Mt St Helen's National Volcanic Monument Road Trip-From Tacoma
1 day
Instant confirmation
About this activity
Mount St. Helen's is world-renowned for its major volcanic eruption in 1980, and for being the deadliest, most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States!
Sadly, 57 people lost their live in this cataclysmic event, 250 homes were completely buried and destroyed under masses of volcanic ash, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railway, and 185 miles of highway were completely buried or destroyed, and untold wildlife found no way of escape!
As the volcano erupted a massive avalanche of debris was triggered by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale. This enormous eruption was so devastating it actually reduced the mountain's elevation from a lofty height of 9,677 ft to a mere 8,363 ft, leaving a 1 mile wide horseshoe-shaped crater and total devastation in its wake!
The Mount St. Helen's National Volcanic Monument was created for people to come experience the true power of nature, to see how the land heals and to allow the landscape to be scientifically studied. Remember this is still a "live" volcano!
This is a full-day, mostly self-guided road trip, so you can expect to ride for several hours in a comfortable SUV as we make our way into the heart of the Cascade Mountain Range to the Johnson Ridge Observatory.
If the weather permits, there will be opportunities to get out of the vehicle, stretch your legs, use a restroom, buy snacks and to take breathtaking photos. We will stop along the way as photo ops present themselves.
Once at The Johnson Ridge Observatory, you may purchase a hamburger or hotdogs from the portable lunch wagon in the parking lot, but we will be stopping in the morning at Starbucks for coffee and then at Subway to purchase sandwiches and drinks before entering the park, should you desire to do so.
The Johnson Ridge Observatory has an amazing gift shop with a vast variety of treasures to bring home and a museum for further exploration. Come experience amazing Mt. St. Helen's!
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Sadly, 57 people lost their live in this cataclysmic event, 250 homes were completely buried and destroyed under masses of volcanic ash, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railway, and 185 miles of highway were completely buried or destroyed, and untold wildlife found no way of escape!
As the volcano erupted a massive avalanche of debris was triggered by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale. This enormous eruption was so devastating it actually reduced the mountain's elevation from a lofty height of 9,677 ft to a mere 8,363 ft, leaving a 1 mile wide horseshoe-shaped crater and total devastation in its wake!
The Mount St. Helen's National Volcanic Monument was created for people to come experience the true power of nature, to see how the land heals and to allow the landscape to be scientifically studied. Remember this is still a "live" volcano!
This is a full-day, mostly self-guided road trip, so you can expect to ride for several hours in a comfortable SUV as we make our way into the heart of the Cascade Mountain Range to the Johnson Ridge Observatory.
If the weather permits, there will be opportunities to get out of the vehicle, stretch your legs, use a restroom, buy snacks and to take breathtaking photos. We will stop along the way as photo ops present themselves.
Once at The Johnson Ridge Observatory, you may purchase a hamburger or hotdogs from the portable lunch wagon in the parking lot, but we will be stopping in the morning at Starbucks for coffee and then at Subway to purchase sandwiches and drinks before entering the park, should you desire to do so.
The Johnson Ridge Observatory has an amazing gift shop with a vast variety of treasures to bring home and a museum for further exploration. Come experience amazing Mt. St. Helen's!
Included
- Transport by private vehicle
- Small-group
Not included
- Food and drinks
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Additional Info
- Camera highly advisable.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a jacket or hoodie are highly recommended.
- Knit stocking cap and gloves advisable according to weather conditions.
- No animals or service animals allowed within the vehicle.
- Please do not bring large items or luggage. No room within the vehicle.
- Not handicap/disabled friendly. Moderate walking required.
- Children must be 7 years or older.
- No car seats allowed within vehicle.
- Food and drink not provided.
- **Gratuities are accepted and highly recommended**.
- Very limited restaurants (food) on route. We will stop at Starbucks in the morning for coffee, then a local sandwich shop for lunch 'to go' before ascending the mountain to the volcano. You may opt to bring your lunch, drinks and snacks with you.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travelers
Features
Tourism
80%
Cultural
45%
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