Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is located in Washington, USA. It lies between Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington and is situated in the Cascade Range. It is famous for protecting the area around Mount St. Helens and its volcanic landscapes, lava flows, and ash deposits.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Location Map,Toutle / Near Castle Rock, Washington
Washington Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
- Johnston Ridge Observatory – Offers spectacular views of the volcano, crater, and informative exhibits.
- Harry’s Ridge Trail – Popular hiking trail with panoramic vistas of Spirit Lake and the eruption zone.
- Spirit Lake – Scenic lake impacted by the 1980 eruption, featuring floating logs and wildlife observation.
- Volcano Science Center – Educational exhibits on volcanic activity, geology, and ecosystem recovery.
- Coldwater Lake – Picturesque lake created by the eruption, ideal for picnicking and nature walks.
- Loowit Viewpoint – Observation area with sweeping views of Mount St. Helens and surrounding landscapes.
- Hiking & Nature Trails – Trails ranging from short walks to challenging backcountry hikes through volcanic terrain.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Facts
| Official Name | Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument |
| Location | Toutle & Castle Rock Region, Skamania and Cowlitz Counties, Washington, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 46.20° N, 122.18° W (approx.) |
| Total Area | 110,000 acres (445 km²) |
| Established | August 26, 1982 |
| Founder | U.S. Congress (designated after 1980 eruption) |
| Managed By | U.S. Forest Service (Gifford Pinchot National Forest) |
| Region | Cascade Range / Pacific Northwest |
| Address | Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (SR 504), Toutle / Castle Rock, WA |
| Zip Code | 98649 (Toutle) / 98611 (Castle Rock) |
| Area Code | 360 / 564 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Volcanology, Geology, Regeneration, Outdoor Recreation, Natural Disaster History |
| Sections (Areas) | Johnston Ridge Observatory - Windy Ridge - Ape Cave - Lava Canyon - Coldwater Lake - Forest Learning Center - Meta Lake |
| Famous Attractions | Mount St. Helens Crater - Johnston Ridge - Ape Cave Lava Tube - Spirit Lake - Eruption Blast Zone - Loowit Trail |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 500,000–750,000 |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Entry (Some centers require fees; climbing permits required) |
| Ticket Price Range | $5–$15 for select visitor centers; Climbing Permit $15–$20 (seasonal) |
| Ticket Options | Visitor Center Admission - Climbing Permits - Guided Tours - Educational Programs |
| Best Time to Visit | Late May–October for full access; Winter access limited but scenic |
| Nearby Airport | Portland International Airport (PDX) – 75 miles (120 km) |
| Transportation | Car Access via SR 504 - Large Visitor Center Parking - Limited Tour Buses - No public transit directly to monument |
| Official Website | https://www.fs.usda.gov/mountsthelens |
Distances from Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to Nearby Landmarks
- Johnston Ridge Observatory – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Mount St. Helens Summit – 18 km (11.2 mi)
- Spirit Lake – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Coldwater Lake – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Silver Lake – 22 km (13.7 mi)
- Windy Ridge Viewpoint – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Mount St. Helens Visitor Center – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Harry’s Ridge Trail – 14 km (8.7 mi)
- Toutle River – 28 km (17.4 mi)
- Castle Lake – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Coldwater Trail – 26 km (16.2 mi)
- Silver Lake Campground – 23 km (14.3 mi)
- Windy Ridge Trailhead – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Elk Rock – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Cougar, WA – 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Ridgefield, WA – 75 km (46.6 mi)
- Vancouver, WA Downtown – 90 km (55.9 mi)
- Mount St. Helens Trailhead – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Mount St. Helens Lava Canyon – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- National Monument Entrance – 5 km (3.1 mi)
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