Bear Meadow Interpretive Site

On May 18, 1980, Gary Rosenquist was camped at this site and took a series of photos capturing the first few moments of the landslide and eruption, barely escaping with his life. The site offers a volcano view, interpretive information and accessible picnic area and restroom. Boundary Trail #1 may be accessed from here.

Accessible Adventures Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1O75HK2TOs

Current Conditions

WINTER CONDITIONS: Forest Road 99 is closed for the winter. Due to a landslide on Forest Road 25, Forest Road 99 are inaccessible from Cougar.

General Information

July-October

Day use only; no overnight camping allowed

Northwest Forest and America the Beautiful passes accepted.

No overnight camping allowed on Forest Road 99 inside the National Volcanic Monument.

Day Use: $5/vehicle/day.
Northwest Forest Passes are Honored: $30/annual.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev2_027010
Interagency Recreation Passes are Honored.
store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.

Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters

Contact Phone: 360-449-7800

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 46.31384

Longitude: -122.035054

Directions

From State Highway 12 in Randle WA, take WA-131S south for 2.8 miles to Forest Road 25. Continue on Forest Road 25 for another 24.3 miles to the junction with Forest Road 99. Turn right onto Forest Road 99 towards Windy Ridge. Bear Meadows will on your left approximately 2.2 miles up Forest Road 99.

From Cougar WA take Lewis River Road east for 2.8 miles. The road then changes to Forest Road 90. Continue on Forest Road 90 for 16 miles and stay to the left on Forest Road 25, pass the Pine Creek Information Center. Drive Forest Road 25 for 25 miles and turn left at the junction of Forest Road 25 and Forest Road 99. Bear Meadows will be on your left approximately 2.2 miles up Forest Road 99.