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Mt. St. Helens National Monument Small Group Tour

4.5
(8 reviews)
Mt. St. Helens National Monument Small Group Tour Gallery Image 1
Mt. St. Helens National Monument Small Group Tour Gallery Image 2
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Mt. St. Helens National Monument Small Group Tour Gallery Image 4

Mount Saint Helen's is a volcano that forever lives in the minds of Americans and the world. During the events that surrounded the 1980 eruption, lives changed in an instant, and the mountaintop's geography was forever altered. Today, you can experience this unique volcano and all the flora and fauna that makes this impressive reforestation project so dramatic.

On May 14th, 2023 Spirit Lake Highway leading up to Mt. St. Helens experienced a massive mudslide due to rapid melting of snowpack following a weekend of exceptionally warm spring temperatures. The mudslide is currently blocking access to Spirit Lake Highway about 9 miles before Johnston Ridge Observatory. The only destination this impacts is access to the Johnston Ridge viewing area. For this season, the park crews have opened public access to the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater Lake to the public which sits up on a ridge and offers very similar views to what you could expect at Johnston Ridge.

On the way into the Monument you may stop at Lewis & Clark State Park to bask in the shadow of the old-growth forests that once covered the northern reaches of the mountain, or at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to explore estuary wetlands. You'll traverse the barren landscapes, stopping for a peaceful hike along the Hummocks Trail and then you might head down to Coldwater lake and enjoy a family style picnic lunch next to the water.

End the day on a high note (literaly) as we wind up a bit in elevation to a view from above Coldwater Lake and the most direct peak into the crater on clear weather days. Enjoy browsing the interpretive info, take photographs, or find a quick gift for a loved one back home. Then we'll head back to Seattle and everyone will be dropped off back at their hotel.

About this activity

  • Free cancellation

    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

  • Reserve now & pay later

    Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.

  • Duration 12 hours

    Check availability to see starting times

  • Live tour guide

    English

  • Pickup included

    Hotel pickup is available at any downtown Seattle hotel, Airbnb, rental etc. If you are staying outside of downtown Seattle, you can meet at the local partner's office or the default hotel location: Sheraton Grand Hotel (1400 6th Ave, Seattle). Hotel pickup will take place between 7:00-7:30am. Please arrive at the main entrance of your hotel 5 minutes beofre your scheduled pickup time. Our team will call you the day prior to your tour to confirm your exact meeting time at your hotel.

  • Small group

    Limited to 10 participants

Highlights

  • See Mt. St. Helens
  • Enjoy naturalist guided walks
  • Spot some wildlife
  • Take up geological sightseeing
  • Learn about local and natural history

Description

Mount Saint Helen's is a volcano that forever lives in the minds of Americans and the world. During the events that surrounded the 1980 eruption, lives changed in an instant, and the mountaintop's geography was forever altered. Today, you can experience this unique volcano and all the flora and fauna that makes this impressive reforestation project so dramatic. On May 14th, 2023 Spirit Lake Highway leading up to Mt. St. Helens experienced a massive mudslide due to rapid melting of snowpack following a weekend of exceptionally warm spring temperatures. The mudslide is currently blocking access to Spirit Lake Highway about 9 miles before Johnston Ridge Observatory. The only destination this impacts is access to the Johnston Ridge viewing area. For this season, the park crews have opened public access to the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater Lake to the public which sits up on a ridge and offers very similar views to what you could expect at Johnston Ridge. On the way into the Monument you may stop at Lewis & Clark State Park to bask in the shadow of the old-growth forests that once covered the northern reaches of the mountain, or at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to explore estuary wetlands. You'll traverse the barren landscapes, stopping for a peaceful hike along the Hummocks Trail and then you might head down to Coldwater lake and enjoy a family style picnic lunch next to the water. End the day on a high note (literaly) as we wind up a bit in elevation to a view from above Coldwater Lake and the most direct peak into the crater on clear weather days. Enjoy browsing the interpretive info, take photographs, or find a quick gift for a loved one back home. Then we'll head back to Seattle and everyone will be dropped off back at their hotel.

Inclusions

  • Pickup and drop-off from downtown Seattle hotels or the Sheraton Grand Hotel
  • Lunch! Seasonal picnic from our local female-owned catering partner
  • Expert Naturalist guide
  • Transportation in a high-roof passenger van
  • Coffee or tea with a light morning snack
  • Assorted snacks and refreshments
  • All park entry fees
  • Snowshoes in winter, if necessary
  • Pickup options in Seatac and Tacoma (inquire for location)

Traveler Ratings

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4.5 / 5

4.5 out of 5 stars

Based on 8 reviews

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Francine
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