Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This WA State Parks operated facility gives an overview of Cascade Range volcanism revolving around the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens on May 18, 1980. A fee is required to view the displays and a 20 minute movie showing video of the eruption and it's devastating affects. FEES Ages 6 and younger: Free, Ages 7 to 17: $2.50, Ages 18 and older: $5 Family: $15 (two adults plus accompanying children) Tour groups: $200 per bus. Use of the boardwalk trail and other amenities are free to visitors with a paid ticket, all other vehicles require a one day Discover Pass $10 to park.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
510 reviews
Excellent
288
Very good
152
Average
46
Poor
13
Terrible
11
KGC
White Salmon, WA111 contributions
Jul 2022
The view from the Johnson Observatory was better than the museum. If we would've known that the museum wasn't showing the movie and that the museum was under construction, we most likely wouldn't have drove the miles and paid the $8 per person fee to get in... We learned more from the free museums that this one.!!
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen711
Atlanta, GA1,736 contributions
Aug 2023
This place is a long way from anywhere. Huge parking lot. Enter the Visitor's Center and you walk right into the gift shop. $5 entrance fee for adults to view the drawings, photos, etc. and watch a short video. The inside and outside of this place could use some sprucing up. A few picnic tables would be nice and they could make a ton of money if they sold food. Mt. St. Helens is a long way from this place, but it can be seen from here.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becki C
Marshfield, WI242 contributions
Aug 2021
It was quite the drive out there, but it was a site to see. Reading the history at the visitor center and seeing the before and after pics was something to see for sure. It was hard to believe all that has changed. Also stop at Coldwater Lake for a short hike with gorgeous views on a clear blue lake.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tumbleweedchris
Richland, WA1,018 contributions
May 2022
It is my understanding the Visitor Center was closed for renovations recently. This is kind of confusing because it appears the museum opened in the 90s and was never updated. There are certainly some informative exhibits, but everything has a really dated veneer to it. Most of the exhibits are information panels, which I don't love. There is a neat model of the volcano that you can walk in. That's probably the highlight. Families beware that it lacks any features that would make it interesting for kids. The nature walk is a nice lake boardwalk that is worth a look. Overall, this is museum that will educate you about the eruption events, but doesn't do it in the best way possible.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelDiva001
Knoxville, TN1,879 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed our Saturday afternoon visit. Not very busy. The center had informative and some interactive displays. The 17-minute video was well done and emotionally moving. Entrance fee for adults/seniors was only $5. We enjoyed walking the trail & boardwalk to view Mt. St. Helens. Gentle trail with no steep hills. Many photo opportunities.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy M
Pennsylvania279 contributions
Jun 2023
This was a great place to visit. Beautiful view of Mt. Saint Helen, nice gift shop, small museum and informative movie about the 1980 eruption. Musuem and movie have a small entrance fee ($5 adult) but it's worth it. Plenty of parking just a short walk away.
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandyRoss
Ridgetown, Canada12,749 contributions
Aug 2022
On the way from Portland to Seattle (on I-5) we saw a sign that said Mount St. Helens Visitor Center 5 miles. We didn't have time to drive the actual 50+ miles to Mount St. Helens but could spare the time to go to the Visitor's Center. So we did.
We are old enough to remember when the mountain exploded killing 67 people. The center did a good job of explaining what happened and it was interesting to relive those days.
We are old enough to remember when the mountain exploded killing 67 people. The center did a good job of explaining what happened and it was interesting to relive those days.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian R
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
I’m really disappointed that they charge for admission at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, especially since my taxpayer dollars already go towards funding the park. They won’t accept America the Beautiful passes. We only stopped here to use the bathroom and take a quick walk on the boardwalk out back.
I really wish they would make the visitor center free like all the others, so kids and the elderly can enjoy learning without any extra cost. It feels like a money grab, and it’s sad to see something like this stand in the way of educating the public.
I really wish they would make the visitor center free like all the others, so kids and the elderly can enjoy learning without any extra cost. It feels like a money grab, and it’s sad to see something like this stand in the way of educating the public.
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chuck2010
Palmyra, PA2,563 contributions
Jul 2021
CLOSED for construction as of July 30, 2021. Parking lot, rest rooms, and a outside portable gift shop open ... No entry into building for presentations ... RECOMMEND doing research to see if it has reopened
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leah E
Snohomish, WA23 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Why are they now charging for our visitors center? We paid to build this, it’s our property. New sign says “admission charged - thank you for understanding”. I don’t understand, it was never this way before. They’re not cleaning the windows, you can see most of what they offer from the pay station. The only thing free here is the gift shop, because they want you buying things. Mt St Helens national park is falling apart. They’re not keeping bathrooms open, they’re not clearing mudslides so you can get to the mountain. It’s just ridiculous.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're planning to drive from Packwood to the Johnson Ridge Observatory. Google Maps suggests a route via Taidnapam Park which is not much quicker than driving via US-12, SR 505 and SR 504, but considerably shorter. Can anyone is familiar with the route suggest whether this would be a good idea ina rental car? Thank you.
Written 26 August 2022
Hoping to explore Mt St Helens area on a day trip from Vancouver, WA during the first week of Aug 2020. With Covid 19 restrictions, wondering what is worth a stop or not with closures, etc. Any recent visitors have any tips?
Written 28 July 2020
When we went it was closed and it was still a nice stop to get some pictures of the mountain and they have a boardwalk you can take a walk and just enjoy the tranquility. We probably spent an hour but it was worth the stop (since we couldn’t go all the way up to the mt.). I think it depends on what else you were doing for us it was on the way to our next stop so it wasn’t out of the way.
Written 29 July 2020
We have kids ages 7, 4 and 2. Is this something they would enjoy?
Written 10 August 2018
It is more suitable for adults and certainly your 7 year old child may get some enjoyment but not the other 2
Written 10 August 2018
Hello! I will be staying in Packwood in early July and will be driving to Seattle in the morning. I would like to see Mount St. Helen's on either the East or West side. First of all, would we have time to see MSH? We don't have to be in Seattle until late afternoon. Secondly, would it be faster to visit the East or West side? Thanks!
Written 18 June 2017
We drove to Mt St Helens from Portland as that is where we were staying. The observatory is the place to get the best view and information about the eruption!!! Hope it works out for you.
Written 18 June 2017
Thank you. Sorry, not planning on redwoods that day. Coming about 159 miles from everett wa. And then doing Mt. St. Helens and wondering if we should stay at castle rock or plan on 50-100 miles more in the direction of the redwoods? Actually wanting to go west to 101 and then south. I wasnt aware we can actually go up the mountain?? Thank you
Written 30 September 2016
If you have time, of course, continue on! The road is the best part! 🍃
Written 1 October 2016
Did you go to first visitor center or johnston ridge? We will be coming from Everett WA and want to see the best of Mt. st. helens and then comtinue south to ser yosemite and redwoods. How far do you think we can make it in one day, seeing evetything there is to ser? Any information would be appreciated for that part of the country.
Written 30 September 2016
Depending on your age and stamina, I would suggest leaving Everett very early in the morning to avoid Seattle/Tacoma traffic (you probably know how bad it can be.) As suggested, maybe skip the visitor's center and drive on up to Johnston Ridge. The road is winding, so speed isn't recommended. If you have children, please stop at the Forestry Center building. It's interactive and great for kids. When you're ready for a meal, try Patty's Place in Toutle. Great food and beautiful view.
Written 1 October 2016
where are the ape caves and lava tubes?
Written 16 August 2016
Wayyyyy south of Mt St Helens near Yacolt. An entirely different trip than Mt St Helens.
Written 19 June 2017
Annie B
Quebec City, Canada
Is the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center open on Labor Day?
Written 13 August 2016
It is attached to the parks department. Hours on Monday iare 9 am to 4 pm which might be affected because of the Labor Day holiday.
Written 14 August 2016
What would be involved with depositing cremated remains (ashes) in or near Spirit Lake?
Written 10 June 2016
There are numerous websites that can answer your questions... Cremation solutions for instance, or at least help you find the help or answers you seek. Best of luck, sorry for your loss.
Written 11 June 2016
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