Small-group Mt. St. Helen National Park Tour from Seattle
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Coldwater Visitor Center overlooks Mount St. Helens and is within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. It is located along State Hwy 504, about 45 miles east of I-5. Built in 1993, Coldwater Visitor Center is just over 24,600 sq. ft. between two floors. Fantastic views of Mount St. Helens and close access to Coldwater Lake, which features picnic site, (non-motorized or electric motor) boat launch, accessible trails, fishing, restrooms, and parking.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will inform the guest by text message about the approximate location and time of pick up in advance. We can plan to pick up and drop off from additional locations if requested
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(11)
It was a great to have a host/guide Gurmit my family & I, had a wonderful time with him, it was especially nice to have him work so, well with my Dad (who had mobility issues at the time). I highly recommend taking their tour, It’s perfect for a small group. Personal and built to work around your wants & needs from the experience. Gurmit Singh - was our tour guide for today’s Mt. Saint Helens visit while in Seattle.
Thanks Jason
I had great time being with my sister looking at Mount ST Helen’s 😃 it’s great good great good great
We thoroughly recommend this trip. Small group, car trips are the best. Paul was an excellent, local guide, with sound knowledge of Mount St Helen’s and the local areas. The hike was great, the views of the mountain stunning and the swim in Coldwater Lake the icing on the cake. Information from the learning centers was very good and the snack breaks just right. Thanks for a great day to Mt St Helen’s!
Since there were only a couple of us, we were able to test some new experiences to add to the tour in the future. Love the variety and flexibility. The only thing keeping this from a 5 star is his driving.
Our tour guide Chad was wonderful. However I was very disappointed that the tour company charged me $65 more per person because they said this tour was now a private tour when the description clearly stated the tour would run with 2 to 5 people. So I assumed we were all set.
Disappointing that I was not able to go due to the minimum 2 passenger requirement. It should show how many have already booked so you know if you will be depending on another person to book. You should also not take funds until the minimum number of passengers have booked. I am now out of pocket for 3-5 business days and I didn’t get to go anywhere. Also, it’s 2024, how does it take 3-5 days to process a refund?
The tour was fantastic from the fresh French press coffee and muffins to the warm chocolate chip cookie at the end of the tour. Our guide Evan made the tour. He was very personable and knowledgeable. We had many laughs and gained a very detailed look into the events of May 18, 1980, the effects then and now. I highly recommend this tour.
The day was perfect sunny with blue sky. Dwight the tour guide was on time, knowledgeable and a good driver. I was alone but enjoyed meeting the other three passengers. Visit to both learning centers was very educational. I wish the Johnston ridge observatory was accessible and available .we Missed the best crater view . I would recommend the tour that includes it.
My tour was canceled without my notice. No text to say so or explanation by the touring company that you sub contracted to. The good part was the tour guide for another tour accompanied me.
Thanks for your review . We are customer obsessed and always continuously strive to improve customer experiences
We were incredibly fortunate as the sky opened up completely when we arrived at Mount St. Helens. This was for sure because we had a weather man with us ;-) Our driver and guide Mike was great and we got a lot of information from him. He was also open for suggestions so we really had a great excursion to the area around St. Helens. Good vibes only ... The volcano itself is impressive as this vast mass movement due to the last explosion is carved into the landscape which literally breath taking.
