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 Recreation Report
Last Updated: August 19, 2008
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[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
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Johnston Ridge Observatory
Johnston Ridge Observatory is Open 7-days/week thru October.
Closed from November through mid-May.
Summer Hours: Open Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monument Passes are $8. Children 15 and under are free. Golden passes accepted for holders, their spouses, immediate children and parents only, and Interagency Passes accepted for holders plus three adults. This site is a per person site, not per vehicle.
The Johnston Ridge Observatory is the closest Visitor Center to the crater and provides an outstanding view of the current eruptive activity and new lava dome. A large-screen theater features a 16 minute movie describing the May 18, 1980 eruption and changes to the landscape around the volcano. The Johnston Ridge Observatory has interpretive displays, a bookstore and small deli kiosk near the parking lot. The center is fully handicapped accessible. Interpretive Naturalists provide scheduled talks both inside and outside the center. Check information "sandwich" boards at the center for scheduled topics, times and talk locations.
Tour groups are always welcome, please call ahead for information on group cost and any special needs.
School groups and field trips are welcome. We ask that you visit our Teacher's Corner website and please register in advance.
Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center - Closed
East & South Side Interpretive Programs Open Daily, late June Through Labor Day.
Ape Cave: OPEN YEAR ROUND Ape Cave continues to be open during the current eruptive activity at the volcano. You are invited to explore the 2 and 1/4 mile long lava tube on your own or take advantage of one of our 45-minute guided lantern walks offered six times daily from late June through Labor Day. Lanterns can be rented for $5.00 at Ape's Headquarters from June 27 through Labor day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Lanterns are due back by 5 p.m. each day.
Interpretive books and materials can also be purchased inside of Ape's Headquarters. It is recommended that you bring two sources of light to safely access the cave.
Temperatures in the cave are 42 degrees F and 6 degrees C year round, so dress warmly and bring sturdy foot wear. The above ground Trail #239 is marked with blue diamonds to safely follow the trail back to the parking lot from the upper exit of the cave. A $5 parking pass is required at this site and can be purchased at Ape's Headquarters or at a self-service fee station located near the parking lot. During the winter season, parking will be available at the Trail of Two Forests and will require a Sno-Park permit.
School groups and field trips are welcome. We ask that you visit our Teacher's Corner website and please register in advance.
Pine Creek Information Station - CLOSED
Windy Ridge Recreation Area & Forest Road 99: is currently OPEN to Bear Meadows. Foot and bicycle traffic only.
Lava Canyon Recreation Area & Forest Road 83 is open
Lava Canyon remains closed beyond the suspension bridge, it is open on the west side of the canyon to the suspension bridge. The Lahar Viewpoint and trailheads along the Forest Road 83 are open.
US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Tuesday, 13 January 2009 at 17:04:34 EST