The Best Ways to Experience Mount Saint Helens

A visit to Mount Saint Helens is an incredible experience. There is no other place like it on Earth. Scientists have an actual living laboratory where they can see first-hand how nature is able to recover after an explosive volcanic eruption. In 1982, over 100,000 acres were set aside for this purpose. Today, thousands flock to the Mount Saint Helens National Monument to catch a glimpse of this violent volcano.

You can hike, climb, or even explore underneath this massive volcano. There are plenty of overlooks for the less adventurous to enjoy too. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience Mount Saint Helens.

•Johnston Ridge Observatory – This is one of the best places to start your visit to the volcano. The observatory, named after late geologist David Johnston, is built on the site were David uttered his last words about the volcano. On the morning of May 18, 1980, he shouted into his radio, “Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it" - just as the mountain began to erupt. The observatory provides a great overview of the eruption, geological history, and a movie. You can take a slightly strenuous half-mile hike to see a stunning view of the mountain.

•Windy Ridge Viewpoint - This will be your best vantage point of the volcano and famed Spirit Lake. At this point, you are only 4 miles from the volcano’s crater. It’s as close as you can get without climbing the mountain or taking a very long hike. You will have to do a little work though to see this spectacular view - climb 392 wooden stairs. The huffing and puffing is totally worth it. Rangers are often on-hand to give short talks and answer questions about the volcano.

•Harmony Trail – Spirit Lake was once a glittering shimmering lake that provided a perfect reflection of Mount Saint Helens. May 18, 1980 changed the lake forever. It is now hundreds of feet higher and is littered with fallen trees that were blasted off the ridges. But, it still has its beauty in this moon-like landscape. The trail will take you right down to Spirit Lake’s shoreline and provide some terrific views of the volcano and crater. Imagine how it looked just 31 years ago when century old fir trees lined this lake! The trail does descend quite quickly (600 feet), so you should be in pretty decent shape. Bring plenty of water too – there is no shade since all the trees were blasted away.



•Meta Lake Trail #210 – Meta Lake was one of the few survivors of the May 18th eruption - primarily because it was still covered with snow and ice. A short, easy ½ mile trail takes you to the lake’s shoreline. Near the trail-head is the Miner’s Car. The car is a twisted heap of metal, courtesy of being in Mount Saint Helen’s way the morning of May 18th.

•Ape Cave – For the ultimate underground St. Helen’s adventure, take the Lower Ape Cave trail. Ape Cave is one of the country’s longest lava tubes, stretching over 13,000 feet. Lava coursed underground here over 2,000 years ago. This adventure is not for the faint of heart. It’s pitch dark, cold, and dank. You will need to dress warmly, bring strong sources of light, and not be completely afraid of the dark. Sturdy shoes are a must too – the trail is bumpy and rocky. Take the down-slope part of the trail – it’s about a 4,000 foot walk and will provide plenty of adventure!

You can keep tabs on the volcano from your home computer by visiting: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/. You are able to see real-time data about earthquakes striking near and on the mountain, along with current volcanic activity in the area. It’s your chance to become a budding volcanologist or geologist. There is even a link to the Volcano Cam – providing live pictures of the restless volcano.