Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Monument Visitor Centers and Recreational Facilities 

November 17, 2009:

Winter Travel Safety Information.

• Johnston Ridge Observatory closed for the winter.

• Coldwater is closed permanently.

• Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake (operated by Washington State Parks)

Apes' Headquarters is closed for the winter 

Pine Creek Information Station -- Closed for the winter. The information station is a partnership between the Forest, Mount St. Helens Institute, Skamania County, Discover Your Northwest, Cougar Area Trail Seekers and the Swift Community Action Team. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day. Volunteers are still needed to staff Pine Creek, if you are interested please contact Hailey Heath with the MSHI at 360-449-7887.

Cascade Peaks: Closed for the winter. The Cascade Peaks viewpoint will offer visitors interpretive exhibits and materials, snacks and drinks, recreation passes and will provide visitor information. The facility at Cascade Peaks will be open Thursday thru Monday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. starting July 9 through Labor Day.

November 17, 2009:  Lava Canyon Trail #184: Wet snow. Caution advised.

Windy Ridge Viewpoint -- Forest Road 99 leading to Windy Ridge is closed for the winter.

Visitors Should be Prepared for Wind-Blown Ash or a Potential Ash Fall 

[Last Updated: June 25, 2008]

In rare instances, forest visitors near the volcano may encounter a potential volcanic ash plume or ashfall. Volcanic ash (fragmented rock dust) can be mobilized by crater rockfall, high winds, or, in rare instances, by small steam explosions in the crater.  In the event of a volcanic ashfall, stay tuned to local media for up to date reports on the status of the volcano.

Volcanic ash (fragmented rock dust) is non-toxic but, if breathed-in, can cause physical damage to your lungs and airways.  In the event of ashfall, remain calm, try not to breathe ash, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or napkin.  If possible, seek shelter in a building or vehicle and remain inside until the ashfall passes. If you are in a vehicle roll up your window, and do not start the vehicle as volcanic ash could damage your engine.  Typical ash clouds dissipate within 20 to 30 minutes.  Once the ash clears, drive slowly and carefully because volcanic ash can be kicked-up like road dust and can limit visibility.  When wet, use extra caution as ashfall deposits on roadways can be slippery.

Climbing Mount St Helens

• Mount St. Helens climbing permit reservations for 2009 climbing season began February 1 at 12:01 am.

• Mount St. Helens climbing permits are sold on the Internet on a first-come, first-served basis by the Mount St. Helens Institute , a non-profit partner of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

• February 1, 2008: Forest Service officials have announced the relocation of the Mount St. Helens Climber’s Register to the Lone Fir Resort. The Lone Fir Resort is located in the town of Cougar, Washington five miles east of the former register location. 

• For the latest information on climbing Mount St. Helens please visit the Climbing program page.