Bellevue Trip Overview
It was once a premier camping destination, with a Mt. Fuji-like cone and pristine forest. The 8,365-foot-high mountain, formerly 9,665 feet high, is one of a string of volcanic Cascade Range peaks.
Experience the history and stories of Mount Saint Helens eruption in 1980. With an up-close look at the volcano and its geology, you will learn interesting facts about the past and present in a scenic natural wonder.
This trip will have a maximum of 12 people .
Additional Info
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Starts: Bellevue, United States
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Bellevue Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Bellevue, Washington, United States
It was once a premier camping destination, with a Mt. Fuji-like cone and pristine forest. The 8,365-foot-high mountain, formerly 9,665 feet high, is one of a string of volcanic Cascade Range peaks.
Experience the history and stories of Mount Saint Helens eruption in 1980. With an up-close look at the volcano and its geology, you will learn interesting facts about the past and present in a scenic natural wonder.
This trip will have a maximum of 12 people .
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Hwy. 504, milepost 5, Castle Rock, WA 98611
The stop includes an approximate 3 hours driving time from pick up locations:
Large, step-in model of the volcano
Life-size mannequins
Functioning seismograph and live feed of current Mount St. Helens volcano seismicity
Chronological timeline of events leading up to the volcanic blast on May 18, 1980
Theater program offered twice an hour; at :05 and :35 after.
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.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Coldwater Lake, Washington, USA
On your way to or from the Johnston Ridge Observatory take a side-trip to Coldwater Lake formed by an avalanche during the volcano’s eruption. The lake is just a short distance off the highway. You’ll find a parking area with paths to the lake; restroom, boat launch (electric motors only) and trails (don’t throw away that wrist-band!). You will need them as proof that you’ve paid to visit or hike the trails inside the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument. There are also hiking trails around Coldwater Lake
Coldwater Lake provides a tranquil ending to a long and scenic experience through a landscape that must be seen to believe.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Johnston Ridge Observatory, State Route 504, Castle Rock, WA
The Johnston Ridge Observatory is open seasonally and is located on Johnston Ridge in the center of the 1980 blast zone approximately 8 km (5 mi) north of the Mount St. Helens summit. The Ridge was named in honor of David Johnston, the USGS volcanologist who was on duty at the USGS Coldwater II observation point during the May 18, 1980 eruption. He was one of 57 people who lost their lives in the eruption. The Observatory building houses seismic, deformation, and other monitoring equipment that relays data to the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory for analysis.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Eruption Trail, From the 5 Freeway, take the 504, 52 miles east of Castle Rock to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Mount St. Helens, WA
After this stop , we will head back – 3 hours drive time to drop off locations
A barrier-free, paved hike of less than one mile from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The trail includes interpretive kiosks and 360 views of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding blast zone.
Duration: 4 hours
