Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument -

Attractions

East Side - Forest Roads 25 & 99

[Last Updated: January 14, 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

Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed for the season.
Attention Climbers: Winter access to south side climbing routes may be limited by road damage, snow or malfunctioning plow equipment. Check the current snopark conditions page for updated information on access to Cougar Snopark and Marble Mtn Snopark.

Winter Road Damage Limits Acccess to Windy Ridge on the East side of the Mount St. Helens NVM. (July 23, 2008)

Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station

Hours
Purchase Passes Here

The Ranger Station is located 1 mile east of Randle on Highway 12. Stop here for information on winter recreation activities and facilities in the Cowlitz Valley District and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Books and videos are available here through the Northwest Interpretive Association. For more information call (360) 497-1100.

Meta Lake Walks

Self-service pay station.

Stroll or roll to this emerald lake teeming with life and hear stories about plant and animal survivors and new arrivals. Meet at the Meta Lake Trailhead, junction of Forest Roads 26/99: allow 30 minutes.

Drinking water is available here. Look for a Forest Interpreter at this site at various times during the day. Program times are posted on the information board.

Harmony Falls Viewpoint

Hike one mile to the shore of Spirit Lake and see the effects of the 1980 eruption and marvel at the recovery.

Cascade Peaks

Purchase Passes Here.

Update August 28, 2007: The Mount St. Helens Concessions at Cascade Peaks viewpoint offers, food, drinks, recreation passes, and a gift shop. This site will close for the season at the end of the day on September 3, 2007.

Shop services are available at this site from approximately late June through September.

Blast Edge Viewpoint

Stop and marvel at the standing dead trees that mark the edge of the blast zone, 6.5 miles west of 25/99 junction.

Look for a Forest Interpreter at this site at various times during the day. Program times are posted on the information board.

Windy Ridge Talks

Self-service pay station.

Learn about the eruption that challenged the imagination of volcano watchers.

Join a Forest Interpreter at the Windy Ridge outdoor amphitheater and relive the incredible power unleashed on May 18, 1980. Forest Road 99; allow 25 minutes for the program.