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Site Temporarily Closed
The site will close for the winter beginning Friday, October 17th. Forest Road 99 will remain open until December 1, though visitors may encounter snow and ice.

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: Mt. St. Helens East Side Attractions 

General Information

July-October

Day use only; no overnight camping allowed

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

Recreation Passes honored: Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes. 

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 Headquarters

Contact Phone: 360-449-7800

Mount St Helens district Office building with a green lawn in front and pathway leading to the entrance.

Address: 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd. Amboy, WA 98601
Phone: (360) 449-7800
Hours: Mon, Wed & Fri: 9am - 4:00pm (closed for lunch: 12:00 - 1pm); CLOSED: Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun. (Closed on federal holidays)

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.

Travel Considerations

Forest Road 99 is paved but rough and narrow in places. Use caution. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault toilet(s)

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated October 16, 2025