Johnston Ridge Observatory
Knowledge, Entertainment and Excitement!
The closest observatory to Mount St Helens
Johnston Ridge Observatory is named for volcanologist David Johnston, who was camped at the site when Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980. His final words – called in via shortwave radio – were …“Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it!” Johnston’s body has never been found.
Johnston Ridge Observatory - Location
Johnston Ridge Observatory is located along Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (SR 504) at the 52-mile marker. JRO offers the movie Message from the Mountain, exhibits, interpretive talks, photographs, and viewing areas to maximize the Mount St. Helens experience. Johnston Ridge Observatory is the crown jewel of Southwest Washington and the closest view to the crater of Mount St. Helens. Spectacular views, awesome hiking trails and breathtaking photo opportunities await you.
Johnston Ridge Admission & Information
Open from May through October
Open daily from 9 to 5
$8.00 for 16 and older
Free for 15 and under
RV Parking available
Johnston Ridge Hiking information
Let us help you plan a day-hike at Mount St. Helens. Bring a day-pack and sturdy shoes or boots, along with the 10 essential items needed for the day.
- 1. Food
- 2. Extra clothing (always a good idea to layer your clothing)
- 3. Sunglasses
- 4. Sunscreen
- 5. Hat
- 6. First aid kit
- 7. Pocket knife
- 8. Waterproof matches, candles or fire starter
- 9. Water
- 10. Space blanket
A wide choice of trails
When choosing your trail or day-hike, keep in mind that trails vary in difficulty from short, accessible interpretive loops to longer, steep trails that challenge even experienced hikers. Please consult Monument staff to select the trail or day-hike that best meets your needs.
There are many trails in the Monument, offering hikers a variety of diverse landscapes. Crater views, new lakes, ancient lava flows, blown-down trees, mudflows and old-growth forest can all be discovered on hikes in the Mount St. Helens area.