Volcano day · Washington

Portland to Silver Lake, Forest Learning Center, Elk Rock, Coldwater & Hummocks day trip

Into the blast zone on Spirit Lake Highway

Drive the open part of the Spirit Lake Highway from Portland to Mount St. Helens: the state visitor center at Silver Lake, the free Forest Learning Center, the Elk Rock viewpoint, Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail. Johnston Ridge stays closed while the highway is rebuilt, so the day ends at the gate just past the Hummocks Trailhead.

Time
10–11 hour day
Driving
About 4–4½ hours driving
Best time
Late June to September
Updated
$4 USD

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Snow-streaked Mount St. Helens rising beyond green ridges and the blue water of Coldwater Lake
Chris Light · CC BY-SA 4.0. July 2023 photograph; resized and displayed with crop.
Suggested times, not bookings

Your day at a glance

  • 8:00 amLeave Portland
  • 9:15 amMount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake
  • 10:45 amForest Learning Center
  • 11:45 amElk Rock Viewpoint
  • 12:30 pmColdwater: Science and Learning Center and Coldwater Lake
  • 2:30 pmHummocks Trail
  • 4:30 pmReturn to Portland
Highlights

Worth the trip

  • The crater from Elk Rock and Coldwater
  • Coldwater Lake, born in the 1980 eruption
  • Walking among the Hummocks

What’s in the guide

Detailed stop guidance, rules, practical pitfalls, a route map, Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps links and weather alternatives. Read it online any time, or keep it offline in the Greg’s Guides app for iPhone and iPad. See an example guide →

Plan for the conditions

Expected seasonal weather

From late June through September, the west side is usually at its driest, with mild to warm days at Coldwater and the best odds of a clear crater view; the blast zone has little shade, so midday sun can feel hot. Late summer can bring wildfire smoke. In spring and from October on, low cloud and rain often hide the mountain, nights turn cold, and by November snow can reach Elk Rock, near 4,000 feet. These are seasonal expectations, not a forecast for your travel date; check the NWS forecast and the Coldwater point forecast before you leave.

Admission and parking are separate. Check current conditions before departure.

A good day, in the bag.

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