The road to Johnston Ridge Observatory remains closed following the 2023 landslide, and that has quietly changed how Mount St. Helens is best experienced. Many visitors still plan trips around a viewpoint that is no longer accessible.
The mountain itself has not become less interesting. The experience has simply shifted. Right now, the most practical and rewarding options are on the south and west sides of Mount St. Helens, especially near the Toutle River, where access is reliable and the landscape still tells the full story.
Start With What Is Actually Open
If you are arriving without a clear plan, the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake is the best first stop. It provides context on the eruption, the recovery, and the geography without relying on closed roads or seasonal access.
The nearby boardwalk loop is flat and quiet, making it a good way to reset after travel. It also sets expectations correctly. Mount St. Helens is not a single viewpoint anymore. It is a region you move through.
Trails That Still Show the Impact of the Eruption
You do not need to reach the crater rim to understand what happened here. Several lower-elevation trails remain open and do a better job than most people expect.
- Hummocks Trail offers a clear look at the debris fields and young forest created by the 1980 eruption.
- Coldwater Lake Trail provides wide views and calmer terrain, especially useful when weather limits higher elevations.
- Seaquest State Park is well suited for shorter walks close to Silver Lake and the visitor center.
If you are planning around road closures or shoulder seasons, this approach works better than trying to force access to a single destination. We break this down in more detail in our guide on how to visit Mount St. Helens during the Johnston Ridge closure.
Underground and Volcanic Features Still Worth the Trip
Even with certain roads closed, some of the most memorable experiences remain fully accessible. Ape Cave is a good example. It offers a direct encounter with volcanic geology rather than a distant view.
If you plan to visit, timing and preparation matter. Our Ape Cave hiking guide covers what to expect, when to go, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Time on the Water Matters More Than People Expect
The Toutle River and nearby Silver Lake offer a slower, quieter way to experience the area. Fishing, paddling, or simply spending time near the water often ends up being the part of the trip people remember most.
Wildlife sightings are common, especially early in the day or near dusk. Eagles, otters, and deer are part of the normal rhythm here. If that is a priority, our guide to wildlife watching near Castle Rock goes into more detail.
For anglers, we have also put together a focused Toutle River fishing guide that covers access points and seasonal considerations.
Plan for More Than One Day
With Johnston Ridge off the table, Mount St. Helens is no longer a single-stop destination. It works best as a multi-day visit with flexibility built in for weather and road conditions.
If you are visiting outside peak summer months, our overview of seasonal activities near Mount St. Helens can help set expectations. Families traveling together may also want to review what tends to work best in our post on family-friendly activities near Mount St. Helens.
Staying close to the mountain makes this kind of pacing easier. Shorter drives mean earlier starts, quieter evenings, and less time spent managing logistics. For visitors looking for a calm base near the south side, our riverfront cabin retreat was designed with this type of trip in mind.
Mount St. Helens has not become harder to visit. It has simply become less forgiving of outdated plans. If you focus on what is open, stay nearby, and give yourself time, the experience is still quiet, powerful, and worth the effort.