Mount Saint Helen’s Volcano Tour
Tomorrow’s tour is only available by calling. Phone: 503-475-0226 Toll free: 888 TOURS-33 (888-868-7733)
The Impact of the Eruption Must be seen to be Understood
On the Mount Saint Helens Volcano Tour, our guests will learn about the “blast zone,” mud-flows (lahars), pyroclastic flows, biological regeneration and the largest avalanche recorded by man. The immense effects from the eruption of Mount Saint Helens on the surrounding region must be seen to be appreciated. We will make many incredible photo stops, including the Johnston Ridge Observatory (Temporarily Closed).
Full day $129.00. Group discounts available for 30+ guests.
The Mount Saint Helens Volcano Tour is normally scheduled from 9 AM to 5 PM, but we’re flexible! Because we travel in small groups, options may be available to adjust our itinerary according to your wishes as the day progresses. The following is a sample itinerary.
Schedule
9:00 AM: Pickup at your hotel or residence. Travel north from Portland crossing North America’s second largest river, the Columbia. We will journey alongside the Columbia River for nearly an hour learning about the geological forces which created Mount Saint Helens and the other Cascades Mountains. Occasional views of Mount Saint Helens may be seen to the east.
10:10 AM: A rest stop is made in Castle Rock, Washington for restrooms and to purchase our picnic supplies before we head east towards better viewing areas. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch also.
10:30 AM: The views become more and more amazing as we travel up the North Fork of the Toutle River. Stops will be made along the way to view the two-mile wide remnant mudflows and debris which crashed down the river valley in the largest avalanche ever recorded by man.
As we enter the “lateral blast zone” you will see the hillsides which are still covered with the shattered trees and stumps. 600 mph super-heated winds decimated everything to the north up to 17 miles away! The new road, built 3,000 feet above the valley floor in case of future eruptions, offers colossal views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
12:00 PM: We break for lunch at the Coldwater Lake picnic area. We will stop in Castle Rock to buy sandwiches or guests may bring their lunches. The “blast zone” makes for a unique picnicking experience.
12:45 PM: At this time due to the road washout to Johnston Ridge Observatory we either can walk the easy paved trails and Jeff gives a narrated discussion of the Coldwater Ridge-Science Learning Center area or the group can take a longer hike of the Avalanche Debris area in the Toutle River area under Mount St. Helen's. Both options have terrific views of the Volcano. Jeff will have wildlife spotting scopes on hand for visitors to see the immense area and wildlife such as Roosevelt Elk up close. Links: Coldwater Ridge-Science Learning Center Silver Lake Visitors Center
3:30 PM: On our return, we typically make a few photo stops at various spectacular viewpoints including an A-frame house which had volcanic mudflow/lahar ooze into it about five-feet deep.
Link: Kelso-Longview.
5:00 PM: Arrive back at your hotel or home.
The cost of Mount Saint Helens Volcano Tour is $129.00 Cost includes door-to-door transportation, entrance fees and the interpretive naturalist services of your ecotour guide. Group discounts available for 30+ guests.