It was once a premier camping destination, with a Mt. Fuji-like cone and pristine forest. The 8,365-foot-high mountain, formerly 9,665 feet high, is one of a string of volcanic Cascade Range peaks. Experience the history and stories of Mount Saint Helens eruption in 1980. With an up-close look at the volcano and its geology, you will learn interesting facts about the past and present in a scenic natural wonder. This trip will have a maximum of 12 people .
4 hr - The stop includes an approximate 3 hours driving time from pick up locations: Large, step-in model of the volcano Life-size mannequins Functioning seismograph and live feed of current Mount St. Helens volcano seismicity Chronological timeline of events leading up to the volcanic blast on May 18, 1980 Theater program offered twice an hour; at :05 and :35 after. Outdoors, visitors can explore Silver Lake along the 0.6 mile-long trail, including boardwalks over the wetland where a variety of aquatic plants and migratory waterfowl can be viewed at different times of the year.
1 hr - On your way to or from the Johnston Ridge Observatory take a side-trip to Coldwater Lake formed by an avalanche during the volcano’s eruption. The lake is just a short distance off the highway. You’ll find a parking area with paths to the lake; restroom, boat launch (electric motors only) and trails (don’t throw away that wrist-band!). You will need them as proof that you’ve paid to visit or hike the trails inside the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument. There are also hiking trails around Coldwater Lake Coldwater Lake provides a tranquil ending to a long and scenic experience through a landscape that must be seen to believe.
1 hr - The Johnston Ridge Observatory is open seasonally and is located on Johnston Ridge in the center of the 1980 blast zone approximately 8 km (5 mi) north of the Mount St. Helens summit. The Ridge was named in honor of David Johnston, the USGS volcanologist who was on duty at the USGS Coldwater II observation point during the May 18, 1980 eruption. He was one of 57 people who lost their lives in the eruption. The Observatory building houses seismic, deformation, and other monitoring equipment that relays data to the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory for analysis.
4 hr - After this stop , we will head back - 3 hours drive time to drop off locations A barrier-free, paved hike of less than one mile from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The trail includes interpretive kiosks and 360 views of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding blast zone.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Amazing! Our guide was super fun and the views were absolutely incredible. I was a little surprised that we took an SUV but it was actually very comfortable. The guide was super fun and informative. And the free water was a life saver because I actually forgot to bring some haha. Thank you Barbil Tours!
Great learning experiencing, fun, educational. Friendly tour guide and knowledge. Had great views of Mt St Helen.
Made all the scheduled stops, the hiking trails around Mt St Helen’s offer truly amazing views! Too bad there was not enough people to make the originally scheduled tour for 6-14 ppl, had to upgrade for an SUV trip for $75.
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