Mt. Saint Helens National Monument & Ape Cave

Highlights / General details

View the steaming volcano just miles from the crater, witness 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.

Traveling north into Washington, you’ll visit both the forested south slopes of the volcano and the barren landscapes of the blast zone. As you drive along Spirit Lake Highway, you’ll stop to spelunk in the cool darkness of Ape Cave, and may take a peaceful walk along the Hummocks Trail or pause to reflect alongside the blue waters of Coldwater Lake. After enjoying a picnic lunch, you’ll arrive at the Johnston Ridge Observatory to embark on an interpretive walk along the Eruption Trail. The trail offers sweeping views into the crater, and teems with purple lupine and other wildflowers 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 exemplified by this rebounding ecosystem.

Points of interest:

Embark on interpretative nature walks led by a naturalist guide.

Hear the geological science and captivating stories behind the 1980 eruption.

Gaze into the blast zone and crater from scenic viewpoints.

Witness a desolate but reemerging landscape and learn about the ecosystem’s rebirth.

Visit the renowned Johnston Ridge Observatory and Visitor Center.

Watch for resident elk herds, frogs, beavers, birds, and other wildlife.

Venture into Ape Cave, the largest continuous lava tube in the continental United States.

Inclusion

Complimentary pick-up and drop-off; Luxury Mercedes Sprinter Vans or SUVs; Highly qualified naturalist guide and commentary; Fresh, family-style lunch; All gear related to activities; All entry, tasting and/or park fees; Water and beverages included on every tour.

Exclusion

Gratuity

Hours of operation

Available Friday and Sunday from May 15 to October 31 plus Wednesday from June 15 to September 30, departing at 8:00am.

Duration

Tour is approximately 10.5 hours.

Participant restrictions

Minimum age on the tour is 10 years of age to participate.

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**