Alert: State Route 504 now open to Johnston Ridge Observatory

State Route 504 is now open all the way to Johnston Ridge Observatory starting today, May 3, 2023, thanks to Washington State Department of Transportation who was at work the past several weeks plowing snow, clearing downed trees, and removing debris from ditches and culverts!

ALERT: Though State Route 504 is open to the Observatory, access to hiking areas or viewing platforms in the area is very limited due to lingering snow.

Forest Service staff are working to break through piled up snow and ice along the walkway at Johnston Ridge & there may be areas that are blocked or coned off. Please respect our staff as we work hard to clear the area to hopefully open Johnston Ridge Observatory by May 15th.

Recreation trails at Johnston Ridge are on north facing slopes that will melt out slowly and most trails in the area are very difficult to access currently. The Boundary trail in most parts is still covered in compacted snow. In some places several inches deep. Harry’s Ridge trail is also very impacted by this snow.

There are no restroom facilities or services up at Johnston Ridge observatory currently. The only facilities available are porta potties at Coldwater Lake Day use area. (More good news: the septic pumps will be replaced, and the vandalized bathrooms will be repaired at Coldwater Lake this spring.)

Plan ahead and be prepared. When visiting please pack out everything you bring with you and help take care of your public lands.

Washington State Department of Transportation News Release: wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2023/its-time-year-sr-504-mount-st-helens-observatory-reopens-may-3