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.
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