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Area Status: Open
One of the main roads into Mount St. Helens, State Route 504 provides spectacular views of the landscape, including the crater, blast zone, and Toutle River Valley. At the end of the road is Johnston Ridge Observatory, a popular visitor center that is open daily mid-May through October offering ranger talks, interactive exhibits, and award-winning films. Seven miles west of Johnston Ridge Observatory is the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, where groups participate in educational programming and visitors may get information on winter weekends, 10 am to 4 pm, starting in November.
As you drive up 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, and boat launch. Route 504 to Coldwater Lake is open through the winter. In summer, food service is available at Johnston Ridge Observatory while many options for food, lodging, and gas can be found along 504 west of Mount St. Helens.
Accessible Adventures Video
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: |
June, 2020: Highway 504 remains gated at milepost 45, just beyond Hummocks Trail and Coldwater Lake. Opening of the highway and Johnston Ridge Observatory have been delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. No opening date has been determined. Please see the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website for updates. |
| Operational Hours: |
- Highway 504 GATED & CLOSED at mile post 45, just beyond Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail.
- Coldwater Science and Learning Center closed.
- Opening of Johnston Ridge Observatory delayed.
- Please see Gifford Pinchot National Forest website for updates.
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| Restrictions: |
- Please leave your pet at home. Pets are allowed only in the parking lots and pet relief areas at Johnston Ridge Observatory and Coldwater Science and Learning Center, not on trails or in the buildings. There is no shade to park in, so vehicles get incredibly hot.
- A few trails allow dogs, but they must remain on the trail and on leash at all times. See Mount St. Helens Map. Please clean up after your pet.
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| Closest Towns: |
Toutle, WA, Castle Rock, WA |
| Restroom: |
Coldwater Lake Picnic Area, Johnston Ridge Observatory, Science and Learning Center at Coldwater |
| Passes: |
Coldwater Science and Learning Center and Forest Service recreation sites on Highway 504 are free, with the exception of Johnston Ridge Observatory. Admission to Johnston Ridge is $8 for adults, children 15 and younger free. America the Beautiful passes cover admission. ANNUAL Northwest Forest Pass covers one admission. |
| Information Center: |
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