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Experience the history and stories of Mt. St. Helens tragic eruption in May 1980. With an up-close look at the volcano and its geology, you will learn interesting facts while exploring its remnants.

Highlights

• See Mt. St. Helens
• Enjoy naturalist guided walks
• Spot some wildlife
• Take up geological sightseeing
• Learn about local and natural history

Description

Mount Saint Helen's is a volcano that forever lives in the minds of Americans and the world. During the events that surrounded the 1980 eruption, lives changed in an instant, and the mountaintop's geography was forever altered. Today, you can experience this unique volcano and all the flora and fauna that makes this impressive reforestation project so dramatic. On May 14th, 2023 Spirit Lake Highway leading up to Mt. St. Helens experienced a massive mudslide due to rapid melting of snowpack following a weekend of exceptionally warm spring temperatures. The mudslide is currently blocking access to Spirit Lake Highway about 9 miles before Johnston Ridge Observatory. The only destination this impacts is access to the Johnston Ridge viewing area. For this season, the park crews have opened public access to the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater Lake to the public which sits up on a ridge and offers very similar views to what you could expect at Johnston Ridge. On the way into the Monument you may stop at Lewis & Clark State Park to bask in the shadow of the old-growth forests that once covered the northern reaches of the mountain, or at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to explore estuary wetlands. You'll traverse the barren landscapes, stopping for a peaceful hike along the Hummocks Trail and then you might head down to Coldwater lake and enjoy a family style picnic lunch next to the water. End the day on a high note (literaly) as we wind up a bit in elevation to a view from above Coldwater Lake and the most direct peak into the crater on clear weather days. Enjoy browsing the interpretive info, take photographs, or find a quick gift for a loved one back home. Then we'll head back to Seattle and everyone will be dropped off back at their hotel.

Includes

Pickup and drop-off from downtown Seattle hotels or the Sheraton Grand Hotel Lunch! Seasonal picnic from our local female-owned catering partner Expert Naturalist guide Transportation in a high-roof passenger van Coffee or tea with a light morning snack Assorted snacks and refreshments All park entry fees Snowshoes in winter, if necessary Pickup options in Seatac and Tacoma (inquire for location)

Important Information

• Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras
• This tour will take place rain or shine
• Please inform the tour operator if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions at least 48 hours prior to the tour
• Please let the supplier know if you have any medical concerns relevant to the experience (environmental allergies, heart conditions, mobility issues, motion sickness, etc.)

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund