Mount St. Helens travel guide

Mount St. Helens travel guide

National Airports

The closest international airport to Mount St. Helens is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is located approximately 123 miles to the north. The Portland International Airport (PDX) is another major airport that is located approximately 50 miles to the south of Mount St. Helens. From either airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach Mount St. Helens.

Trains in Mount St. Helens

There are no trains that go directly to Mount St. Helens. The closest train stations to Mount St. Helens are in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus or tour to get to Mount St. Helens.

Buses in Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is primarily a wilderness area, so there are no public buses or shuttle services available within the park. Visitors can drive on their own to explore the park or book a guided tour with a private tour operator. Some tour companies offer transportation from nearby cities like Portland, Seattle or Olympia.

How to get to Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is located in southwestern Washington state, approximately 50 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon. The most convenient way to get to Mount St. Helens is by car, as there are no major airports or train stations nearby. Here are some driving directions from nearby cities:

From Portland: Take I-5 North to exit 21, then take State Route 503 East to Cougar. From there, take Forest Road 90 to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

From Seattle: Take I-5 South to exit 68, then take State Route 12 East to Morton. From there, take State Route 7 South to State Route 706 East to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Keep in mind that during the winter months, some roads may be closed due to snow and ice, so it’s important to check road conditions before driving.

What is the best time to travel to Mount St. Helens

The best time to travel to Mount St. Helens is during the summer months of June through September. During this time, the weather is generally milder, with less rainfall and more opportunities for outdoor activities. However, it’s important to note that Mount St. Helens is an active volcano and weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest weather forecast and trail conditions before embarking on any outdoor adventures.

How to get around Mount St. Helens

There are several ways to get around Mount St. Helens. The most common way is by car, as there are a number of scenic drives and pullouts in the area. Visitors can also hike, bike, or ride horses on the trails within the park, although many of these trails are steep and challenging. There are also several tour operators that offer guided tours of the area, including helicopter and airplane tours.

Accommodations in Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is located in a relatively remote area, so there are limited accommodation options nearby. However, there are several options in nearby towns such as Toutle, Castle Rock, and Cougar. Here are some popular accommodation options:

Silver Cove RV Resort: This RV resort is located in Silverlake, just a short drive from Mount St. Helens. The resort offers full-service RV sites, as well as cabin rentals.

Toutle River RV Resort: This RV resort is located in Toutle, just a short drive from Mount St. Helens. The resort offers full-service RV sites, as well as cabin rentals and tent sites.

The Cowlitz River Lodge: This lodge is located in Randle, a small town near Mount St. Helens. The lodge offers rooms and suites, as well as RV and tent camping sites.

Lone Fir Resort: This resort is located in Cougar, just a short drive from Mount St. Helens. The resort offers cabins, RV sites, and tent sites.

Timberland Inn & Suites: This hotel is located in Castle Rock, about a 30-minute drive from Mount St. Helens. The hotel offers rooms and suites, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub.