Search Results (12)
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
Drew's RV Park
Harry Gardner Park is a 65 acre park along the South Toutle River. It was destroyed by the Mt. St. Helens Eruption and has been recently brought back to life with similar amenities to pre-eruption.
Camping area offers 11 RV sites and 11 tent campsites
- RV sites are equipped with electricity and water connections.
- Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit.
- There are 2 ADA accessible RV sites and 2 tent sites.
- Sewer dump station on site.
- The park also offers hiking trails, playground equipment and easy access to the South Toutle River for fishing and swimming.
Set in a quiet forest, in an old homestead, the park offers a convenient base for sightseeing, hiking and biking the Mt. St. Helens area. Kid Valley Campground is also located close to fishing opportunities at nearby lakes and the famous Toutle River.
Winter activities include hunting, crosscountry skiing, and snowmobiling in the nearby area, including the Toutle state forest, with 35,000 acres open to snowmobiling.
We are located adjacent to the Toutle River and a few miles from the Green River, both of which have recovered from the volcanic mud flows and offer great salmon and steel-head fishing. We are a short drive from fly-fishing at Coldwater Lake and bass and trout fishing in Silver Lake. Year around elk viewing is popular on the road to Mount St. Helens and hunting in the Winston, Toutle, Coweeman and Margaret units are nearby, too. Call for special hunting season rates.
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, a 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.
Gift Shop - Open daily 10 am to 4 pm - Open until October 31st
Exhibits - Will Re-Open Spring 2027
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
Due to a landslide on May 14th, 2023 - Johnston Ridge Observatory will be closed until the unforeseeable future.
Located at the end of State Highway 504 (52 miles east of Castle Rock), in the heart of the blast zone. The observatory hosts interpretive displays that tell the biological, geological, and human story of Mount St. Helens. Visitors to Johnston Ridge Observatory can enjoy multiple award-winning films, listen to ranger talks, observe the landscape, purchase souvenirs, set off on a hike, or get a light lunch from the food cart.
Further updates on when the visitor center will open will be made available as soon as possible. Learn More. Contact Mt. St. Helens Ranger District for more information. 360-449-7800.
Projected Re-opening date Spring 2027
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 52
Spirit Peaks Drift Raceway is a very large industrial lot with a pretty consistent surface. Cones provide a variety of a long straight away bearing into a downward slope left corner with barriers to scrub. The layout consists of about 7 wide corners for some prime tandem opportunities. The venue is quickly growing in popularity and we are very excited to return with the whole team for some more fun!
Toutle, Washington 98649
Toutle Motorsports Park has both MX tracks and a drag strip.
MX - Toutle Motorsports Park has six outdoor motocross tracks that run year-round. On the west end there is a modern main track, a vintage track, an arena style track, a sand track, and a 50's track. On the east end across from the drag strip is a big track that is vintage, beginner, and junior friendly.
All levels of riders from kids on 50cc bikes to experienced riders will find our tracks both fun and challenging! We run an open practice without classes so you can get as much ride time as you want.
Since we are a year-round track, we are open every weekend except for extreme weather conditions or if there is an event which uses the whole property. We will post any changes on our Facebook page or website news. We also send out emails.
Practice starts at 9 am and ends at 4 pm. The cost is $40 per rider/River Track, and $20 per rider/Peewee Track. Camping fee is $10 and Gate fee for races is usually $10 per person.
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.
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 43
Trail Overview
Hummocks Trail is one of the best short hikes near Toutle for visitors who want a close-up look at the landscape reshaped by the 1980 eruption. This easy loop winds through rolling mounds, wetlands, young forest, and open viewpoints, with excellent views of Mount St. Helens and the North Fork Toutle River valley.
Trail Stats
About 2.5 miles round trip, 250 feet of elevation gain, and generally rated easy. The trailhead coordinates are 46.2869, -122.2717.
What to Expect
This family-friendly loop takes hikers through the strange, uneven “hummocks” left behind when the north flank of Mount St. Helens collapsed in 1980. Along the way, you’ll pass ponds, wetlands, recovering forest, and interpretive signs that help tell the story of how this once-barren blast zone became alive again. One of the best volcano views comes near the junction with the Boundary Trail, roughly a half mile from the trailhead.
Directions to the Trailhead
From Castle Rock, drive east on State Route 504 / Spirit Lake Highway for about 43 miles. Stay right at the fork signed for Johnston Ridge, continue about 2 more miles, and look for the signed Hummocks / Boundary Trailhead on the right.
Know Before You Go
The Forest Service currently lists no fee at the Hummocks Trailhead. Even with the ongoing SR 504 closure beyond milepost 45.2, Hummocks Trail remains open. The closure affects vehicle access farther up the highway, so Johnston Ridge Observatory and Loowit Viewpoint are not accessible by car, but the Hummocks Trail itself is still open for hiking.
Call to Action
If you’re looking for an easy Mount St. Helens-area hike with big scenery, fascinating geology, and a trail that works well for families, Hummocks Trail is a must-stop on your Toutle adventure.
Send the next trail and I’ll format it the same way.
Trail Overview
Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail is a short, scenic walk at Coldwater Lake that gives visitors an easy way to experience one of the most dramatic landscape changes caused by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. This accessible boardwalk trail follows the lakeshore and uses interpretive displays to explain how the eruption’s debris avalanche dammed Coldwater Creek and created an entirely new lake.
Trail Stats
The trail is about 1.2 miles round trip with little to no elevation gain, and it is considered easy. The trailhead coordinates are approximately 46.2921, -122.2663.
What to Expect
Expect a smooth, family-friendly walk with lake views, wetlands, interpretive signs, and a close look at how nature has recovered in the blast zone. The route is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, making it one of the best quick stops for visitors who want scenery and a bit of Mount St. Helens history without a strenuous hike.
Directions to the Trailhead
From Castle Rock, drive east on State Route 504 / Spirit Lake Highway for about 45 miles to the Coldwater Lake Recreation Area. The trail begins from the picnic area at the south end of Coldwater Lake.
Know Before You Go
There is no trail fee listed for the Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail area. Current official conditions note that Upper SR 504 remains closed beyond milepost 45.2, but Coldwater Lake Recreation Area remains accessible. The Forest Service also notes that, as of January 27, 2026, restrooms are open on the boat launch side, while the picnic-side restrooms remain closed for repairs.
Call to Action
If you want an easy, educational stop near Toutle with beautiful lake views and a direct connection to the story of Mount St. Helens, Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail is a great addition to your visit.
A convenient local stop in Toutle for Cowlitz County residents and travelers exploring the Mt. St. Helens region. Drew’s Grocery & Service offers a variety of everyday essentials along with ready-to-eat options from their hot case and cold case.
Whether you’re a local grabbing a quick lunch, a family stocking up for the day, or a traveler heading out to explore Mt. St. Helens, Drew’s is an easy place to stop for something fresh, convenient, and ready to enjoy. Stop in, grab a bite, and continue your Cowlitz County adventure.
Toutle, WA 98649