Johnston Ridge Observatory

Washington Cascades


Situated at the end of Hwy 504 and looking directly into the mouth of the Mt St Helens crater, the observatory has exhibits that depict the geologic events surrounding the 1980 blast and how they advanced the science of volcano forecasting and monitoring. The paved 1-mile round-trip Eruption Trail offers once-in-a-lifetime views toward the crater.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Washington Cascades attractions

1. Coldwater Lake

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2. Windy Ridge Viewpoint

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Windy Ridge Viewpoint is a highlight of the remote eastside entrance to Mt St Helens. Here visitors get a palpable, if eerie, sense of the destruction…

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4. Ape Cave

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5. Mt St Helens Silver Lake Visitor Center

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Situated 5 miles east of Castle Rock, this center is the best introduction to Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument. There's a classic film and various…