mount st. helens national volcanic monument

Lots to explore, trails of various lengths and difficulties...beautiful view of the great volcano especially when a clear sky...just beautiful! Just know that there is a fee to get into the Monument area. You can hike the lower hikes along road to the monument but to go up all the way, you will pay a per person fee...

One of the greatest places to visit on Earth. See one of the most active volcanos in the World. You can still see the effects of the massive 1980 eruption.

After reading a few of the reviews I think some clarification is needed. There are 3 entrances to this national monument: the entrance from the east, the entrance from the west and the entrance from the south which is where Amboy, WA is and the headquarters to this monument are located. Be aware there are several visitor centers littering the entrance from the west side. The entrance from the west ends at Johnston Ridge Observatory. There are no visitor centers on the east side but they were building something when I was there – not sure what it was going to be.I could not find on Tripadvisor where these three entrances are distinguished and I sort of think they should be given the amount of information there is regarding each entrance. I visited two entrances and it took two days! Also, they were as different as night and day or so I thought.FROM THE WESTI stayed in Ashford, WA and the first day I entered via the west entrance at Castle Rock off I-5. The map had it as a scenic drive the whole way so I wanted to start at the beginning but I disagree with the map. It was starting to get nice (IMO) around Toutle. On the way back, I took state route 505 and all country shortcuts and I thought it was fabulous! Anyway, it took 8 hours roundtrip with about 2 hours of stopping at all visitor centers for any kind of info and I had a quick lunch at the end of the road where Johnston Ridge Observatory is at. They had a lunch wagon outside and offered a large burger with chips for $8.50. That did not include drinks (but you can buy them here - I just brought my own). BTW, it is a good idea to bring your own drinks as you won’t find drinks at the visitor centers or at least I never saw any. There are a couple of gas stations around the beginning of the west entrance. It gets HOT here. And don’t forget the sunscreen. I got burned.The first visitor center at Silver Lake offered a lot in the way of information; then, it would be Johnston Ridge Observatory.There is a visitor center about mid-way and this had a paved walkway around the back overlooking the lava flow fields. These were great shots as you could see a long way in both directions. I highly recommend you stop here. Some stops along the way did not have a sign so I missed one and slammed on the brakes for another. Good thing no one was behind me, I would have missed a wonderful stop at Castle Lookout. It has a nice view of Castle Lake. Most stops have something unique to see like lava mounds or flows or lakes. Johnston Ridge Observatory is nice. There are a few exhibits and a 3D light up map board and all are free. The theater costs $8 but it is well worth it. You can hang around and view all 3 movies which are about 12-15 minutes each and they play back to back so no waiting an hour or 30 minutes until the next show.They also have a very small gift shop (of course) but I am into walking medallions and they had the very best ones here! I also liked the postcards best here as well.You can get great up close pictures of the crater blast site from here. There is also a trail leading all the way to Spirit Lake but it is a long hike so make sure you have sun screen and plenty of water. I think it was 1-2 miles one way. I suggest driving the east entrance to get great views of the lake!FROM THE EASTI had not intended on going back to this monument but I also did not feel like the idea of driving all the way to Portland so I convinced myself I needed to see the rest of the monument. I thought I would be able to get in both the east and south. Ha! I left again from Ashford around 8:00 am and did not get back until 3:00 pm. I would not have thought that because the drive to the monument is shorter and the road to the crater from the entrance is also much shorter (20 miles). However, the drive is slower because the speed limit is 25-35 for a LONG way and it is warranted. It is a very nice drive getting to the east entrance all the way from Ashford, WA.Gas and drink are your last chance in Randal, WA. It is another 20 miles to the east entrance from Randal. Restrooms are at the last three stops of the east entrance. About midway there is a gravel road off to the right and a ranger told me a spigot with running water was at the end but I never tried to find it as the road quickly turned into what looked like enough room for one car.This entrance BLEW me away. Yes, pun intended! I stopped so many times and for so long at each one. I literally stopped in the road not only to get a great picture but hardly anyone visits this side so no one was behind me for a long time. I don’t think people understand this is the best side of the two. Well, I am glad I did the west side. Put both together and I really have a great understanding of what happened here. The lava flow fields are on the west side but here at the east side, THOUSANDS of dead trees lay blown over the hillsides. On my short walks I saw huge uprooted trees with lava bits hanging in the roots. It was a clear day in August so wildflowers were abundant. Grass was everywhere and trees, some reforested, were everywhere. What a testament to Mother Nature. I could see Mt Hood in the distance, but it gets better.There are numerous stops along the way and the majority of those are only a short jaunt to no jaunt at all. The end is called WINDY POINT and this where a park ranger is and he collects $5 for the entrance…backward – right? LOL. BTW, CASH ONLY. He gives you a ticket to put in your window. Oh, and I never had to pay anyone for the west entrance but they got my money via goods.At this last stop you also get a closer view of the crater!Ok, pay the fee and walk way up those steps to Windy Ridge. Trust me it’s worth it – just take your time. At the top, you can see Johnston Ridge Observatory across the way, Spirit Lake where logs still float from the blast and the trail I was talking about starting at the observatory which leads to the lake, Mt Rainier, Mt Hood, Mt Adams and Loowit Falls under the crater’s mouth. I was AWESTRUCK. A couple of stops on the right hand side before Windy Ridge have wonderful views of Spirit Lake with logs.The Smith Creek Overlook stop which is right before the last stop has a view of Mt Hood and Mt Adams and the mountain range. You can find restrooms here. I am going to go as far and say I had just as good a time at this monument as I did at Mt Rainier, maybe better, which I did not expect. I will go back one day to see the south side where the lava caves are located and when I do, the east side is the one I will visit again.Another quick note: Cougar, WA is another 20 miles from the east entrance. As you head back to Randal a couple of miles down the road and to the right is a stop called IRON CREEK. Stop if you have time. Wonderful walk in the woods, about a half mile round trip, and it has a gorgeous waterfall at the end. People were swimming and relaxing and a dog was swimming around under the falls. It was a nice end to the day.If you find this review helpful at all, please send a helpful vote my way. It helps knowing if I bored you or helped you. Have a great trip!

Went there once, a tourist trap with buses, million cars...yikes...instead of going here take highway 12 east to Randle Washington, turn right on Kosmos rd...there will be a sign telling you to turn to get to Mt St. Helens/windy ridge. Follow the signs....You drive thru beautiful forrests and then when you turn a corner...BAM you can see where Mt St. Helens did her damage 34 years ago..even thou the land is trying to come back all the down trees and such are amazing....there are hiking trails that are awesome. When you get all the way up to windy ridge you can climb 200 million steps up to the top and get a million dollar view. I climbed the stairs and after coughing up a lung I was rewarded with a view that brings a tear to your eye. If you choose to remain in parking area there are wonderful vantage points and rangers in the summer time give presentations. There is NO SERVICES up there so gas up in Randle WA and pack a lunch and buy lunch in Randle. You wont be dissappointed with this side trip.

This place is an awesome testimony to nature's forces. This particular viewing area makes you feel like you are in the center of it all. It is worth the drive but be prepared to drive 30 + miles into the park. It is a beautiful drive. Great walking trails to explore the surrounding area. The visitor center is full of geat educational displays, presentations etc. For all ages. If you are visiting Mt. Rainer also plan on a minimum of two days.

Anyone who thinks they might be interested in geology ~must~ visit Mt Saint Helens . Of course most recall the events of 1980 when peaceful Mount Saint Helens exploded into American history. Visiting the area is astounding testimony to the power of Earth science at work. The visitor's center itself has some great films and exhibits to this fascinating mountain.

Very interesting place. A different feeling from those volcano in Hawaii. You see the power and destruction force of nature here.

This is a great attraction. You get a feel for the awesome power of nature and the facility, rangers, views, drive up, etc. are spectacular. Really enjoyable and educational and it's a good chance to get the kids out and moving. It's not, however, the highest priority on a short trip. I'd visit on a longer trip, but might skip it on a short trip. It's a full day activity and worth your time if you have the time to spare.

Our last visit to Mount St. Helens in the 90’s predated the Johnston Ridge Observatory and a recent visit to the area brought with it a desire to see just how things have changed in 20+ years. Other than the new (to us) observatory, which affords an even better view than the previous site, very much looks the same. Of course that’s to be expected when you cover a huge area with volcanic slurry that transformed the area into a virtual moonscape. There are certainly signs of life returning with pockets of vegetation here and there, but the devastation is unquestionable. Mother nature moves to her own timetable.The films and exhibits are worth viewing – both here and at the visitors Center just off of the Interstate. Park Rangers frequently give talks and presentations that are worth your time. Admission fees are nominal and worth every penny.Visiting the first time served as a personal reminder of the power of nature as well as our relative insignificance in the grand scheme of things as time marches on - our earth shifting, moving, and reforming itself relentlessly – nothing that man can create will stand in its way. Cool stuff indeed.

Absolutely breathtaking, we had no idea how wonderful this was going to be. A must-see if you're anywhere nearby. The park service has done a terrific job with the educational programs and maintaining the region. Skip the first few Visitor Centers and go straight to the final one at the Monument. Truly spectacular.

The Johnstone Ridge visitor's center is well done and well worth the 2+ hour drive off the highway. That is, unless you're afraid of heights. If you are, skip this attraction and just visit the center just off the highway. The bridges are scary. The drive itself affords spectacular views of the damaged areas. I suspect all of the areas where you can pull off and look would be amazing. The hikes look great. I wish I'd had more than an hour to visit. In the center itself, there is the usual shopping opportunity and clean bathrooms. But what I liked the best:-The stories of both the survivors and the victims are told in a moving way. The transcript of the short-wave radio operator's last report is spellbinding. -The views from the movie room are unbeatable. The movie itself is educational and well done.-The broken-off tree (yes, in the visitor center!) with the wooden spike driven through it shows quite effectively the power of the blast. Children will enjoy jumping on the special pad that measures seismic activity.

Although not a large park, I have never been to a bad national park. They all all so unique. It was very interesting. Be sure to stop at the forest service vistors center also, it was very informative. There are also trails that you can hike if you have the time.

What a great view of the crater, and the regional mountains - Rainer, Adams, Hood, and the rest of the 'smaller' Cascades. The destruction caused by the volcano 20+ years ago is still amazing to see.

It would be possible to spend several days here as it is so different from anything else. It is even much different from Volcano National Park in Hawaii. The video presentation is not to be missed; the same with the ranger talks. All are informative and interesting. There are several trails around the Johnston Ridge Observatory. To get an up close and personal feel about the area take one of the trails, even if only for a short distance.

This place is well worth the trip...just to learn what the power of nature can do. Even after all the years since the eruption you can still see the massive destruction. It is easy to determine your direction from the volcano by the lay of the downed trees. This place is amazing. Very well worth the visit.