Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Mount St. Helens West: State Highway 504
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. 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 December.
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: | 06/06/2022: State Route 504 is open to Johnston Ridge Observatory. Plan ahead, there is no gas or food available beyond Castle Rock on 504 and Toledo on 505. *Note: There is a food cart in the parking lot at Johnston Ridge during the summer season. |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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: |
|
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:- Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Site
- Trail #246 Birth of a Lake
- Johnston Ridge Observatory
- 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:- Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Site
- Johnston Ridge Observatory
- Science and Learning Center at Coldwater
- Viewpoint: Elk Rock
Visitor Centers
Recreation areas with activity Visitor Centers:Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:Group Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:
Location
