- Mount St. Helens Visitor Center - The stop includes an approximate 3 hours driving time from pick up locations:
Large, step-in model of the volcano
Life-size mannequins
Functioning seismograph and live feed of current Mount St. Helens volcano seismicity
Chronological timeline of events leading up to the volcanic blast on May 18, 1980
Theater program offered twice an hour; at :05 and :35 after.
Outdoors, visitors can explore Silver Lake along the 0.6 mile-long trail, including boardwalks over the wetland where a variety of aquatic plants and migratory waterfowl can be viewed at different times of the year.
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Coldwater Lake - On your way to or from the Johnston Ridge Observatory take a side-trip to Coldwater Lake formed by an avalanche during the volcanoâs eruption. The lake is just a short distance off the highway. Youâll find a parking area with paths to the lake; restroom, boat launch (electric motors only) and trails (donât throw away that wrist-band!). You will need them as proof that youâve paid to visit or hike the trails inside the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument. There are also hiking trails around Coldwater Lake
Coldwater Lake provides a tranquil ending to a long and scenic experience through a landscape that must be seen to believe. - Johnston Ridge Observatory - The Johnston Ridge Observatory is open seasonally and is located on Johnston Ridge in the center of the 1980 blast zone approximately 8 km (5 mi) north of the Mount St. Helens summit. The Ridge was named in honor of David Johnston, the USGS volcanologist who was on duty at the USGS Coldwater II observation point during the May 18, 1980 eruption. He was one of 57 people who lost their lives in the eruption. The Observatory building houses seismic, deformation, and other monitoring equipment that relays data to the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory for analysis.
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Eruption Trail - After this stop , we will head back - 3 hours drive time to drop off locations
A barrier-free, paved hike of less than one mile from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The trail includes interpretive kiosks and 360 views of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding blast zone.
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Transportation in small groups from 2 to 5 in SUV
- Pick-up and drop-off from selected places
This location was previously a top-notch camping spot, characterized by a cone similar to Mt. Fuji and an untouched forest. The mountain, which used to be 9,665 feet high, now stands at 8,365 feet high and is among a series of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range.
Explore the history and stories of the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens. Get a detailed look at the volcano and its geological features while learning intriguing facts about its past and present amidst a beautiful natural setting.
The journey will accommodate a maximum of 5 participants per SUV.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.