hours?

On the east and south sides of the monument, a National Forest Recreation Pass ($5 day per vehicle, $30 annual) is required. Self-service pay stations and Forest Service offices sell the passes. On the west side, a Monument Pass ($8 per adult, 15 and younger free) is required at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and adjacent trailheads; purchase them at the observatory. America the Beautiful passes also work. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the summer and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). 

When did Mount St. Helens erupt?

On May 18, 1980, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered one of the world’s largest recorded landslides leading to the eruption of Mount St. Helens. The eruption was one of the most powerful volcanic blasts in American history. In its wake, scientists and visitors alike have been given the opportunity to witness biodiversity slowly reclaim an area of catastrophic devastation. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan set aside 110,000 acres around the volcano, creating the Mount St. Helens National Monument.

Is Mount St. Helens pet-friendly?

Because of the delicate nature of the ecology within Mount St. Helens National Monument, pets are prohibited in certain areas (see the Forest Service map ). Pets are allowed on paved roads, campgrounds, and picnic areas, and are required to be on leash at all times.

Can you climb to the top of Mount St. Helens? Do you need a permit?

Yes and yes. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac, a non-technical route that requires less gear. A permit is always required.

About the Author

Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks,  Alaska Airlines Magazine , and  Adventure Cyclist Magazine . When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands.

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Mount St Helens Visitor Center

3029 Spirit Lake Hwy, Castle Rock, WA 98611

Summer: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Winter: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (360) 274-0962

Map & visitor guide

46.294580628223, -122.82193932619, additional information, group tours.

Group tours should contact the Interpretive Center early with proposed tour dates for the year.  * All groups, both Educational and Non-education requesting a tour should register their visit with park staff by emailing [email protected] or calling Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at (360) 274-0962. This allows park staff to update our activity calendar and ensure all groups are provided a meaningful visit and accommodations/requests are met.

Educational group tours

Educational groups are encouraged to register in advance. To request a visit, please contact the park directly at (360) 274-0962 or complete the registration form and email to [email protected] .

Click here for the registration form (PDF, 124KB) .

Upon approval, a confirmation email will be sent. Preregistered educational groups are not subject to admission and Discover Pass fees. In order to receive the fee waiver, we request students complete an assignment during their visit. Site-specific assignments are available below, otherwise teachers are encouraged to bring their own activity. The Junior Ranger and Junior Geologist program is not intended for students, this is for paying patrons only.

Landscapes of Change Field Trip

We have partnered with the Mount St. Helens Institute to design a new opportunity for school groups, a self-guided excursion on our 0.6-mile accessible Wetland Haven Trail. Follow this link to learn more: Landscapes of Change: Free curriculum for the Washington State Parks Mount St. Helens Visitor Center .

Teachers are welcome to download the pre-trip activities, student journal pages, the facilitator activity guide and the post-trip activity. Please contact us directly if you have any questions or would like to check out supplies to support your field trip.

Educational materials

Pre-visit lesson, grades K-2 (PDF, 96KB)

Activity sheet, grades K-2 (PDF, 346KB)

Pre-visit lesson, grades 3-5 (PDF, 310KB)

Activity sheet, grades 3-5 (PDF, 223KB)

Pre-visit lesson, middle and high school (PDF, 82KB)

Activity sheet, middle school (PDF, 247KB)

Activity sheet, high school (PDF, 314KB)

Non-educational group tours

*All groups are asked to contact park staff to register their group for a visit.  *All non-educational tour groups must have a valid Commercial Use Permit to visit the center. The cost is $200 per bus load, not the number of people per bus. *A Commercial Use permit waives the per person and Discover Pass fees at this location.

For additional information and to apply, visit the Commercial Use Permit webpage . Please allow up to 30 days to process your permit.

Hours of Operation

Winter season.

Nov. 1 - Mar. 24, hours of operation 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 

Spring season

Mar. 25 - May 31, hours of operation 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open seven days a week.

Summer season

June 1 - Oct. 31, hours of operation 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Open seven days a week.

Observed holidays:

The center is closed for the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day and Friday after
• Christmas Day

Additional Area (non- Washington State Park entity) Visitor Centers

The Forest Learning Center , operated by Weyerhaeuser is located at milepost 37. For additional information, visit Weyerhaeuser’s Mount St. Helens webpage .

The Science and Learning Center , operated by the Mount St. Helens Institute, is at milepost 43. For additional information, visit The Science and Learning Center’s webpage .

The Johnston Ridge Observatory , operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is at milepost 52. For more information about their facility please visit the  Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument site . For field trip planning, visit their  Teacher's Corner page .

**Due to a landslide in May 2023, the Johnston Ridge Observatory is CLOSED until further notice.

Overnight accommodations

Connected by a short pedestrian tunnel is Seaquest State Park . Reserve a campsite, group camp or yurt to enjoy more of the area. 

The park offers Wi-Fi service, in limited coverage areas. For more information, visit our  Wi-Fi in the Parks page . 

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How much time at Mt. St Helens? - Washington Forum

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How much time at Mt. St Helens?

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You can drive up to MSH, see the mountain and return to Astoria in the same day. There is no lodging at MSH, unless you want to go camping. Papa Pete's Pizza at the interstate in Castle Rock is a good place to feed everyone.

You should look into taking the little ferry across the Columbia. It is a throwback to a time when there were no bridges. It is operated by Wahkiakum County and goes to Puget Island, then on to the mainland.

I do it all the time as a 'day trip from Portland'. Its 49 miles the border to the turnoff to MSH. Easy to fill a day or 1/2 day. Iwould not think spending the night in Castle Rock would be too thrilling. If you want to stay closer look at the Red Lion or Doubltree? in Longview.

Since you are doing a loop trip, over night in Kelso or Castle Rock good idea, then you can head south on I-5 for Bay Area. I think you can do MtStH is a day, but not a rushed day. Hope you can pick a day when Weyerhauser VC is open, it tells the story of impact on the private land owner. They did rehab on lands they owned to plant and grow trees. Forest Service chose to interpret what happened. good mix.

LIke anywhere, there's usually "more to explore" if you have the time. In my research for our trip last summer, I found some caves around the south side that looked interesting, and there are trails that might have been nice to walk. In the end, I had to make choices. We pulled into the campground around 2 pm, unhitched, and drove up to the top, arriving at the Visitor Centre around 4 pm for the last hour before everything closed at 5 pm. I felt we had enough time to tour the visitor centre and enjoy the stunning view of the mountain. I could see people walking some trails and I might have done that if we'd had more time, but we didn't. Its always about choices.

The ferry only crosses once an hour. Here is the info:

http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/depts/pw/

You can easily see Mt St Helens in a day, in my opinion.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Where Nature Erupts

(360) 577-3137.

• [email protected]

The Mountain

Mount st. helen's is a peak that should be on every life list. and because it is an active volcano, it is best not to put it off for too long..

Hike Mt St Helens

Mt St Helens Map

www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/maps-pubs

Check the PERMIT SYSTEM for permitted climb dates.

All climbers must register and obtain a climbing permit.

Weather and Avalanche, Climbers should be prepared for extreme weather and rapidly changing climbing and weather conditions. Please update yourself with the latest avalanche and weather forecasts. Check Here for Weather and Avalanche conditions

Mt St Helen's Hike

The hike is hard, but requires no technical climbing skills. The trailhead is known as the Climbers’ Bivouac. The first 2.1 miles climbs 1000 feet through forests and open meadows to the Loowit Trail, which circuits the mountain. This section of trail is described in detail in WTA’s Hiking Guide as Ptarmigan Trail.

Continuing much past the Loowit Trail requires a climber’s permit (details below). This is where the trail ascends to Monitor Ridge, and the way gets more difficult from here. The next 2500 vertical feet is through boulder fields – and not any ordinary boulder fields. These rocks are dusted with an ash pumice than tends to shred the skin. You’d be wise to bring garden gloves for this section! It can also be windy, so bring layers and a jacket as well.

The last section of trail climbs about 1000 vertical feet through ash and small rocks to the crater rim. It’s described by many as “two steps forward and one step back.” Gaiters and long pants are a good choice here. And to get your mind off of the slow slog, be sure to take in the views! You are going upward and before you know it you will be standing on the summit.

The scene at the top is almost surreal – the huge crater with a dome growing rapidly in size each year and the state’s newest glacier forming a horseshoe around it. And the incredible views to Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier floating above the blue-green undulating hills surrounding them. Be sure to stay well-back from the rim while taking photos; this is a cornice and could easily break under your feet.

After enjoying the top, it is time to head down. Trekking poles are a big help for the knees. Depending upon the time of year, it is also possible to glissade down part of the mountain (but be cautious).

Climbing Mount St. Helens - Important information is available from the Mount St. Helens Institute

Mount St. Helens is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although people are able to climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season.

Climbers must have a permit. It is recommended that reservations be made well in advance. Reservations can be made online through the Mount St. Helens Institute

From April 1 through May 14, a permit is required.

From May 15 through October 31, a permit is required. Only 100 permits are issued per day.

From November 1 through March 31, a permit is required but there is no charge.

Climbers Bivouac can be accessed by taking State Route 503 from Interstate 5 at Woodland.

Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling over steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in seven to twelve hours.

All climbers are recommended to carry:

• Climbing Helmet or Hard Hat - Protect your head in the event of volcanic ballistics or rock fall.
• Dust Mask (N95 type) - Cover your mouth and nose in the event of ash fall or blowing dust. Dust Masks (N95 type) should be available from any large hardware store.
• Goggles or Sunglasses with Side Shields, Sunscreen - The Sun reflecting off of snow and ash is intense. Avoid contact lenses, as blowing ash and dust can be a problem. And don't forget a hat.
• Climbing Boots - Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots (lug soled, waterproof, with angle protection ¾ shank) and gaiters (waterproof to keep rain, snow, ice, ash and pumice out of boots).
• First Aid Kit - You may need to come to your own rescue, or help someone else. Be prepared!
• Knife - Handy for all kinds of purposes, especially the type with extra tools.
• Extra Food and Water - Bring at least two quarts of water per person. No water is available at Climbers Bivouac or on the climbing route. Carry plenty of food (high energy food recommended) to snack on all day. Reduce packaging to eliminate trash.
• Extra Clothing - A beautiful sunny morning can turn into a cold rainy afternoon. Plan ahead! Layered clothing including full rain gear, gloves and hat.
• Layering allows you to adjust your clothing to different exertion levels and weather.
• Emergency signal device · Emergency Shelter - Yes, you planned to be out on one very long day. Be prepared just in case that longer day turns into something much longer.
• Head lamp or Flashlight, extra batteries, and bulb - A necessity when the day is short and the trail is long.
• Be sure to tell a friend or relative where you are going and check in with them you return. Having someone that will notify authorities if you don't return can help get you the assistance you need when you need it most.
• Trekking poles (recommended), Waterproof matches, lighter or candles

Enjoy Endless Adventure on Day Hiking Trails

Mount St. Helens Ape Cave Lava Tube is a popular attraction in the Mount St. Helens National Monument and the longest lava tube in the continental United States at over two miles in length.

The Ape Caves are located on the south side of Mount St. Helens and accessed through Woodland - go up highway 503 past Cougar. Driving time from I-5 and highway 504 where all the Mount St. Helens Visitor Centers are to the Ape Cave is just over an hour. The Ape Caves are open year-round though the parking lot gets snowed in during the winter.

Ape Caves Map

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=40393

Driving Directions

From I-5 exit 21, travel north and east on State Route 503 (Lewis River Road). At 23 miles from the freeway, continue straight on Spur 503. At 31 miles, Spur 503 becomes Forest Road 90. Cross a bridge over a canal, then 2.6 miles later, turn left on FR 83. Travel 1.7 miles then turn left on FR 8303. Travel the final mile to the parking lot and Ape Headquarters Center. The parking lot has room for 50-60 vehicles, including bus and RV spots. There are vault toilets and garbage cans, but no drinking water. When it’s open, Ape Headquarters Center offers rental lanterns.

If the road is gated at the Trail of Two Forests junction (e.g. early in the season), you will have an additional half mile or so to walk, depending on how close you can park. A Sno-Park permit is required from December 1 through March 31, a Northwest Forest Parking Pass for the rest of the year.

An easy and popular hike perfect for family picnicking, the lake isn’t much, but the setting is peaceful and geologically intriguing. Formed by an old mudflow, June Lake is fed by a 70-foot waterfall tumbling off basalt cliffs from an old lava flow.

The other forest, known formerly as the Lava Cast Forest, encompasses three-dimensional imprints of trees in the old lava beds called lava casts. The boardwalk trail loops through the two forests, and is kid- and wheelchair-friendly.

During eruptive activity some 1900 years ago, fluid lava flowed through a stand of trees, burning them but leaving impressions where they stood or lay. This lava was quite different from the sticky type of lava that forms the dome in the crater of St. Helens today.

When you visit the Trail of Two Forests, please stay on the trail -- the mosses and surrounding features of the forest are fragile.

WTA Pro Tip: One attraction along the boardwalk is a ladder descending eight feet into a lava-cast tree mold. Hikers can crawl through the tree mold, an activity especially popular with youngsters. Flashlights and old, warm clothes are good preparation for the fun.

June Lake Map

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recreation/recarea/?recid=40377&actid=50

Drive east from I-5 on Highway 503 as it changes to Forest Road 90. Pass the town of Cougar, and just 1 mile beyond the Swift Dam (about 35 miles from your turn off I-5), make a left onto FR 83. Proceed two miles and turn left onto FR 8303. The trailhead is on the left, a half mile away.

Enjoy Endless List Day Hiking Trails

Lava canyon.

This trail begins with an amazing, ADA accessible, interpretive trail before proceeding down a steep rugged canyon to a one-of-a-kind swinging bridge.

There are three sections of the Lava Canyon Trail, each distinguished by increasing difficulty. From the parking lot the trail quickly descends into the canyon on a paved path with a gentle grade. The first section is perfect for everyone from youngsters new to hiking to those with stubborn knees. This section comes to an end at the waterfall viewpoint.

Below, the trail becomes more difficult as the route narrows and skirts along high cliffs. This segment forms a loop, which crosses over a 125-foot suspension bridge torn from the pages of a Hollywood movie script. On the bridge you will be treated to an amazing view of the canyon below and gushing water right under your feet. The sight can be unnerving, so watch your footing.

The trail eventually returns on the south side of the canyon, crossing a steel bridge upstream of the waterfalls and rejoins the paved trail. But before you get there you will need to drop farther into the canyon. If you are fearful of heights, this segment is not for you. After the bridge, the trail crosses an exposed face, followed by a water crossing, where a cable is present to assist hikers make the ford. A metal ladder then descends a vertical cliff providing access to the canyon’s thunderous waterfalls.

The trail soon intersects Ship Trail (the return route), which climbs to a viewpoint atop a lava formation that overlooks a long series of waterfalls in the lower canyon. A bit further, the canyon begins to broaden and flatten as it approaches a large alluvial fan spreading into the Smith Creek valley.

WTA Pro Tip: For more volcanic geology, check out the nearby Trail of Two Forests, the location where a series of lava tubes formed when a lava flow crawled through an old growth forest and cooled. When trees decayed, vertical columns were formed where the old-growth trees once stood.

Lava Canyon Map

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=41610

From I-5, take exit 21 and drive east on SR- 503 for 28 miles to Cougar. Continue east on FR-90 past the Swift Dam. Turn onto FR-83 and proceed 12 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.

Trail of Two Forests

This trail loops through two forests that stand side by side, but are separated in age by 2000 years. One forest is old-growth Douglas-fir and western red-cedar and the other is a young forest that was originally engulfed by lava flows from an eruption of Mount St. Helens over two millennia ago.

Trail of Two Forests Map

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=41631

Visit Mt. St. Helens

1900 7th Avenue Longview, WA 98632

• Facilities & Rentals
• Education Resources
• 1980 Eruption
• 2004 - 2008 Eruption
• Crater Glacier
• Past Eruptions
• Facts and Research
• Eruption Impacts and Return of Life
• Changing Landscape
• Guided Hikes and Programs
• Youth Volcano Camps
• Field Trips
• Community Events
• Teacher Workshops
• Indoor Facilities
• Reservations
• Volunteer at SLC
• Geology Lessons
• Biology Lessons
• Plan Your Field Trip
• Classroom Programs
• Useful Links

General Information

Thanks to our sponsor:

Fees, Regulations and Pet Policy

Your Fees Help Support the Monument

Interpretive services and facilities on the Westside of Mount St. Helens are supported by your purchase of a Monument Pass . Passes are $8 per adult (youth 15 and younger are free). Monument passes are required at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and adjacent trails and can be purchased at the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

On the Eastside and Southside of the monument, a National Forest Recreation Pass is required at designated sites. The cost is $5 per vehicle per day. Annual passes are $30. Passes are sold at Forest Service offices and at self-service pay stations around the monument.

Purchase Your Interagency Annual Pass at Mount St. Helens  and Help Support Your National Volcanic Monument

Fees from pass sales are used to provide the services and facilities you enjoy during your visit. An Interagency Annual Pass is available for $80 and has two signature lines. At per-person fee sites, it admits the pass holder and up to three additional visitors.

Interagency Annual, Senior, Military and Access Passes are available at monument and Forest Service offices. The passes are honored nationwide at Forest Service, National Park Service, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees.

Help Protect Mount St. Helens

In 1982, Congress established the 110,300 acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to preserve the amazing landscape created by the 1980 eruption and provide for scientific research, education and recreation.

• Stay on paved areas and designated hiking trails.

• Do not disturb or remove any natural feature.

• Collection of berries, mushrooms and firewood is prohibited.

• Do not feed the animals.

• Keep pets on a leash and in designated pet areas.

Take Care of Your Pet and Help Protect the Monument

To protect plant and animal life and provide for visitor safety, pets are prohibited at all recreation sites and trails within the monument’s restricted area (see yellow shaded are on map) . Pets are permitted only in designated pet areas and must be on a leash.

Lack of shade and summer heat can endanger pets left in cars.   For the safety and comfort of your pet, please arrange to leave your pet at home. Contact any Forest Service office for information on where it is safe and legal to bring your pet.

Thanks to Our Sponsor

The Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center is a collaborative effort of the Mount St. Helens Institute and the U.S. Forest Service, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Our mission is to connect people with nature through science, the arts and adventure recreation.

Love Exploring

15 Surprising Facts About The World's Most Visited Volcanoes

Posted: January 11, 2024 | Last updated: January 11, 2024

Dangerous beauties

Mount St Helens, Washington, USA

In the Cascade Range in Washington State, Mount St Helens is infamous for its 1980 eruption , in which 57 people lost their lives. It had previously been dormant for 123 years. The  Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument  was created to preserve the volcano and constantly monitor it for unusual seismic activity.

Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland

This rather tricky to pronounce volcano, in the south of the island, is particularly spectacular as it lies beneath a glacier of the same name. Eyjafjallajökull means ‘the island’s mountain glacier’ and, at its highest point, reaches 5,466 feet above sea level. It’s erupted at fairly regular intervals throughout history, including in AD 920, 1612 or 1613 and 1821-23.

The viewing deck at  Johnston Ridge Observatory  is the best place for a magnificent view of Mount St Helens’ crater, as well as the lava dome and the blast zone. The short eruption trail from here has information and eyewitness accounts from the fateful eruption on 18 May 1980.

Now take a look at the jaw-dropping places you can only see in photos

Eyjafjallajökull hit news headlines around the world in the first half of 2010 when a series of eruptions caused huge ash clouds that brought air traffic in Europe to a standstill. Although it’s too dangerous to walk on the ice cap that covers the caldera of the volcano, hikers can explore the rocky terrain on the 15-mile  Fimmvörðuháls ridge hike . Snaking between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, craters and lava flow formed by the 2010 eruption, it's equally intimidating and gorgeous.

Mount Vesuvius, Italy

The cone of Mount Vesuvius – Vesuvio in Italian – looms large over the city of Naples in southern Italy, with more than two million people living in its vicinity and on its lower slopes, where vineyards and orchards thrive because of the volcanic soil. The vast crater at its summit was formed during the last eruption in 1944 , and today it’s not a question of if the volcano will erupt again, but when.

The impact of the volcano is preserved in what’s perhaps the world’s most famous archaeological site, Pompeii . The once-prosperous Roman city, located at the southeastern base of Mount Vesuvius, was devastated by an eruption in AD 79 that rained down ash and volcanic rock. When the city was rediscovered nearly 2,000 years later everything, from buildings to plates of food, had been perfectly preserved. Pompeii can be visited for tours, as can the volcano’s crater.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Around 60 miles from Tokyo, Mount Fuji is Japan’s most iconic peak and some would say that its symmetrical snow-capped beauty is best appreciated from afar. It’s particularly pretty seen from Lake Ashi in Hakone or the city of Fujiyoshida, where the peak can be viewed from Chureito Pagoda. Fuji-san, as it’s known locally, is long overdue an eruption as the last time it happened was 1707.

Fuji is also the tallest peak in Japan at 12,388 feet and is considered one of the country’s three sacred mountains, with pilgrims following its trails for centuries. The official climbing season runs from July to mid-September, when the weather is relatively mild and people can follow trails to the summit, staying at one of the many mountain huts along the route. Japan’s official tourism website has a guide to visiting Fuji , including information on where to stay and when to go.

Taal Volcano, Philippines

The world’s smallest active volcano is famous for sitting in a lake within a volcano – the water-filled caldera was formed during a previous eruption. The still green water belies the fact that it’s a volatile area. Taal is the country's second most active volcano and its most recent big eruption in March 2022 spewed ashes over Calabarzon, Metro Manila and some parts of Central Luzon and Ilocos Region. This resulted in the suspension of school, work and flights in the area.

It’s part of Volcano Island on Lake Taal and is one of 47 craters there, with further vents and eruption points lurking beneath the water. Previously, outrigger canoes would ferry passengers from Talisay to Volcano Island, where they could follow dusty trails to the crater lake. However, since the previous eruption in 2020, visiting the volcano is  strictly prohibited .

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Cotopaxi is one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes, reaching a height of 19,393 feet. It’s famed for its near-symmetrical, snow-capped beauty and also for being an active and dangerous volcano with several major eruptions between 1744-1904. It loomed quietly in the Andes Mountains for around 75 years before erupting in late 2015 , with the summit then closed to climbers for two years.

The snow cone of Cotopaxi can be seen from as far away as Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, around 35 miles from the volcano. Mountain bikers can take the steep downhill from the base just below glacier level or bike the trails in Cotopaxi National Park, with the volcano providing a dramatic backdrop. The summit is also now open to climbers, though any ascent requires mountaineering equipment suitable for a glacier climb as well as plenty of time to acclimatize.

Kīlauea, Hawaii, USA

Kīlauea, on Hawaii’s Big Island, had been constantly erupting molten lava since 1983 until the eruption was finally declared to have ended on 5 December 2018, following 90 days of inactivity. The name Kīlauea means 'much spreading' or 'spewing' in Hawaiian – a reference to its frequent outpouring of lava that then flows into the ocean. Kīlauea is known as a shield volcano, meaning it has relatively low, gentle slopes formed by lava spreading far from the source.

The volcano and its bubbling lava fields, located within the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, can be seen from helicopter tours or explored independently by looping around the  Crater Rim Drive  and stopping at a number of signposted trails to viewpoints. The Kīlauea Overlook is the best place from which to admire the caldera, while Kīlauea Iki Overlook has views over a crater that, in 1959, was a lava lake spewing fountains up to 1,900 feet high.

Mount Teide, Tenerife, Spain

Mount Teide is one of Europe's most easily accessible volcanoes as it’s located on the island of Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. At 12,198 feet, Pico del Teide – as it’s known locally – is the highest point on Spanish soil. It’s part of Teide National Park , on the World Heritage List, and looms over an otherworldly landscape of craters and rivers of petrified lava.

To visit, you can obtain a free entry permit and take a cable car from the base station, whisking you up to the upper station. Once there, several trails lead to the peak. There was a seismic swarm – a series of mini earthquakes – in 2016 and 2017 and, though low level seismic activity is considered normal, some experts believe an eruption  could represent a significant threat .

Mount Pelée, Martinique

The name Pelée means ‘bald’ in French, though this velvet green volcano looks anything but when viewed from a distance. The volcano, on the Caribbean island of Martinique, also looks deceptively peaceful. An eruption in 1902 destroyed the port of Saint-Pierre, killing an estimated 30,000 people – 15% of the Martinique’s population at the time. Since the devastating event, the mountain’s name is used to describe the specific type of eruption.

Saint-Pierre was never fully rebuilt, though a few villages have sprung up in its place. Mount Pelée hasn’t erupted since 1932 but is still considered active . It’s the highest peak in Martinique at 4,583 feet, with several trails around the slopes and up to the top. On clear days, the views of the bay and its black volcanic sands are phenomenal.

Mount Yasur, Vanuatu

Mount Yasur is probably the best-known volcano in Vanuatu, the island archipelago nation in the South Pacific. This dramatic beauty is found on the equally beautiful Tanna Island, and must be one of the easiest volcanoes to summit: the trail from the car park only takes about 10 minutes on foot. However, to preserve the nature surrounding the volcano, travellers must enter via a visitor centre and take a bumpy ride through the jungle in a pick-up truck to reach the start of the trail.

Said to have been constantly bubbling and smoking for more than 800 years, even  attracting Captain James Cook with its glow , the summit can still be a dangerous place as the volcano is known for shooting burning debris high into the air. Legend has it that the man-god John Frum lives inside the mountain , where he is biding his time and waiting to be reborn.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia

The Indonesian province of East Java is known for volcanoes, located within the so-called ‘Ring of Fire’ – a seismically active belt infamous for earthquakes and eruptions. Mount Bromo isn't the tallest, at 7,641 feet. But its striking backdrop of the Tengger Massif, within  Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park , has made it one of the most famous – and most photographed. Bromo has particular significance for the Tengger people due to a legend that a brave prince sacrificed his life here for his family.

It’s particularly lovely at sunrise, when people often come to a vantage point on Mount Penanjakan to watch the first rays hit Bromo. There are also tours to get closer to the crater, by foot, bike or on horseback, though the volcano is considered active and last erupted in July 2019. Nearby Mount Semeru, Java’s highest mountain at 12,060 feet, erupted in December 2021 , killing at least 13 people.

Mount Etna, Italy

Reaching an elevation of 10,900 feet, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe . It’s also one of the most famous and most magnificent landmarks in Sicily, dominating the island's east coast. It has a significant footprint, covering an area of around 600 square miles, though its height and shape have regularly shifted due to eruptions. And, as it’s believed to have been active for around 2.6 million years, there have been many.

The most significant was in 1669, when a violent lava flow destroyed a dozen villages and covered the western part of Catania. There are three observatories located on its slopes and, perhaps of more interest to visitors, several wineries taking advantage of the rich and diverse soils in the lower zone. Etna is sometimes closed for safety reasons but, when it is considered safe to visit, you can hike or take a 20-minute cable car up the south side of the mountain.

Krakatau, Indonesia

Krakatau or Krakatoa, a group of volcanic islands between Java and Sumatra, has looked rather different through its long history . At one point the original volcano reached around 6,000 feet above sea level, growing into a cone-shaped mountain with layers of volcanic rock, cinder and ash. Sometime around the AD 5th century, the top collapsed and formed a caldera with four small volcanic islands. Its most famous eruption was in 1883, with explosions that could be heard in Australia – around 2,200 miles away.

Though the volcano was uninhabited, its collapse beneath the water triggered a series of tsunamis that killed around 36,000 people in nearby Java and Sumatra. It erupted from the seafloor in 1928, forming an island known as Anak Krakatau or ‘Child of Krakatoa’ (pictured), and sporadic activity since has seen the volcano grow once again to around 1,000 feet above sea level. The volcanic islands are part of Ujung Kulon National Park , and people can usually visit on tours.

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano seems to be everywhere when you’re traveling through Costa Rica’s lush lowlands. Situated within a national park , its perfectly symmetrical cone is a constant presence, visible from the area’s lava fields and forests, and even from many of the hotels here. The park is home to another volcano, Chato, whose collapsed crater is now a lagoon. Arenal, however, is the more dominant of the two at 5,357 feet tall – and is known as the country’s most active volcano.

Dormant for hundreds of years, Arenal erupted in 1968 , devastating nearby towns villages and killing 87 people. Between then and 2010 Arenal rumbled on, regularly spewing smoke, ash and lava, though it’s since said to be in a ‘resting phase’ . Visitors can follow trails around Arenal and to areas with clear views of the cone, though it’s not permitted to hike to the top.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro might well be the most famous on our list – though it’s not usually known as a volcano. It is, in fact, a stratovolcano , meaning a huge volcano that’s built up of ash, lava and rock. Africa’s tallest mountain and, looming at 19,340 feet, the largest in the world that isn’t part of a range, Kilimanjaro is made up of three cones including Kibo, which forms the summit.

Its highest point is also known as Uhuru, or ‘freedom’ in Swahili. And, while its fellow cones Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant – meaning it could possibly erupt again. It’s estimated that it last spewed out lava around 360,000 years ago so hiking on and attempting to summit the mountain continue to be hugely popular tourist activities. The mountain, together with the wildlife-rich forests that surround it, are protected as part of Kilimanjaro National Park .

Now discover the marvellous mountains you can climb in one day

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• Climbing Information
• Preparing for Your Climb

PREPARING FOR YOUR CLIMB

Mount St. Helens is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Though Mount St. Helens is accessible to climbing year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,328 feet elevation. Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling on steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in eight to twelve hours. While climbing to the crater rim is permitted, entry into the crater is strictly prohibited.

Wind, snow, rain, or sun - Mount St. Helens experiences all kinds of conditions and can vary widely week to week, find out the latest on the climbing route by visiting our Current Conditions page.

Climbing Permits are required for climbs between April 1 - October 31. Permits are sold through recreation.gov in March.

Who needs a permit and when? What parking pass do I need? How do I change my climbing permit? Are dogs allowed? Can I fly a drone? Get answers to these questions and more by visiting our FAQ page!

Familiarize yourself with the winter route, Worm Flows, out of Marble Mountain Sno-Park and the summer route, Monitor Ridge, out of Climber's Bivouac before you head out on your climb.

See our curated list of clothing and equipment recommended by MSHI guides, volunteers, and past participants.

Climbing Mount St. Helens requires physical and mental stamina. Train your body and your brain as you approach your climb.

Know before you go

Climbing an active volcano has associated risks. These include, but are not limited to; volcanic activity, weather hazards, avalanches, terrain traps, equipment failure, and human error. Before heading into the backcountry for any reason or any length of time, make sure to take the precautions necessary to ensure a safe return.

• Obtain a climbing permit  for your entire group. Make sure each member has a copy, printed or digital.
• Train appropriately . This will look different for each person, but do several hikes in the weeks ahead to prepare you for the 10-12 mi, 4,500-5,500 ft climb.
• Leave your itinerary , driving route, and estimated return time with someone you trust. Make sure they know what to do in case of an emergency.
• Headlamp, extra batteries
• Sun Protection
• Repair Kit and Tools
• Extra Water (3-4 L per person)
• Check the conditions . Never attempt to climb a mountain in hazardous conditions, i.e. thunderclouds, lightening storms, avalanche danger, etc. Remember that conditions can change on the mountain rapidly and sometimes unpredictably.
• Pack equipment that matches the conditions . This may include avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, ice axe, snowshoes, and/or crampons. For a detailed sample equipment list, click HERE . Know how to utilize and safely carry this equipment before you head into the backcountry.
• Sign in to the register at the trailhead before you start your climb.
• Be prepared in case of an emergency.  There is limited to no cell phone service on the roads leading to the climbing route or on the climbing route itself. Do not rely on your phone, and carry an alternative for emergency communication. Have enough supplies to last at least one night on the mountain.
• Notify your emergency person once you are off the mountain.

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