Mount St. Helens West: State Highway 504
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. |
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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: |
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General Information
Accessibility:Accessible Adventures Video
Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- Johnston Ridge Observatory
- Site: Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Area
- Trail #246 Birth of a Lake
- Trail #1: Boundary- Hummocks to Johnston Ridge
- Trail #1E Harry's Ridge
- Trail #201 Eruption
- Trail #207 Truman (Willow Springs #207A)
- Trail #211 Lakes
- Trail #216G Castle Ridge/Trail #221 Castle Lake
- Trail #229 Hummocks
- Trail #230A South Coldwater
- Trailhead: South Coldwater
- Trail #232 Winds of Change
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:- Trail #1: Boundary- Truman #207 to Norway Pass
- Trail #207 Truman (Willow Springs #207A)
- Trail #230 Coldwater
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:- Castle Lake Viewpoint Observation Site
- Johnston Ridge Observatory
- Loowit Viewpoint
- Viewpoint: Elk Rock
Visitor Programs
Recreation areas with activity Visitor Programs:Interpretive Areas
Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:- Johnston Ridge Observatory
- Science and Learning Center at Coldwater
- Site: Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Area
- Viewpoint: Elk Rock