Gifford Pinchot National Forest

	USDA Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest
For Immediate Release: October 23, 2008
Contact: Chris Strebig (360) 891-5005 or Peter Frenzen (360) 449-7835

Johnston Ridge Observatory at Mount St. Helens to Close for the Season on November 9

AMBOY, WA – The Johnston Ridge Observatory will close for the winter season at the end of the day on Sunday, November 9. The observatory will reopen in mid-May 2009 for the 2009 visitor season (opening date will be dependent on weather and snow levels).

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake (five miles east of Interstate 5 on State Route 504) will remain open this winter. The center, operated by Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, will be closed on State and Federal holidays including Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For additional information and winter hours visit www.parks.wa.gov/mountsthelens.asp or call the center at (360) 274-0962.

Viewpoints and trails on the northwest side of Mount St. Helens will remain open but winter visitors will need to come prepared for winter conditions and no visitor center services. The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to maintain State Route 504 for winter travel to Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail as weather conditions and available equipment permit. Winter visitors need to be aware that road conditions can change quickly due to blowing snow and that the road will be closed by winter storms. For the latest information on State Route 504 and other Washington State Highways visit WSDOT’s web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/Southwest/. Motorists can receive updates by calling 511.

Ape Cave and Marble Mountain Sno-Park will remain accessible throughout the winter season through the Washington State Sno-Park program. Ape Cave visitors need to bring their own light sources as lantern rentals and interpretive programs have concluded for the summer season. Forest Roads 99 and 26 northeast of Mount St. Helens are currently closed to all uses (including foot and bicycle traffic) for road repairs. Repairs are being conducted this fall so that the roads can reopen as soon as possible following snowmelt next season.

For more information about Mount St. Helens Sno-Parks and other winter opportunities please visit the monument website at www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm or call 360-449-7800.

###

US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Thursday, 23 October 2008 at 15:33:49 EDT