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You can learn about Mount St. Helens and enjoy several recreational activities at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in Washington.
Introduction to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens blew its top and destroyed 230 square miles of forest. The eruption left at least 57 dead and created a mudslide that reached 50 miles. Two years later, President Ronald Reagan established Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in order for the environment affected by the eruption to regenerate naturally.
The monument is the first of its kind and is managed by the US Forest Service. It’s included within the boundaries of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and there are many opportunities for education, hiking, and more. It also makes a good day trip from Seattle.
We decided not to do any trails on this visit because it was freezing and very windy, but we plan to visit the southern and eastern sections of the monument on our next visit. There are also a few trails that seem interesting.
Johnston Ridge Observatory
We only visited some attractions on the west side of the monument, starting at the Johnston Ridge Observatory (open mid-May through October). There, we attended a lecture by a ranger and watched a short film about Mount St. Helens before going through the exhibits. The observatory is named for David A. Johnston, a volcanologist who set up camp on the ridge and was killed by the blast. Admission is US$8 per person but is free with an interagency pass (as of February 2025).
The exhibits feature eyewitness accounts, photographs, the history of the volcano, and tell visitors about current monitoring technology. A scale model of the volcano shows the scale of the eruption with lights.
Eruption Trail
Outside the building, you can hike the Eruption Trail, a short interpretive trail that runs about ½ mile one-way. You can see firsthand the scale of the damage, with charred tree stumps along the trail and a panoramic view of the barren landscape.
The views of Mount St. Helens, only six miles away, are incredible. During our visit, there were some clouds covering the mountain but they cleared up at times, allowing us to see the crater and the dome that continues to build inside. Also along the trail is a memorial to all the victims who perished in the eruption, in plain view of the volcano.
Loowit Viewpoint
We stopped at a few viewpoints along our way out. The first was the Loowit Viewpoint, which has almost the same view as Johnston Ridge.
Castle Lake Overlook
Next was the Castle Lake Overlook, which provides views of Castle Lake. The lake was formed by the eruption after Castle Creek was blocked by debris. An interpretive panel tells how the US Army Corp of Engineers constructed a spillway to keep the lake from overflowing and causing a terrible flood.
Elk Rock Overlook
Finally, we stopped at Elk Rock Overlook, which is probably better without any cloud cover.
Where to Eat Near Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
There aren’t many options within shouting distance of the park, but we found a great one.
Fire Mountain Grill
Before leaving the area, we had a delicious lunch at the Fire Mountain Grill. This friendly restaurant is located on the Toutle River and is a great place to stop before or after visiting Johnston Ridge. Keep in mind it closes for the winter season.
I had a buffalo burger while Marisol had coconut shrimp. We finished it off with an amazing mountain berry cobbler.
