Johnston Ridge Observatory Trailhead
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 46.276575, -122.216704
- Elevation: 4300 feet
- Driving time from Portland: 2 hours
Contents |
Hikes starting here
- Harry's Ridge Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Coldwater Peak Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Hummocks to Johnston Ridge Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
Fees and Regulations
- Pets, bicycles, horses, and off-trail travel are all prohibited in the Restricted Area around JRO.
- A Monument Pass is a per-person pass good for one day at Johnston Ridge Observatory and Coldwater Lake Recreation Area. They cost $8 for visitors 16 and older, are free for those 15 and under, and may be obtained at JRO. A Northwest Forest Pass allows one adult free day use access.
Driving Directions
From Portland/Vancouver, take I-5 north to Castle Rock. Take exit 49, and turn east (right) on SR-504. Follow SR-504 for 51 miles to Johnston Ridge Observatory. There is ample parking, as the pictures demonstrate. The last eight miles (from the Hummocks Trailhead onward) are subject to closure in the winter.
Other Notes
- No parking permit is required.
- The observatory is open mid-May until early-November, and is the only source of water.
- Concessions are extremely limited. Last store and services available in Toutle.
- This is definitely not a good place for pets! No shade, very little water, and they're really not allowed outside the parking lot. They'll thank you to be left home for this trip.
More Links
- Johnston Ridge Observatory
- VolcanoCams Home Page
- Mount St. Helens Recreation Maps and Publications
- Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters
Page Contributors
- kepPNW (creator)