Boundary Trail #1 to Norway Pass (SR 504 Side)
- Location: Near Coldwater Lake, off SR 504, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
- Distance: 7 miles one-way (about 14 miles round trip).
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – steady uphill climb with some rocky sections.
- Elevation Gain: Around 2,500 feet to 4,200 feet at Norway Pass.
- Best Season: Late spring to fall (May to October), avoid winter and early spring due to snow.
Trail Highlights:
- Views: Great views of Mount St. Helens, Spirit Lake, and the blast zone.
- Wildlife: Look for elk, deer, and bears.
- Trail Type: Point-to-point (out-and-back).
- Family-Friendly: Not ideal for young kids; better for experienced hikers.
Things to Know:
Shuttle: If doing a one-way hike, consider arranging a shuttle.
Trail Access: Start at Coldwater Ridge or Coldwater Lake.
Water: Bring plenty of water, there are no reliable water sources along the trail.
Weather: Weather can change quickly; bring layers.
Eco Park Resort – Your Gateway to Mt. St. Helens Adventure
Eco Park Resort is a private reservation facility that offers the closest accommodations to Mt St Helens, nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest wilderness just 25 miles from the crater of Mt. St. Helens, Eco Park Resort offers an unforgettable escape into nature. Their eco-friendly resort features rustic log cabins, a cozy yurt, RV sites, and tent camping—all surrounded by stunning mountain views and lush forest. Whether you're here to hike, explore the blast zone, or simply unwind by the campfire, Eco Park Resort is the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventure.
Enjoy on-site amenities including a full-service cafe on site for their guests. Great hiking and biking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere free from distractions—no Wi-Fi, just nature. Family-owned and operated, we’re committed to sustainable hospitality and creating memorable experiences in one of Washington’s most iconic natural landscapes.
Conveniently located near Mt St Helens
* Forest Learning Center
* Coldwater Lake
* Johnston Ridge Observatory
* Science and Learning Center at Coldwater
Reconnect with nature. Discover Mt. St. Helens. Stay at Eco Park Resort.
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 24
This popular paved accessible interpretive trail starts at the Johnston Ridge Observatory observation deck, ascending by way of paved switchbacks to the top of a ridge. This trail is a steep grade, and some individuals may need assistance. Interpretive signs at this site record the May 18, 1980, eruption and volcanic history of the area. Enjoy impressive views of Mount St. Helens, the blast zone, Mount Adams, and the Mount Margaret Backcountry. The trail continues eastward then descends to the junction with Boundary Trail #1. By staying on the paved path, you will return to the main parking lot.
Admission is always FREE!
Plan a 60–90-minute visit to the Forest Learning Center at Mount St. Helens.
The Forest Learning Center showcases remarkable volcano and forestry exhibits (updated in 2020!), a new playground, picnic tables, a gift shop, wildlife viewing and rest area facilities. It is located inside the blast zone on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, 19 miles before Johnston Ridge Observatory.
Experience the story of Mount St. Helens and the recovery of forests, fish and wildlife following the eruption. Walk through the forest, hearing the sounds of the birds and animals on the mountain prior to May 18, 1980. Enter the “eruption chamber” to view an astounding video of what the forest looked like immediately after the eruption. Hear a first-hand report from a local newscaster who barely escaped. Breathtaking photographs and life-size models of loggers working in the blast zone bring the experience to life. The Forest Learning Center tells the story from nature’s perspective and gives a hands-on approach to learning in the Discovery Room where families can touch lava rocks, learn about the animals of the Pacific Northwest, and discover how trees grow.
Groups larger than 25 people are kindly asked to make reservations at least two weeks in advance by calling the Exhibit Reservation Message Number below. School field trip information is available on the website link.
The Forest Learning Center is a partnership of Weyerhaeuser, Washington State Department of Transportation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Location: 33.5 miles from I-5, approximately a 40-minute drive east of Castle Rock, Washington.
Directions:
From Interstate 5 in Western Washington, take Exit 49 and continue east on Highway 504 to Milepost 33. The Forest Learning Center is located at 17000 Spirit Lake Highway, Toutle, WA. Please watch for wildlife on roadways.
Exhibits - Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm - Seasonal Closure starting November 1 to Spring 2026
Gift Shop - Open daily 10 am to 4 pm
Exhibit Reservation Message Number 360.414.3439
(Please leave a voicemail for groups larger than 25 people
calls will be returned within 1-2 business days during regular operating season)
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 33
Newly Renovated the Mt St Helens Visitor Center is a world-class facility located on the western shore of Silver Lake. With its high ceilings and massive windows, the outdoors becomes a part of the architecture. Your senses will come alive as you enjoy the interactive exhibits, a step-in model of the volcano and theater programs that are offered twice an hour. Outside, a mile-long trail takes you into marshy plains surrounding Silver Lake where you can see waterfowl and a picture-perfect view of the mountain.
Make sure to take in one of the comprehensive presentations on the historical and cultural significance of the area. View exhibits showing the chronology of events leading up to the eruption and see the working seismograph. On your trip to Mount St. Helens, Silver Lake Visitor Center is the closest to I-5.
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center opened its doors to the public a few years after the monumental eruption of Mount St. Helens. Functioning as a gateway to the mountain, over 30 miles away, our goal is to educate visitors on the historical significance of the landscape before and during the eruption. We also focus on the resulting impact on nearby ecosystems. Our vantage point offers a view of the Western slope of the mountain, visible from both our center and walking trail.
This unique building features expansive windows providing a glimpse of towering second-growth forest all around. A high archway and elaborately carved wooden columns contribute to the feeling of magnificence. Inside, visitors can enjoy a variety of interpretive displays that include comprehensive information on local history, geology, and re-growth and recovery of the land in the years immediately after the eruption.
Outdoors, visitors can explore Silver Lake along the 0.6-mile-long trail, including boardwalks over the wetland where a variety of aquatic plants and migratory waterfowl can be viewed at different times of the year.
Hours of Operation
Summer: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Winter: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ages 6 and younger: Free
Ages 7 to 17: $2.50
Ages 18 and older: $5
Family: $15 (two adults plus accompanying children)
Tour groups: $200 per bus
Castle Rock, WA 98611
Mile Marker 5
Nestled on Silver Lake, Silver Cove RV Resort offers the perfect getaway for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Located near the stunning Silver Lake in Washington, in the valley of Mt St Helens. The resort features spacious, full-hookup RV sites, cozy cabins, and an array of amenities to make your stay comfortable and memorable.
Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, enjoy water activities on Silver Lake, or simply relax in a peaceful setting, we’ve got something for everyone. From fishing, kayaking, and hiking to campfires under the stars, every moment at Silver Cove is designed to help you unwind and reconnect with nature.
Our family-friendly resort also offers top-notch amenities, including clean restrooms, a convenience store, and beautiful walking trails. With a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of activities for all ages, Silver Cove RV Resort is the ideal destination for your next outdoor escape.
Discover why Silver Cove is more than just a resort—it’s a place to create lasting memories!
Silver Lake, WA 98645
The Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, located near Mt St Helens, is a hub for education and research focused on volcanic activity and ecological recovery. Established in collaboration with the US Forest Service and the Mt St Helens Institute (MSHI), the center sits within view of the volcano's dramatic crater, offering a unique vantage point for studying the aftermath of the 1980 eruption.
Originally built as the Coldwater Ridge Visitor center, it was repurposed into the Science and Learning Center to support filed based learning and scientific inquiry. It hosts school programs, workshops and research initiatives, serving students, educators, and scientists alike. The center provides hands-on opportunities to explore geology, ecology and resilience of nature systems in one of the most studied volcanic landscapes in the world.
Fall/Winter Hours
Now open Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm - Due to the government shutdown, the Science and Learning Center is temporarily closed.
2026 Schedule Hours: 10 am to 4 pm
- Open Saturday May 18th for the 46th Anniversary Weekend
- 2026 Summer Hours: Open on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) 10 am to 4 pm until June 14th
- From June 15 through Labor Day, the visitor center will be open 7 days a week 10 am to 4 pm.
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 43
Breathtaking views, Lakeside relaxation, & World class fishing. Magical evenings around the bonfire with new friends. Friendly staff who treat you like family. Silver Lake Resort has it all, with a variety of accommodations to meet your needs. Our beautiful property is located on the shores of Silver Lake with stunning Mt. St. Helens in the backdrop. Silver Lake has some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest – from one of our many rental boats, from our docks, or even from the balcony of your own room. Kids can play on the playground, feed the ducks by the waterfront, or catch fish with a rented fishing pole. Silver Lake Resort is the perfect lodging for visiting Mt. St. Helens, fishing for largemouth bass, or relaxing in the natural beauty all year ‘round. Our rustic setting has been drawing vacationers looking for rest and relaxation for over 50 years
Just minutes away to Castle Rock WA and the following Restaurants and more to explore
* Parkers Steakhouse
* El Compadre
* Papa Pete's Pizza
* Peper's 49er
* C & L Burger Bar
* CJ's Pizza
* Crosscut Taproom
* Mount St Helens Visitor Center
* Castle Rock Visitor Center
Silverlake, WA 98645
ReTreaT to your Mount St. Helens vacation rental home.
Nestled along the grand canal at Silver Lake, your ReTreaT Mount St. Helens vacation rentals provide a place to relax, enjoy water activities, and base camp for getting away in the Mount St. Helens wilderness area. Please contact us with any questions or special requests.
We can accommodate up to 10 guests in the “Captain’s Hideaway“, a full 3 bedroom home with 2 bathrooms, two private covered patios. Enjoy access to our private boat launch, waterfront areas, and more.
For individuals or small groups, we offer two 1-bedroom suites overlooking Silver Lake, each with a full bath, equipped kitchenette, and private decks with waterfront views. The Crows Nest is a lovely suite with an international flair.
Location, location, and location! Your vacation rental at ReTreaT is locally-owned and located on our private, gated estate with features including:
•Private boat launch
•Access to Silver Lake
•Fishing and Boating
•Large shared and private decks
•Floating pontoon dock
•Campfire pit
•Abundant wildlife
Silverlake WA 98645