Where is Mount St. Helens Observatory, Castle Rock, Washington?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Mount St. Helens Observatory is located in Skamania County, Washington, USA. It lies between the Columbia River and Spirit Lake and is situated in a volcanic mountain area. It is famous for monitoring the volcanic activity of Mount St. Helens and educating visitors about the 1980 eruption.

Mount St. Helens Observatory Location Map, Castle Rock, Washington

Top Attractions Inside Mount St. Helens Observatory

  • Visitor Center Exhibits – Displays on the 1980 eruption, volcanic geology, and Mount St. Helens’ ecosystem.
  • Observation Deck – Panoramic views of the volcano, crater, and surrounding blast zone.
  • Interactive Learning Stations – Hands-on exhibits explaining volcanic activity and monitoring techniques.
  • Guided Ranger Programs – Educational talks and hikes led by rangers detailing the eruption and recovery.
  • Hiking Trails – Scenic paths around the observatory offering views of lava fields, forests, and wildlife.
  • Photography & Scenic Overlooks – Ideal spots for capturing the dramatic volcanic landscape.
  • Gift Shop & Educational Materials – Resources, books, and souvenirs focused on geology and natural history.

Mount St. Helens Observatory Facts

Official NameMount St. Helens Volcano Observatory (USGS)
LocationMount St. Helens, Skamania County, Washington, USA
Latitude & Longitude46.1912° N, 122.1944° W
Total AreaObservatory Facility (~1–2 acres) within Gifford Pinchot National Forest (~1.3 million acres)
Opened / Established1980 (following 1980 eruption; ongoing scientific monitoring)
FounderU.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Managed ByUnited States Geological Survey – Volcano Hazards Program
RegionPacific Northwest – Cascade Range, Washington State
AddressObserver facilities located near Johnston Ridge, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA 98616, USA
Zip Code98616
Area Code360
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptVolcano Monitoring, Geology, Earth Science, Eruption Observation
Major FeaturesSeismic Monitoring Instruments – Observation Decks – Visitor Center Exhibits – Research Laboratories
Famous AttractionsJohnston Ridge Observatory – Volcano Visitor Center – Eruption Crater Viewpoints – Interpretive Trails
Annual VisitorsApprox. 200,000–300,000 visitors per year
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission for Visitor Center & Monument Areas; Observatory Access primarily for research
Ticket Price Range~$0–$10 per vehicle (Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Day Use Fee)
Visitor OptionsSelf-Guided Tours – Hiking Trails – Guided Ranger Programs – Educational Exhibits
Best Time to VisitSummer–Fall (June–October) for best access and weather
Nearby AirportPortland International Airport (PDX) – ~60 miles (97 km)
TransportationCar – Shuttle (seasonal) – Hiking Trails Access
Official Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31313

Distances from Mount St. Helens Observatory to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mount St. Helens Visitor Center – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Harry’s Ridge Trailhead – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Boundary Trailhead – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Johnston Ridge Observatory – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Lava Canyon Trail – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Windy Ridge Viewpoint – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Mount Margaret Backcountry – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Spirit Lake Viewpoint – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Silver Lake – 23 km (14.3 mi)
  • Toutle River – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • Castle Rock, WA – 48 km (30 mi)
  • Vancouver, WA – 80 km (50 mi)
  • Portland, OR – 92 km (57 mi)
  • Gifford Pinchot National Forest – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Mount Adams – 60 km (37 mi)