CRATER GLACIER OVERLOOK HIKE

Witness the Transformation: Mount St. Helens Blast Zone Exploration

“It was fantastic! The guides and volunteers were marvelous and took great care of everyone. It was pretty wild being up at the viewpoint with NO people!" ~Becky, 2023 "Such knowledgeable, prepared and cordial guides! We got to where very few others have been and had lunch in the crater of an active volcano! ~Kerry, 2023 “This was such a spectacular hike! The environment is so raw and unique and the activity in the crater was mesmerizing. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and supportive and makes me wish there on all my hikes! ~Martina, 2023

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring journey through the rebirth of the Mount St. Helens Blast Zone, from Spirit Lake to the crater's edge.  This distinctive off-trail adventure provides a unique vantage point of Crater Glacier, one of the world's youngest and fastest-growing glaciers.  Enjoy a trek through a 43 year old landscape and experience this unparalleled view, while your professional guides provide expert interpretation of the natural and historical wonders of the landscape.  This is a favorite among our staff, offering a deep appreciation for the dynamic and evolving landscape surrounding Mount St. Helens.

NEW for 2024!  Crater Glacier Overlook Hike with a Geologist on August 10th!

  • Distance: ~8 miles (13 km) round-trip
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500ft - 1,800ft (457m - 548m) 
  • Duration: 9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM
  • Meeting Location: Windy Ridge Viewpoint
  • Minimum Age: 10 (minors must be accompanied by an adult the entire adventure)  
  • Maximum Group Size: 10
  • Cost: $230 / person
  • Cost for Geologist hike:  $245 / person

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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. 

Questions? Email explore@mshinstitute.org or call (360) 207-1675