Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Forest Headquarters Cowlitz Valley Mt. Adams Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Monument Headquarters Johnston Ridge Observatory Mount St. Helens
TTY: Phone for the Deaf
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Current Conditions
Mount St. Helens Winter Safety
Last Updated: January 09, 2009
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[Last Updated: January 09, 2009] For updates on 2009 storm damage click here. Some roads on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest remain closed due to road damage. Please check our current conditions reports or call the local Forest Service office for updates. Fall / Winter Advisory: Most forest roads are not maintained for winter travel so it is important to use extra caution, carry and use approved traction devices and carry recommended safety equipment. Tell a friend or loved-one about where you are going so they can confirm your safe return or notify authorities should you need assistance. Mount St. Helens
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State Route 504
(Western Access Route to Mount St. Helens)
01/09/2009: On the west side of Mount St. Helens, at this time State Route 504 remains open east to mile post 35. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed for the winter. Travelers on State Route 504 should watch out for ice in shaded areas and on bridges as well as for wildlife.
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.
Volcano visitors need to be aware that road conditions can change quickly due to blowing
snow and that the road may be closed by winter storms.
Washington DOT has installed an information reader board on SR 504 just east of
exit #49 at Castle Rock, WA. Look for road information on this board.
Check the weather forecast for the Mount St. Helens area before heading out.
Winter travel safety tips:
- Watch out for Wildlife that maybe be unaccustomed to traffic on the road.
- Winter Travel Ice and Snow - Take it slow!
- Winter Driving - Emergency Car Kit
Johnston Ridge Observatory
CLOSED FOR THE WINTER (November 09, 2008 through May 2009)
Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center
Forest Road 99 to Windy Ridge
Forest Service Road 99, to the Windy Ridge Viewpoint on the east side of Mount St. Helens, remains closed at the Bear Meadows Viewpoint, the road will close for the winter at the Wakepish Sno-Park as snow accumulates.
Images from last winter.
 SR
504 January 2008 |
SR 504 January 2008 |
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Elk crossing SR 504 |
Plowing near visitor center. |
Mount St. Helens winter scene |
US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Friday, 09 January 2009 at 15:49:38 EST