Closest accessible views of Mount St. Helens’ crater and lava dome, dramatic blast-zone terrain and views of Spirit Lake, a rugged, high-elevation perspective shaped by the 1980 eruption.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Mount St. Helens blast zone and experience the stark contrast between the lush old-growth forest and the blown-down forest. To experience the many beautiful and fascinating hikes in the area, a recreation pass may be required for parking.
Closest accessible views of Mount St. Helens’ crater and lava dome, dramatic blast-zone terrain and views of Spirit Lake, a rugged, high-elevation perspective shaped by the 1980 eruption.
Popular Area Hikes & Walking Trails:
Seasonal Top Wildflower Viewing Locations:
Photo Hotspots & Viewpoints:
Visitor Centers: Eight interpretive sites are open seasonally on the road to Windy Ridge
Food & Dining Options: No food services available; visitors should bring all food and water
Seasonal Access Notes: Access is highly seasonal and dependent on snow and road conditions; typically open late spring through fall
Open Season:
The route is usually snow-free by the end of May and open through October. The road closes each year due to winter snowfall from November to May.
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