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Forest Road 99
This 16-mile, winding road leads you from forests into the heart of the blast zone. Ten interpretive sites provide views of the volcano and interpretive information. The final site, Windy Ridge Viewpoint, offers a sweeping vista of the crater, Spirit Lake and landscape blasted by the 1980 eruption.
This drive is extremely popular, so expect visitors. The road is difficult to maintain, so repairs and gravel stretches are common. Elevation is between 3,500 and 4,000 feet. See Mount St. Helens Map.
Forest Road 99 is split between two different ranger districts within Gifford Pinchot National Forest. For current conditions NORTH of Bear Meadow Trailhead and Interpreative Site, contact Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. For current conditions SOUTH of Bear Meadows Trailhead and Interpreative site, contact Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | (11/25/2024): Due to nearly 2 feet of snow acccumulation reported at the Junction of FS 25 and FS 99, the Seasonal Gate to FS Road 99 will close Monday morning, November 25, 2024. Per the Motor Vehicle Use Map Designation, the gate will remain closed through July 1st, 2025, or until the snow melts and allows for safe public travel. SUMMER 2025 TRAVEL ADVISORY: Due to a landslide on Forest Road 25 between Clearwater Overlook and Elk Pass Trailhead, Northbound travel to Randle and Windy Ridge is blocked. Access to Windy Ridge and Forest Road 99 is ONLY accessible from the north via traveling south from Randle, WA. Learn More. |
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| Fees: | $5/vehicle/day or a valid Recreation Pass required at most recreation sites. Fee tubes for payment on-site at Bear Meadow, Meta Lake or Windy Ridge. See Mount St. Helens Map. |
| Permit Info: | Washington State Sno-Park Permit required to park at Wakepish Sno-Park Dec. 1 through March 31. Not available on-site. Purchase online or from a vendor. |
| Open Season: | June 16th - Nov 30th |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Restrictions: | No overnight camping on Forest Road 99 within the National Volcanic Monument. |
| Closest Towns: | Randle, WA, Cougar, WA |
| Passes: | Amercia the Beautiful or Northwest Forest passes accepted except in winter at Wakepish Sno-Park. (see Permit Information section) |
| Information Center: |
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Activities
Viewing Scenery
Forest Road 99 accesses the most popular recreation and interpretive sites on the Monument and Forest.