Windy Ridge Interpretive Site
⚠️ Important Alert: The roof of the restrooms is collapsing, and the building will be closed until replaced in 2026. Restrooms at Smith Creek Overlook are open (less than 1 mile away).
Located just five miles from Mount St. Helens, Windy Ridge Interpretive Site provides a close-up view of the volcano's crater and a breathtaking panorama of a landscape radically changed during the 1980 eruption and landslide.
Below you lies Spirit Lake, with its floating log mat of huge trees swept into it during the eruption. Beyond, view a plain of pumice and ash and denuded hills, still fairly barren but greening with vegetation. Climb a 368-step sand ladder for a higher view. Read interpretive signs to learn about the events and people of the eruption. During summer, join an interpretive program presented at the site's amphitheater. The site is accessible and memorable for all.
Windy Ridge Interpretive Site provides access to Truman Trail #207 (Willow Springs #207A).
Video: Accessible Adventures: Mt. St. Helens East Side Attractions
Active Alerts
General Information
See alerts: Huffaker Bridge Replacement Information and Forest Road 25
Day use only; no overnight camping allowed
Recreation Passes honored: Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes.
- Off trail travel prohibited.
- Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
- No stock.
- Day-use only.
- Bicycles are prohibited within the restricted area.
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
Day use fee payment options: Cash, Check, Scan & Pay or a valid Recreation Pass. *Suggestion: Download the recreation.gov app before your trip to have the ability to scan & pay digitally on-site.
Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Contact Phone: 360-449-7800
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.249721
Longitude: -122.135636
Directions
From Randle, WA travel south on State Route (SR) 131 until the road forks (1 mile). Stay to the right on State Route 131 which becomes Forest Road 25. Travel south on Forest Road 25 for 19 miles to Forest Road 99. Turn right on Forest Road 99 and drive 16 miles until it terminates at Windy Ridge.
Alert: Forest Roads in this area are winding and many have surface debris and steep drop-offs on either side. Always drive with caution, drive defensively, and expect wildlife. Motorcyclists should be especially careful.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
⚠️ Important Alert: The roof of the restrooms is collapsing, and the building will be closed indefinitely until repairs can be made. Restrooms at Smith Creek Overlook are open (less than 1 mile away).
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
