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 ending here
- 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
Drive I-5 north to Exit 49 for Highway 504E, Toutle and Castle Rock.
Turn right after exiting and drive 43.1 miles on 504E through Castle Rock, Silver Lake and Toutle.
At a junction, bear right for Coldwater Lake and Johnston Ridge Observatory. Descend, and after 2.0 miles, turn right on FR 340 into the parking area for the Hummocks Trail.
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)