Title: Johnston Ridge Observatory in Stevenson - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Johnston Ridge Observatory Tours and Activities

![Portland](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/187000/187218-Johnston-Ridge-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Johnston Ridge Observatory which includes mountains, tranquil scenes and views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/187000/187222-Johnston-Ridge-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Mount St. Helens featuring views, landscape views and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/20000/20837-Mount-St-Helens.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Johnston Ridge Observatory which includes landscape views, mist or fog and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/187000/187198-Johnston-Ridge-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Portland](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/187000/187207-Johnston-Ridge-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Johnston Ridge Observatory

Activities

[Stevenson travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Stevenson.dx162382)

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#### 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.

![Mark Spencer Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/20000/19921/e8cf5bcf_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Mark Spencer Hotel

Downtown Portland

CA $516

per person

Feb 16 - Feb 20

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Portland (PDX)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,838 reviews)

I don’t like how check in was at 4pm. Pretty inconvenient having to fly in and store our stuff in their storage. Also, one of the concierge men had an attitude as if we inconvenienced them when trying to get some stuff out of or stored luggage. We had to get ready in the lobby. Also, the cards they gave us had to be reactivated one night. Other than that it was ok.

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025

![The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2150000/2140800/2140707/16ca0027_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

Downtown Portland

CA $723

per person

Feb 16 - Feb 20

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Portland (PDX)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)

Amazing hotel with restaurants clean and quiet treated like royalty! Safe and beautiful amenities and decor

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2025

![Hotel Lucia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/16000/15988/b0d3e02c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hotel Lucia

Downtown Portland

CA $546

per person

Feb 16 - Feb 20

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Portland (PDX)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,279 reviews)

Need to upgrade the TVs in the room. They should be able to get to the internet for Netflix or Amazon.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

### Popular places to visit

![Portland](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/186000/186865-Portland.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)

![Hummocks Trailhead](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/11f62f918ffd0b452c78b6f706ea038e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 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)

![Mount St. Helens featuring views, landscape views and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/20000/20837-Mount-St-Helens.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Mount St. Helens

5/5(1 review)

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)

#### 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)

#### Science and Learning Center at Coldwater

Find out about the history of Toutle when you take a trip to Science and Learning Center at Coldwater. Experience the area's entertainment venues and theater scene. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Science-And-Learning-Center-At-Coldwater-Toutle.d942173870755217408.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Johnston Ridge Observatory

## Check availability on hotels close to Johnston Ridge Observatory

[Tonight

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[Tomorrow night

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![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)

![Explore Mt St Helens: A-frame Chalet w/ Deck!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120060000/120053000/120052997/559f8fb9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Explore Mt St Helens: A-frame Chalet w/ Deck!

 Ariel WA

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![Rustic Cougar Cabin w/ Wood-burning Fire Pit!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93580000/93575800/93575741/f37f1d3d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Rustic Cougar Cabin w/ Wood-burning Fire Pit!

 Ariel WA

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### 

Lone Fir Resort

16806 Lewis River Rd. Cougar WA

[](https://expedia.ca/Cougar-Hotels-Lone-Fir-Resort.h11566080.Hotel-Information)

![YALE House -Mt St Helens / Yale Lake Retreat](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/37000000/36650000/36649600/36649572/8f326f40_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

YALE House -Mt St Helens / Yale Lake Retreat

 Cougar WA

[](https://expedia.ca/Cougar-Hotels-13-Beds-Heart-Of-Cougar-Great-Location-Accommodations-For-Large-Familygrou.h36649572.Hotel-Information)

![COUGAR House -Mt St Helens / Yale Lake Retreat](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33220000/33214500/33214451/f24f9480_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

COUGAR House -Mt St Helens / Yale Lake Retreat

 Cougar WA

[](https://expedia.ca/Cougar-Hotels-In-The-Heart-Of-Cougar-WA-Newly-Remodeled-Previously-Monforts-BNB.h33214451.Hotel-Information)

![St. Helens House ~ Yale Lake/Mt St Helens Retreat. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95550000/95547400/95547363/6115ba91_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

St. Helens House \~ Yale Lake/Mt St Helens Retreat. 

 Cougar WA

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### 

Seasons Motel

200 Westlake Avenue Morton WA

[](https://expedia.ca/Morton-Hotels-Seasons-Motel.h10071649.Hotel-Information)

![Cabin has 2 king beds but room for 6 to 8 with your cots or air mattresses. 

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### 

Cabin has 2 king beds but room for 6 to 8 with your cots or air mattresses. 

 Mossyrock WA

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[See all 111 properties in Johnston Ridge Observatory](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=553248621533115645)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.