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Area Status: Open
The massive landslide and blast of the 1980 eruption traveled north and west from the mountain. Visitor centers and trails let visitors explore the rebirth.
 View From Johnston Ridge Observatory
This more remote side of the mountain illustrates the stark line between old growth forest and the Blast Zone. Provides the closest view of the crater accessible by car.
View from Norway Pass, overlooking Spirit Lake
Much of the south side forest was untouched in the 1980 eruption. This is the place for winter recreation, climbing and more.
Plains of Abraham overlooking Ape Canyon
This special area has 5,000' jagged peaks home to mountain goats, elk and a multitude of wildlife. You must obtain a permit to stay overnight in the Mount Margaret Backcountry.
Lakes Trail 211 overlooking Panhandle Lake in the Mount Margaret Backcountry
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: |
State Highway 504 gated for the winter at milepost 45, just past Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail. Johnston Ridge Observatory and the last 7 miles of Highway 504 will open May 16. For current Highway 504 or Forest Road 83 conditions, call Monument Headquarters at (360) 449-7800, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Be prepared for occasional winter driving conditions. Coldwater Science and Learning Center at milepost 43 open only to registered school groups and for special events until Nov. 3. Mount St. Helens Visitor Center on Highway 504 at milepost 5 open 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week except holidays. |
| Operational Hours: |
- Johnston Ridge Observatory on Highway 504 closed for the winter season.
- Pine Creek Information Station, Ape Headquarters and Cascade Peaks Interpretive Station on FR 99 closed for the winter.
- Coldwater Science and Learning Center open weekends only, 10 am to 4 pm. Located at milepost 43 on State Highway 504, exit 49 off of I-5.
- Mount St. Helens Visitor Center open seven days a week, 9 am to 4 pm. Located at milepost 5 on State Highway, exit 49 off of I-5.
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters office in Amboy, WA is open Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, except federal holidays. We do not have a view of the mountain, and are not a Visitor Center, but offer information, maps, permits and passes. Commercial Forest Product Permits (i.e. mushrooms, beargrass, salal, huckleberry) are sold at the Amboy office from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm.
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| Information Center: |
- Johnston Ridge Observatory on Highway 504 closed for the winter season.
- Pine Creek Information Station, Ape Headquarters and Cascade Peaks Interpretive Station on FR 99 closed for the winter.
- Coldwater Science and Learning Center open weekends only, 10 am to 4 pm. Located at milepost 43 on State Highway 504, exit 49 off of I-5.
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters office in Amboy, WA is open Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, except federal holidays. We do not have a view of the mountain, and are not a Visitor Center, but offer information, maps, permits and passes. Commercial Forest Product Permits (i.e. mushrooms, beargrass, salal, huckleberry) are sold at the Amboy office from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm.
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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.
