Near Eruption Trail
Memorial on Eruption Trail for those who died during the 1980 eruption.
Near Eruption Trail
Mt. St. Helens as seen from the Johnston Ridge Overlook.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Eruption Trail

4.3 (7 Ratings)
Enjoy beautiful, unobstructed views of Mt. St. Helens (and her crater!) from Johnston Ridge.
0.5
mi
Distance
78
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingFamily FriendlyLess CrowdedViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
The road up to Johnston Observatory is closed seasonally, check conditions here. $8 per adult fee is required to rxh this trail.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.5mi
Distance
78ft
Elevation Gain
122ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
4,314ft
High Point
4,183ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Your scenic adventure will begin on the way to the trail, with many viewpoints of Mt. St. Helens and the blast zone along Spirit Lake Highway. This relaxing paved trail is less than one mile one-way. People visiting Johnston Ridge Observatory can take this trail and either connect to the parking area, or connect to other trails in the area. The trail includes interpretive signs, kiosks, and incredible views of Mount St. Helens and the blast zone that surrounds the mountain. Through the informational signs, you learn about and see pictures of the mountain before, during, and after the eruption. The farther along the trail you go, the better the angle becomes for seeing the crater. America the Beautiful passes are accepted. Road Conditions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31562 Mountain Cam: https://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/images01/volcanocamhd.jpg Please be advised that no pets are allowed in the national monument EXCEPT in designated areas.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Emily R