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 to Johnston Ridge Observatory gated for the winter at milepost 45 past Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail. Forest Road (FR) 83 gated at Marble Mountain Sno-Park for the winter. FR 81 gated on the west side just past Kalama Horse Camp, and on the east side at Cougar Sno-Park. FR 99 gated just past Wakepish Sno-Park. FR 25 gated on the north at the 25/99 junction and on the south 4 miles north of the 25/90 junction. Be prepared for possible snow and ice at higher elevations.
Operational Hours:
Coldwater Science & Learning Center open weekends only, 10 am to 4 pm.
Johnston Ridge Observatory on State Route 504 closed for the winter season. Road gated at milepost 45.2, just past the Hummocks Trail for the season.
Ape Headquarters: Closed for the season. Ape Cave open year-round.
Pine Creek Info Station and Cascade Peaks Information Station (Forest Road 99) closed for the season.
Mount St. Helens Monument office in Amboy is open Mon- Fri., 8am- 4pm, closed federal holidays. We do not have a view of the mountain and are not a Visitor Center, but offer info, maps, permits and passes. Commercial Forest Product Permits (i.e. mushrooms, bear grass, salal) are sold at the Amboy office from 8:00am- 3:30pm.
Activities
Bicycling
SHOW
Mountain Biking
Areas for Mountain Biking at Mount St. Helens area
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.
