Mount St. Helens

This visitor center provides visitors with an introduction to the history of the area. Operated by Washington State Parks.

Tells the story of the recovery of forests, fish and wildlife following the eruption. Operated by Weyerhauser Company.

Get information about exploring the monument, learn about education programs offered, or shop at the bookstore. Operated by USFS.

This observatory provides good views of the north face of the volcano. Well within the blast zone, this is as close to the mountain as you can get by car, only 5 mi from the summit. There's also a large indoor visitor center with an auditorium and gift shop. Interpretive talks available. Do not walk onto the observation deck without first going inside the center and obtaining a wrist band, or you will be cited. (Admission includes both the visitor center and its outside deck.)

The third longest lava tube in North America, at 2.5 mi long, formed 2000 years ago as a flow of lava cooled from the outside and drained from the center. A paved accessible trail leads 3/4 miles into the cave. For the more adventurous, the 1.5-mile upper cave route leads to a climb up an eight foot rock wall and scramble over rock piles, then an exit and a 1.5-mile above-ground hike back to the parking lot. Bring two sources of light per person, sturdy shoes, and warm clothing, cave temperature is year-round. In summer, a small information station offers lantern rentals and sales items to ticket holders.

9.2 miles, 1200 feet gain. A hike to the waterfall that emerges directly from the volcanic amphitheater. This falls, visible from the observatory, seems to emerge as though from the surface of the moon. The trail is closed during volcanic activity.

30 miles, 6000 feet gain. A trail circling the mountain, through deep gullies left by the eruption. There is little water, some sketchy sections of loose pumice, and almost no cover from sun.

10 miles, 4500 feet gain. the primary route used during the summer to reach the summit.