Visiting Mount St Helens in Washington

We drove to the end of Hwy 504 yesterday. As mentioned, everything was closed with the exception of the gift shops. We were concerned about the cloud cover as we reached the Visitor Center mid afternoon, but by the time we reached the end of the road the sky was clear.

503 is better access if you want forested hikes, in the lava canyons and up to the Loowit trail.

504 is better if you want to drive to a crater view (weather permitting) and I understand the gift shop is open at Johnston Ridge. There is a neat hike called the Hummocks Trall off 504 as well, and two longer hikes (Coldwater Ridge and Coldwater Lake). But this area is all exposed so it can be hot and sunny.

StarkNaked wrote:
I don't see anything on WSDOT about Hwy 504 being closed. Yes, the visitor centers are closed, but you are going to see the mountain. You should still be able to drive to the parking/viewpoint at Johnston Ridge.

If you go, choose 504 over 503. The crater view is at Johnston Ridge.

My opinion is only go if the weather is cooperating. It needs to be clear weather all the way to the top of the mountain. It's not worth going if the only thing you can see is clouds.

P.S. I'm planning on a trip in the next few weeks to Windy Ridge on the East side of the crater.

Thanks for the info.

I don't see anything on WSDOT about Hwy 504 being closed. Yes, the visitor centers are closed, but you are going to see the mountain. You should still be able to drive to the parking/viewpoint at Johnston Ridge.

If you go, choose 504 over 503. The crater view is at Johnston Ridge.

My opinion is only go if the weather is cooperating. It needs to be clear weather all the way to the top of the mountain. It's not worth going if the only thing you can see is clouds.

P.S. I'm planning on a trip in the next few weeks to Windy Ridge on the East side of the crater.

I was going to tell you to go visit the Ape Caves in WA but I see that they are also closed.

“and can we expect to see Mount St Helens from the south?“

Weather cooperating, you’ll see it.