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Eruption Hike
"I had a great time! Beautiful hike with awesome guides! I loved all the history and interesting facts presented. Perfect day! Loved lunch on the ridge!" ~Marianne, 2023
"Great hike with guides who were super enthusiastic!" ~Theodore, 2023
"I really enjoyed it. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the area, hiking and geology." ~John, 2023
Eruption Hike
The Eruption Hike will begin amidst incredible hummocks deposited on May 18, 1980 and as we wind our way through the huge mounds of rocks and debris, we will witness first hand the awesome geological and biological forces that created this landscape 45 years ago. We will emerge from the hummocks and join the Boundary Trail where we will begin our ascent up the scoured and denuded slopes to the ridgeline that separates the blast zone from the standing dead zone. We will visit the Loowit Viewpoint where we will learn about David Johnston and his legacy before we proceed to the Johnston Ridge Observatory (closed) for views of the vast Pumice Plain, volcanic crater and lava domes. Keep your eyes open for meandering elk in the plains below and mountain goats on the cliffs around you.
- Distance: 7.5 to 9 miles (12 km - 14.4km)
- Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft (579 m)
- Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Meeting Location: Hummocks Trailhead
- Minimum Age: 8. If your hiker is younger, contact explore@mshinstitute.org or (360) 207-1675 to discuss.
- Maximum Group Size: 12
- Cost: $125 / person
- Cost for hike with a Geologist: $150 / person
If your adventure date is sold out, join our waitlist! In 2024, 48% of people our waitlist were offered a spot!!
Select a date below to register
Additional Information
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Mount St. Helens Institute operates under a special use permit from the US Forest Service and is honored to work on the Traditional Cultural Property, ancestral and present-day lands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Mount St. Helens Institute is an equal opportunity provider.