Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

We went on a guided tour with Living Waters. We hiked to the Rim which my GPS said we hiked just under 10 miles by the time we got back. When we first arrive the fog and mist was cold and blocked all the beautiful views. But by the time we were entering into the avalanche zone, the fog has lifted enough we could see the entire avalanche zone! So amazing awesome! We hiked to the 'Little Grand Canyon' which was deceivingly LARGE, but didn't seem large until some of our crew was able to hike down into the canyon and they became little ants not too far away from us, that's just how deep it is! I was able to get photos of Spirit Lake and on our way back is when I captured photos of the avalanche zone on top of the hill side. Unfortunately, the clouds didn't lift enough to see Mount Saint Helen's herself. So sad, but we all still enjoyed ourselves. Now the learning area was closed I'm sure do to Covid, but I'm not sure about that. It looked like so much fun and they had a large model that I wish I could have seen up close. Gift shop and restrooms were open.

This had been on my bucket list ever since I was a kid watching it erupt in 1980. The visitor center is only partially open - you can go to the restrooms and there’s a gift shop, but the interpretive part is closed off. Happily rangers were around outside, and there are plenty of signs charting the history of the mountain and the eruption. Make sure you take a walk along the ridge the visitor center is on, which is where you’ll find the memorial to the 57 people who died in the eruption. To do longer hikes into the devastated zone - you’ll need to get a permit though.

I wasn't sure how exciting going to see Mount Saint Helens would be. I am so glad I went and I had such an unforgettable experience just seeing this historic volcano. The monument park is spacious with safe and well marked trails. You won't regret going.

I live about 40 miles south of Mt.St. Helens and see the south face quite often. I can see the flat top from the 1980 explosion. Traveling to the north face, you can see the actual crater on the side of the mountain. Only from the observatory can you really get a perspective of the actual eruption and ensuing devastation. Spectacular views of the flows of dust and ash and aftermath of the explosion. Nice educational facility. Free parking and no entry fee.

We had a great time at this National Monument. The two park rangers at the center were done off the nicest people we have met here in Washington. I definitely recommend the drive up to view this mind-blowing experience. Make sure to fill up with fuel and snacks for the ride to the top.

It was too cloudy to see the mountain, but the drive was beautiful and the kids still had fun running around every place we stopped. Lots of view points along the way

Wonderful view of Mount St. Helen's volcano. Great scenic view pullouts. Go to Observatory and hike up. Wear a jacket.

Didnt get to see much of the volcano as it was a super foggy day, but made the most of it anyway! Truly enjoyed the presentation at the amphitheater and learned so much!