From I-5, drive into the heart of the blast zone. Spectacular crater views, visitor centers, picnic areas and hikes await. Most of the road is plowed in winter.
This summer and fall route offers views of the crater and Spirit Lake, interpretive sites, and easy or rugged hiking. Join an interpretive talk at Windy Ridge Viewpoint in summer.
Rugged, steep trails and amazing landscapes typify the Mt. Margaret Backcountry. Permits required for overnight camping.
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
State Route 504 gated at mile marker 45, just past Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail.
Forest Road 83 gated just past Marble Mountain Sno-Park.
Forest Road 830 to Climber's Bivouac closed.
Forest Road 81 open but impassible due to snow.
Forest Road 99 to Windy Ridge gated just past Wakepish Sno-Park.
Forest Road 25 impassible due to snow.
Operational Hours:
Johnston Ridge Observatory 2020 opening delayed due to the Covid 19 "Stay Home-Stay Heatlth" Executive Order. Highway 504 remains gated just past Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail. Be aware the last gas stations on Highway 504 are in Toutle, WA and on Highway 505, are in Toledo, WA.
Coldwater Science & Learning Center closed until further notice due to the Covid 19 health and safety measures.
Ape Headquarters closed. Ape Cave temporarily closed.
Pine Creek Info Station closed until summer 2020.
Cascade Peaks Information Station (Forest Road 99) closed.
Mount St. Helens Monument Administrative Headquarters in Amboy, WA closed until further notice due to the Covid 19 health and safety measures.
Johnston Ridge Observatory: $8 for adults or America the Beautiful Pass. An ANNUAL Northwest Forest Pass will admit one adult.
Permit Info:
Washington State Sno-Park Permits required at Trail of Two Forests, Cougar and Marble Mountain Sno-Park Dec. 1 through March 31. Permits are NOT available on-site. Purchase on-line or find a vendor.
Climb and explore one of the best lunch spots in the Northwest, but, you will have to work for it! A 4 to 6 hour climb up will reward you with spectacular panoramic views from the rim of Mount St. Helens. On a clear day you can see Spirit Lake, the crater, Mount Rainer, Mount Adams and Mount Hood.
All hunting in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please contact Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for Washington hunting seasons, permit and regulation information.
SHOW
Climb and explore one of the best lunch spots in the Northwest, but, you will have to work for it! A 4 to 6 hour climb up will reward you with spectacular panoramic views from the rim of Mount St. Helens. On a clear day you can see Spirit Lake, the crater, Mount Rainer, Mount Adams and Mount Hood.
