Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

General Visitor Information

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Where to Start

A good place to begin your visit is at one of the Monument's visitor centers or information stations. Interpretive staff are available to answer your questions and help you plan your visit. Ask about the schedule of interpretive walks, talks and theater presentations that share the geologic, biologic, and cultural history of the area.

Explore Three Unique Areas of Mount St. Helens

West Side - Visitor centers on State Highway 504 reveal tremendous views of Mount St. Helens, including the crater, lava dome, and blast zone. Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center, and Johnston Ridge Observatory are open daily during the summer months. Interpretive talks, walks, and theater programs are offered at each site. Food service is available at Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center. Lodging, gas, and other services are located in nearby communities.

East Side - Forest Roads 25 and 99 provide access to the vast blown down forest and views of the legendary Spirit Lake, and are usually open from Memorial Day until snow blocks the roads. Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station is open to visitors daily during the summer season. On Forest Road 99 interpretive talks and walks bring the landscape to life for visitors and can be enjoyed at the numerous view points. Food services and gifts are available at Cascades Peaks Viewpoint. Lodging, gas, and other services are offered in nearby communities.

South Side - Forest Road 83 passes through lava flows and mudflows from earlier eruptions and provides access to the Climber's Bivouac. State Highway 503 is open year round, while Forest Roads 83 and 90 are usually open from Memorial Day until snow blocks roads. Guided lantern walks are conducted daily at Ape Cave. Food, lodging, gas and other services are available in nearby communities.

Seasons

Most viewpoints on the Monument's north, east, and south sides can be reached from Memorial Day until snow closes the roads, usually in late October. Trails are generally open from June through October, although some lower elevation trails can be hiked all year.

Winter can be a beautiful time to visit Mount St. Helens. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center (Highway 504 milepost 5) now operated by Washington State Parks is open during the winter, except winter holidays.  Coldwater Ridge Vistor Center will be closed permenantly after November 5, 2007.  The Sno-Parks at Marble Mountain, Cougar, and Wakepish provide winter access for cross- country skiers and snowmobilers. Washington and Oregon Sno-Park permits are required to park your vehicle at a Sno-Park.

Traveling With Pets

Services & Accommodations

US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Thursday, 18 October 2007 at 17:39:19 EDT