it is 100% fogged in if you go anytime other than on a beautiful day in july or august. it takes about 4.5 hrs from seattle to get there
We stopped at the visitors center trying to decide if we wanted to drive in to see he mountain...they have an awesome movie, and sooo much info on the eruptions and history... The staff was great at answering questions.... There was a cost of $5 which surprised me, but worth it.. We did drive back to see the crater... Very interesting..!!!!
This stop is off the beaten path but well worth the side trip to get there. A good road and scenic all the way. Once at the foot of the volcano, it's pretty incredible. And inside, lots of interactive elements make it fun. It gives you insight into the power of nature.
Briefly stopped here before heading up the highway to the Johnston Ridge Observation Point.Nice facility, nothing special. Had a small exhibit, but the fee to view it and the movie didn't make much sense. We did pick up a free map as well as an informative paper about Mt. St. Helens.A good stop, but certainly not a destination.
We stopped here in our way up to the mountain. There was an interesting movie, displays, and we really enjoyed the ranger's presentation outside with the mountain 25 miles behind her (were so grateful to visit on a clear day). The times of the ranger' stalks are posted--time your visit so as to not miss it.
This center was very informative without being exhaustive. Loved the 13 min movie. Loved the exhibits. The place was beautiful and well done for the area - very woodsy and nicely done. It was clean. We learned a lot about Mt. St Helens. Would recommend it for everyone!
Had a good time here and well there is a volcano to see so that was neat. If you are in the area I would stop. Just on history alone this was great!
I was amazed as I learned about the eruption of Mt. St. Helen's. The museum was very informative and presented the history in the rotation by dates leading up to the eruption.Being from the Midwest I did not realize all the destruction and that it was so serious. It was a real history lesson for me.
The Information/Visitor's Center is operated by the Washington State Park system. The center is open, spacious and exhibits are very well done. There is a 13 minute video of actual footage of the eruption. Exhibits describe plate tectonics, show volcanoes around the world and timelines of the eruption of May 1980. Down a short set of stairs, see layers of debris and sediment laid down by past eruptions of Mt. Saint Helens. More exhibits feature Native Americans culture as well as birds and animals of the region. Just outside the center is a distant view of the mountain. A 1 mile loop trail of the wetlands of Spirit Lake is adjacent to the center. We saw blue heron, mallard ducks and another distant view of Mt. Saint Helens. The Visitor's Center is easily accessible from Interstate 5. It's worth a short detour!
It was a cloudy day with on and off rain showers. Long but scenic drive with fantastic stops along the way to the top. Ears popping, windy roads radio going in and out, and big beautiful trees for miles all part of God's perfect landscaping! Only if your luck will you get a glimpse of the top of Mt St Helen. The clouds and mist are so thick but all adding to its beauty. There are two short films being shown about the mountain and history. A must go see if your that close.