Frequently Asked Questions
Answer - It really is..... Awesome!
Where is Mount St. Helens Located?
Mount St. Helens is located 53 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon, and 96 miles south of Seattle, Washington, at 46.2° north longitude and 122.18° west latitude. Coordinates are N46°24.89526, W122°9.288. The Johnston Ridge Observatory at the end of State Route 504 is approximately 52 miles east of Interstate 5 at Exit 49.
Will I need to purchase any licenses, permits, or passes?
While traveling in the Mount St. Helens area you will need to purchase passes at a few places along the way. Several others offer free admission.
Here is a handy guide to help you plan your visit.
| Adults | Kids | Pay at | |
| State Route 504 | |||
| Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake: | $3.00 (18 & over) | $1.00 (7 to 17) | Front Desk |
| 7 Wonders Museum: | Free | Free | |
| Hoffstadt Bluffs | Free | Free | |
| The Forest Learning Center: | Free | Free | |
| Johnston Ridge Observatory: | $8.00 (16 & over) | Free | Front Desk |
| Coldwater Lake: Fee (Included with your Johnston Ridge Observatory pass from May through November.) | |||
| SR 503 & Forest Rd 99 | |||
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for the following area's.
|
A Northwest Forest Pass costs $5 per day or $30 per year. The pass provides access to national forests in both Washington and Oregon. |
purchase online, click here. | list of vendors, click here |
A Northwest Forest Pass is also needed for : Ape Canyon,
Ape Caves,
Bear Meadow,
Berry Patch,
Blue Lake, ORV
Blue Lake,
Climbers Bivouac,
Cold Springs,
Coldwater Lake,
Cultus Creek # 108,
Harmony
Ice Cave, PG
Independence Pass,
Indian Heaven # 33,
Lahar Viewpoint,
Lava Canyon,
Lower Falls,
Meta Lake,
Miners Car,
Norway Pass,
Packwood Lake,
Red Rock Pass,
Smith Creek,
South Climb# 183,
Sunset, CG
Thomas Lake # 111,
Trail of Two Forests,
Trapper Creek,
Truman
Walupt, HC
Wistle Punk,
Windy Ridge,
Woods Creek, Watchable Wildlife. |
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Is Mount St. Helens accessible year-round?
Many roads in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument are closed by late October due to winter conditions and often do not reopen until May. However, State Route 504 is usually plowed and open year-round to Coldwater Ridge, approximately 43 miles east of Interstate 5 from Exit 49.
For information about road conditions click here or call Monument Headquarters at Amboy at 360.247.3900 or the Mount St. Helens Silver Lake Visitors Center at 360.274.0962.
For information about road conditions click here or call Monument Headquarters at Amboy at 360.247.3900 or the Mount St. Helens Silver Lake Visitors Center at 360.274.0962.
Do I need a climbing permit to climb Mount St. Helens?
Permits are available on a first-come basis for $22 through the Mount St. Helens Institute from April 1 to October 31.
Please note that all climbers must apply for a permit online. Spaces sometimes fill up quickly.
From November 1 through March 31, permits are available at no charge at the Climbers' Register, located at the Lone Fir Resort. Call 360.238.5210 for information.
Please note that all climbers must apply for a permit online. Spaces sometimes fill up quickly.
From November 1 through March 31, permits are available at no charge at the Climbers' Register, located at the Lone Fir Resort. Call 360.238.5210 for information.
What services are available in the Mount St. Helens area?
What roads will take me to Mount St. Helens
The following questions take you directly to other areas of the website.
Where are the visitor centers located and when are they open?
What day-trip itineraries do you recommend?
What hotels and motels are available in the area?
What camping and RV sites are available?
What can you tell me about the eruption of Mount St. Helens?