The Johnston Ridge Observatory sits on a bluff just 5-1/2 miles from the crater at an elevation of 4,314'/1,327m and offers grand views of Mount St. Helens and much of the 1980 blast zone. This visitor center is the closest you can get to the mountain by car when driving in from the west and is located 53 miles east of the town of Castle Rock at the end of State Route 504.

24000 Spirit Lake Highway
Toutle, WA 98649
Phone: 360-274-2140
Fax:

Map with Directions

Winter hours:
Summer hours: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Main Activity: View Mount St Helens

Specials: