Title: Johnston Ridge Observatory in Stevenson | Expedia.co.uk [Johnston Ridge Observatory Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Johnston-Ridge-Observatory-Hotels.0-l553248621533115645-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Stevenson](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Stevenson.d162382.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Stevenson](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Stevenson.d162382.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Johnston Ridge Observatory Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Johnston-Ridge-Observatory.d553248621533115645.Car-Hire-Guide)[Stevenson Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Stevenson.d162382.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Johnston Ridge Observatory ![Portland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533115645/706ec969-7357-4db4-b21f-275ba0de71a6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Portland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533115645/706ec969-7357-4db4-b21f-275ba0de71a6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Johnston Ridge Observatory showing signage, views and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533115645/f4371b81-8fa5-4569-a770-4e8896375134.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount St. Helens which includes mountains, landscape views and views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6093383/1b8f213f-c620-4fce-925c-c639e1673f67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Johnston Ridge Observatory which includes landscape views, mist or fog and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533115645/68c956ed-e5fc-44d3-bbb6-a1be038d0db1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Johnston Ridge Observatory Activities [Stevenson travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Stevenson.dx162382) --- --- #### In the heart of the volcano blast zone, enjoy stunning views of Mount St. Helens, listen to ranger talks, hike through the wilderness or watch an informational film. Get a close view of Mount St. Helens at Johnston Ridge Observatory. Visit the blast zone of the volcano and learn all about its famous eruption in 1980\. The observatory stands in the heart of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, about 70 miles (110 kilometres) north of Portland, Oregon. Johnston Ridge Observatory is located next to the site where volcanologist David A. Johnston set up camp on the morning of the 1980 eruption. Although Johnston did not survive the blast, his name lives on at the observatory. Learn and explore throughout the site of this remarkable geological event. Look out across the vast, craggy landscape where lava flowed freely not too long ago. Check out the informative displays around the blast zone to discover the area’s history and the geological forces at work. Read eyewitness accounts of the explosion and learn more about the science of monitoring volcanic activity. Inside the observatory, watch an informative movie about the blast and the area. Learn about volcanoes and this specific site from knowledgeable professionals. A 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometre) trail offers excellent views across the blast zone. Enjoy stunning observations of Mount St. Helens, including the crater, lava dome and pumice plains. Check out the emerald-colored Meta Lake and one of North America’s longest lava tubes. Also watch for animals native to the area, such as mountain goats, Roosevelt elk and Columbian blacktail deer. Explore the surrounding area of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Participate in a ranger-led educational programme. Hike or cross-country ski along the winding trails and camp or fish in quiet solitude. Amenities are limited at Johnston Ridge Observatory. Find shops, restaurants and lodging in surrounding towns, such as Castle Rock or Napavine. Visit Johnston Ridge Observatory daily between mid-May and October. Most of the trails open in June, although some on a lower elevation can be hiked year-round. Although there is an entry fee to visit the observatory, there is no fee to drive within Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. ### Popular places to visit ![Portland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533115644/382de18b-ab43-48fb-ae4b-c234d7963955.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Coldwater Lake Whether you fish in it, hike around it or boat across it, explore the azure-colored lake that was formed by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Coldwater-Lake-Washington.d553248621533115644.Attraction) ![Mount St. Helens which includes mountains, landscape views and views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6093383/1b8f213f-c620-4fce-925c-c639e1673f67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mount St. Helens Take the 1.5-hour drive north of Portland to see this National Volcanic Monument and a blast zone in repair. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mount-St-Helens-Stevenson.d6093383.Attraction) ![Ape cave is the longest lava tube in North America. It's full of boulders to scramble over and at 3 miles long with an average temp of 42 degrees this is one cool lava tube to hike through. #MountStHelens #ApeCave #LavaTubes #GetOutdoors ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6261697/574dfd8c-8d94-4db6-aade-ba3989b68df4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ape Caves Explore the great outdoors at Ape Caves, a lovely green space in Stevenson. Stroll along the riverfront in this romantic area or seek out the hiking trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ape-Caves-Stevenson.d6261697.Attraction) #### South Coldwater Trailhead You can take time to visit South Coldwater Trailhead during your travels to Toutle. Experience the area's entertainment choices and theatre scene. [](https://expedia.co.uk/South-Coldwater-Trailhead-Toutle.d639917939182010368.Attraction) #### Birth of a Lake Trailhead You can take time to visit Birth of a Lake Trailhead during your travels to Toutle. Wander the forests and lakeside while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Birth-Of-A-Lake-Trailhead-Toutle.d553248621532650590.Attraction) #### Hummocks Trailhead You can take time to visit Hummocks Trailhead during your travels to Toutle. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints. 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