Small-group Mt. St. Helen National Park Tour from Seattle in SUV
Why we love it?
The Small-group Mt. St. Helen National Park Tour from Seattle offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic natural landmarks. Lasting nine hours, this tour is designed for small groups of 2 to 5 participants, providing an intimate and personalized experience. Travelers will enjoy private transportation in an SUV, with pick-up and drop-off at selected locations in Seattle. The tour includes bottled water, ensuring comfort during the journey. This experience is ideal for nature enthusiasts and those interested in geology, as it highlights the dramatic landscapes shaped by the 1980 volcanic eruption. The small group size allows for a more engaging exploration of the park's trails and viewpoints, making it a distinctive option for a day trip from the city.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Pick-up and drop-off from selected places
- Transportation in small groups from 2 to 5 in SUV
Itinerary
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
The Johnston Ridge Observatory is open seasonally and is located on Johnston Ridge in the center of the 1980 blast zone approximately 8 km (5 mi) north of the Mount St. Helens summit. The Ridge was named in honor of David Johnston, the USGS volcanologist who was on duty at the USGS Coldwater II observation point during the May 18, 1980 eruption. He was one of 57 people who lost their lives in the eruption. The Observatory building houses seismic, deformation, and other monitoring equipment that relays data to the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory for analysis.
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.
Please Note
- Stroller or pram accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- We will inform the travelers 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
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation nearby
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
