Mt. St. Helen Tour: Small-Group Volcano Exploration
3.3
6 Ratings
Bellevue
Embark on a small-group tour to explore the majestic Mt. St. Helen. Discover the fascinating history and geology of this volcanic wonder while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Limited to 5 people per SUV.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- 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.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Transportation in small groups from 2 to 5 in SUV
- Pick-up and drop-off from selected places
Additional Information
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.
Location
Bellevue Transit Center
Northeast 6th Street
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
3.3
(6 Ratings)
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1 star
Nancytd901nr
Aug 22, 2023
Review of Mt St Helens - The tour was fantastic from the fresh French press coffee and muffins to the warm chocolate chip cookie at the end of the tour. Our guide Evan made the tour. He was very personable and knowledgeable. We had many laughs and gained a very detailed look into the events of May 18, 1980, the effects then and now. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monika_s
Apr 24, 2022
Exciting tour to Mount St. Helens - We were incredibly fortunate as the sky opened up completely when we arrived at Mount St. Helens. This was for sure because we had a weather man with us ;-) Our driver and guide Mike was great and we got a lot of information from him. He was also open for suggestions so we really had a great excursion to the area around St. Helens. Good vibes only ... The volcano itself is impressive as this vast mass movement due to the last explosion is carved into the landscape which literally breath taking.
Review provided by Viator
Sunanda_k
Jun 26, 2023
Mt. ST. Helens nice tour - The day was perfect sunny with blue sky. Dwight the tour guide was on time, knowledgeable and a good driver. I was alone but enjoyed meeting the other three passengers. Visit to both learning centers was very educational. I wish the Johnston ridge observatory was accessible and available .we Missed the best crater view . I would recommend the tour that includes it.
Review provided by Viator
Vanessa_m
Feb 13, 2022
The tour guide was nice... - The tour guide was nice but dealing with a third party tour operator and being charged double was not pleasant.
Review provided by Viator
Elliott_g
Feb 17, 2024
Didn’t get to go - Disappointing that I was not able to go due to the minimum 2 passenger requirement. It should show how many have already booked so you know if you will be depending on another person to book. You should also not take funds until the minimum number of passengers have booked. I am now out of pocket for 3-5 business days and I didn’t get to go anywhere. Also, it’s 2024, how does it take 3-5 days to process a refund?
Review provided by Viator
Brian_s
Jul 30, 2022
A bad experience that went well. - My tour was canceled without my notice. No text to say so or explanation by the touring company that you sub contracted to. The good part was the tour guide for another tour accompanied me.
Review provided by Viator
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