Mount Saint Helens

Mount Saint Helens

Mount Saint Helens is an active volcano located near the Washington State and Oregon border, just off Interstate 5.  Its last major eruption was on the morning of May 18 in 1980, causing the north face of the mountain to collapse and creating the largest landslide on record.   The resulting debris raced down the mountain at speeds of 80-miles per hour and destroyed everything in its path.  Day turned to night as the landscape was enveloped in a thick black cloud, emanating intense heat and unleashing hurricane force winds that uprooted 230 square miles of forest.

Getting there

Always check road conditions before leaving, as the road to Mt Mount Saint Helens is seasonally closed.  To get to Mt St Helens, take Exit 49 on Interstate 5 and travel east along SR-504.  The 51-mile drive along SR-504 includes visitor centers and scenic viewpoints, and ends at the Johnson Ridge Observatory (the closest point to Mt Saint Helens).  Highlights along the way include:

1. Forest Learning Center
2. Elk Rock, Castle Lake and Loowit Viewpoints
3. Johnston Ridge Observatory

The drive along SR-504 starts at the town of Castle Rock, and passes along a picturesque stretch of highway.  The first stop is charming Patty’s Place restaurant (milepost 19) with superb views of the Toutle River from a cliff-side patio where you can enjoy delicious fruit cobblers and homemade strawberry lemonade.     

The Fire Mountain Grill at Hoffstadt Bluffs (milepost 27) is another dining option, with breathtaking views of Mt Saint Helens and the Toutle River Valley.  Bookings can also be made at the gift shop for scenic helicopter flights over Mt Saint Helens.

The Forest Learning Center (milepost 33) is next and offers free exhibits and a captivating short film with awe inspiring original footage from the eruption.  The outside viewing platform provides a bird’s eye view of the reformed channel carved by the Toutle River after the eruption.  The Center is only open from mid-May thru early September (call 360 414 3439 for opening times).  

The road becomes increasingly spectacular as you continue your ascent, and at 3,800 feet you will reach Elk View Point with expansive views of the stark blast zone around Mt St Helens.   Castle Lake View Point is next, offering a glimpse of Castle Lake, formed after debris from the eruption blocked Castle Creek to create a natural dam.

Over the next few miles the road descends back down into the valley and travels along the river.  It then commences another dramatic ascent to lovely Loowit Viewpoint, where the slopes are carpeted in a dazzling array of red and purple wildflowers in summertime.

The final stretch of the highway is to Johnson Ridge Observatory (open mid May to end September – call 360 274 2149 to check opening times).  For a small fee visitors can tour the exhibits in the Observatory and view another excellent movie on the 1980 Mt St Helens eruption.  The main viewing platform offers unsurpassed view of Mt Saint Helen’s crater from a distance of only 5-miles away.  The surrounding landscape provides a sobering reminder of the blast impact where dead trees were scattered like match-sticks on the barren slopes.  

On your way back down the mountain, consider spending some time at Coldwater Lake, formed at the same time as Castle Lake.  There is an easy ¼ mile walk along the lake with numerous viewing platforms and a boardwalk.   If you visit the lake, don't forget to take your insect repellent.

Accommodation at Mt Saint Helens

There are limited lodging options along SR-504, but these include:

• Eco Park Resort – Cabins, RV, Camping, Yurts, Café, Gift shop
• Blue Heron Inn – guest rooms, B&B

It’s also recommended you stay at any of these great cities or towns in the area:

• Portland 1-hour south of Castle Rock
• Seattle 2-hours north of Castle Rock
• Hood River Township  2-hours SE of Castle Rock
• Long Beach 1 hour 40 minutes west of Castle Rock