Mt. Saint Helens National Monument

Highlights / General details

View the steaming volcano just miles from the crater, experience how the ecosystem is recovering from its powerful eruption, and walk through the park with your naturalist guide to learn about how volcanoes are monitored and how events transpired on that fateful day in 1980.

On your way to Mt. St. Helens you may stop at Lewis & Clark State Park to bask in the shadow of the old-growth forests that once covered the blast zone or at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to explore estuary wetlands among a symphony of birdsong. Once in the Volcanic Monument, you’ll traverse the barren landscapes, stopping for a peaceful hike along the Hummocks Trail or to take in the still blue waters of Coldwater Lake. After enjoying a picnic lunch, you’ll arrive at the Johnston Ridge Observatory where you’ll embark on an interpretive walk along the Eruption Trail. The trail offers sweeping looks into the blast zone and crater, and teems with purple lupine and other flowers in the mid-to-late summer.

Throughout the day you’ll hear incredible stories of survival and science, and experience the unrelenting resilience of nature embodied in this rebounding ecosystem.

Inclusion

Pick-up and Drop-off at your Downtown Seattle Hotel; Highly qualified naturalist Escape Artist guide and commentary; Travel in adventure-outfitted luxury Mercedes Van or Crossover; Locally fresh, family-style lunch; Seasonal snacks and refreshments throughout the tour; All entry fees.

Exclusion

Gratuity

Hours of operation

Available Tuesday and Thursday from May 15 to October 31, departing at 7:30am.

Duration

Tour is approximately 12 hours.

Location

We are able to pick up at any hotel or location in Downtown Seattle – North of King Street, South of Roy Street, and West of Interstate 5.

Participant restrictions

Children must be at least 6 years of age to participate.

Additional Information

What to wear:

Summer suggestions - Hat and sunglass; Light hiking pants made of synthetic materials (not cotton or denim); Non-cotton T-shirt or base layer; A long sleeve shirt or fleece jacket for cool mornings; Rain jacket or shell; Day-hikers or tennis shoes; Water wicking socks. Temperatures: 55-80°F / 13-27°C. Rainfall: Generally dry, rare showers.

Spring/Fall suggestions - Water-wicking hiking pants made of synthetic materials (not cotton or denim); Non-cotton T-shirt or long-sleeve; Fleece jacket or soft-shell; Rain jacket; Day-hikers or tennis shoes; Water wicking socks; Beanie or hat for cool mornings. Temperatures: 40-6°F / 5-20°C. Rainfall: Frequent but light showers, limited rain.

Policies

Cancellation: 6 days prior 50% penalty, 2 days prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**