Mount St. Helens West: State Highway 504

Area Status: Open

One of the main roads into Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, State Route 504 provides spectacular views of the landscape, including the crater, blast zone, and Toutle River Valley.

ALERT: Due to a significant landslide in May of 2023 State Route 504 is currently closed past the Mount St Helens Science & Learning Center at Coldwater at milepost 45.2. The Johnston Ridge Observatory, a popular visitor center at the end of State Route 504, is closed through 2027 while road and bridge repairs are underway. An alternative visitor center known as the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater is open Friday through Sunday in the winter, until closing sometime in December until next spring. The Science and Learning Center still has main views of the crater and a video of the Mount St. Helens eruption, in addition to Interpretive staff providing historical and recreational information about Mount St. Helens.

Sites to visit along State Route 504

Seven miles west of Johnston Ridge Observatory is the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater which is open to visitors 10 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week in the summer and on weekends in the winter.

As you drive up State Route 504, consider stopping at one of the highway viewpoints: Elk Rock Viewpoint, Castle Lake Viewpoint, and Loowit Viewpoint. These pull-outs offer benches, trails, gorgeous views, and are open most of the year.

Route 504 also provides visitors with access to a number of trails, such as the Hummocks Trail where you walk alongside pieces of the mountain, or begin your backpacking trip to spot elk and mountain goats in the majestic Mount Margaret Backcountry. A pleasant summer stop is at Coldwater Lake, with its accessible boardwalk stroll, picnic area, access to the Lakes Trail, and boat launch. South Coldwater Trailhead, just beyond the Hummocks Trailhead provides hiking access to the South Coldwater Trail.

Visitor Information: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters, (360) 449-7800

Visitor Centers Currently Open:

Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center at Coldwater (360) 274-2131
Forest Learning Center (Weyerhaeuser. Open May 18-Oct 1, 2023)\
Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake (360) 274-0962

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	11/26/2024: Both lanes of State Route 504 remain closed due to a significant landslide in the vicinity of Coldwater Lake near milepost 51. Access to Johnston Ridge Observatory is estimated to be restored sometime in 2027. The road is currently closed at the seasonal closure gate by Hummocks Trail. An alternative visitor center is the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater which is open Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm until December when they close until next season. The gates at the parking lot will be locked at 4 daily to accommodate overnight field trips. Updates will be made as soon as they are available. Contact Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument for more information. 360-449-7800 and press option 0 to reach the front desk.
Operational Hours:	Access on Highway 504 inside the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (east of Elk Rock Viewpoint) is limited to daylight hours.
Fees:	Admission to Johnston Ridge Observatory is $8 per adult, 16 and older. America the Beautiful Passes are accepted.
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Best Season:	Late through Early Fall
Busiest Season:	Summer
Restrictions:	Pets are not allowed at Johnston Ridge Observatory and plaza. There is no shade to park in, so vehicles get incredibly hot! Please leave your pet at home if you plan to enter the Visitor Center.
Closest Towns:	Toutle, WA, Castle Rock, WA
Restroom:	Coldwater Lake & Johnston Ridge
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Science and Learning Center at Coldwater (360) 274-2131 Johnston Ridge Observatory (360) 274-2140 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers