Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Johnston Ridge Observatory

Johnston Ridge Observatory

Highlight • Viewpoint

Johnston Ridge Observatory

Name: Johnston Ridge Observatory
Rating: 2

Recommended by 10 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument

Save

Location: Skamania County, Washington, United States

Save

See hikes here

Take Me There

Routes here

Best Hikes to Johnston Ridge Observatory

4.7

(6)

hikers

1. Harry's Ridge via the Boundary Trail — Mount St. Helens National Monument

13.0km

03:57

450m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.5

(2)

hikers

2. Hummocks Trailhead – Johnston Ridge Observatory loop from Morton

16.1km

05:01

570m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

5.0

(2)

hikers

3. Johnston Ridge Visitor Center – Johnston Ridge Observatory loop from Morton

9.15km

02:42

270m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Tips

Chloé Perceval

March 7, 2022

The observatory tells the story of Mount St. Helens and the impact of its 1980 eruption - on the land as well as on animal and human life.

Lahaina

August 15, 2019

The observatory was named after the volcanologist David A. Johnston, who died here on 18.05.1980. Here you can learn a lot about the disaster. You should definitely watch a movie.

Translated by Google •

Lahaina

August 15, 2019

The volcano, whose north flank slipped in 1980, lost approximately 3 square kilometers of rock mass. The pyroclastic flows and the pressure wave were devastating.

Translated by Google •

Teri S

August 27, 2021

An epic view inside of the crater of an active volcano.

Sigrid

October 30, 2019

Impressive view of Mount St. Helens, since the eruption side of the volcano can be seen from here. There is a large parking lot at the visitor center. On the hike there are always great views of Mount St. Helens and the valley into which the lava slag flowed over the slope. The landscape gradually recovered and plants settled.

Translated by Google •

Sigrid

September 22, 2019

Here you can learn a lot about the eruption of Mount St. Helen in 1980. Absolutely worth the visit. Very nice and informative visitor center with great movie shows and a unique view of Mount St. Helens. The Observatory is located at the end of State Highway 504 (84 km east of Castle Rock) in the heart of the blast zone.

Translated by Google •

Biber-Radler

October 5, 2024

After two months of volcanic activity and shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical volcano collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In moments, this slab of rock and ice slammed into Spirit Lake, crossed a 1,300-foot ridge and roared 14 miles down the Toutle River.

The avalanche quickly released pressurized gases inside the volcano. A massive lateral explosion ripped through the avalanche and developed into a turbulent, rock-filled wind that swept over ridges and toppled trees. Nearly 150 square miles of forest were blown away or left dead and standing.

At the same time, a mushroom-shaped column of ash rose thousands of feet into the sky and drifted against the wind, turning day into night as dark, gray ash fell across eastern Washington and beyond. Wet, cement-like mud of rock and silt scoured all sides of the volcano. Searing currents of pumice poured from the crater. The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape changed dramatically in a matter of moments.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 1,270 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 15 November

10°C

7°C

100 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Skamania County, Washington, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Coldwater Lake Boardwalk Trail

Boundary Trail, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Abraham Trail

Ape Cave Interpretive Site/Lower entrance

Muddy River (in Lava Canyon)

Coldwater Peak

Windy Ridge Trail – View of Mount St. Helens

View of Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens from Harry's Ridge

View of Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens

Beaver Dam in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

View of Mount St. Helens from Johnston Ridge Observatory

Loowit Viewpoint

Johnston Ridge Observatory

1. Harry's Ridge via the Boundary Trail — Mount St. Helens National Monument

2. Hummocks Trailhead – Johnston Ridge Observatory loop from Morton

3. Johnston Ridge Visitor Center – Johnston Ridge Observatory loop from Morton

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️