Title: Johnston Ridge Observatory in Stevenson - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Johnston Ridge Observatory Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Johnston-Ridge-Observatory-Hotels.0-l553248621533115645-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Stevenson](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Stevenson.d162382.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Stevenson](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Stevenson.d162382.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Johnston Ridge Observatory Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Johnston-Ridge-Observatory.d553248621533115645.Car-Rental-Guide)[Stevenson Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Stevenson.d162382.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Johnston Ridge Observatory Tours and Activities ![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 which includes mountains, tranquil scenes and views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533115645/f4371b81-8fa5-4569-a770-4e8896375134.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount St. Helens featuring views, landscape views and mountains](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.ca/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 kilometers) 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-kilometer) 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 program. 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. ## Plan a trip to see Johnston Ridge Observatory Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![Sojourn Suites Portland Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/3800/3769/cd37dd92_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Sojourn Suites Portland Airport Northeast Portland CA $458 per person Apr 11 - Apr 14 found 5 hours ago Roundtrip flight included Vancouver (YVR) to Portland (PDX) 8/10 Very Good! (1,679 reviews) Super courteous and accommodating staff. The building is going through some renovations but it didnt bother us. Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026 ![The Hoxton Portland](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30450000/30445900/30445831/32b6a1e6_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Hoxton Portland Downtown Portland CA $524 per person Apr 11 - Apr 14 found 5 hours ago Roundtrip flight included Vancouver (YVR) to Portland (PDX) 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews) Mac is too good. Give her all the raises so she stays. If I ever have a job for here, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm H Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026 ![Inn at Northrup Station](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/880000/871800/871784/d17c3e22_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Inn at Northrup Station Northwest Portland CA $621 per person Apr 11 - Apr 14 found 5 hours ago Roundtrip flight included Vancouver (YVR) to Portland (PDX) 9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,117 reviews) Fun place; great value Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026 ### 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.ca/Coldwater-Lake-Toutle.d553248621533115644.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mount St. Helens featuring views, landscape views and mountains](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.ca/Mount-St-Helens-Stevenson.d6093383.Vacation-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.ca/Ape-Caves-Stevenson.d6261697.Vacation-Attraction) #### South Coldwater Trailhead You can take time to visit South Coldwater Trailhead during your travels to Toutle. Experience the area's entertainment venues and theater scene. [](https://expedia.ca/South-Coldwater-Trailhead-Toutle.d639917939182010368.Vacation-Attraction) #### Birth of a Lake Trailhead You can take time to visit Birth of a Lake Trailhead during your travels to Toutle. Wander the forest and lakeside while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Birth-Of-A-Lake-Trailhead-Toutle.d553248621532650590.Vacation-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. [](https://expedia.ca/Hummocks-Trailhead-Toutle.d553248621532650592.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Johnston Ridge Observatory ## Check availability on hotels close to Johnston Ridge Observatory [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533115645&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[Feb 9 - Feb 10](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533115645&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533115645&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)[Feb 10 - Feb 11](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533115645&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533115645&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533115645&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533115645&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 20 - Feb 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533115645&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026) ![Lake front Lodge on Lake Swift](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/36000000/35250000/35242000/35241962/9be51048_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lake front Lodge on Lake Swift Cougar WA [](https://expedia.ca/Stevenson-Hotels-Lake-Front-Lodge-On-Lake-Swift.h35241962.Hotel-Information) ![Lone Fir Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11570000/11566100/11566080/981fbdc8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lone Fir Resort 16806 Lewis River Rd. 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