On Sunday morning of May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helen’s erupted. A 5.3 earthquake and massive avalanche was followed by a blast that destroyed 150 square miles of forest and sent a mushroom plume of ash thousands of feet skyward. Today after years of cooperation between nature and man, St. Helen’s is again a quiet, beautiful place and a reminder of the earthеs power, but safe to reach with a rental car in St Helen’s.
Getting there
Mount St Helen’s may be one of Washington State’s most famous landmarks, but its nearest major airport, Portland International Airport (PDX), lies just across the Oregon border. Portland International Airport is an hour and 15 minute car rental drive from the nearest visitor center. Another option is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), which is 2.5 hours from Mt. St. Helens. Both airports are significant international and national hubs offering plenty of national travel deals.
As no public bus networks travel directly to Mount St Helens, car rental is a must for any visitors wanting a closer look at this famous mountain. Washington State Route 504, which connects to Interstate 5, is the most common way to drive to Mount St Helens, but Washington State Route 505 is a popular shortcut for motorists leaving the mountain.
Key attractions
The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is contained within the much larger Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The east, west, and south sides of the mountain have several visitors centers offering everything from basic map information and food, to exhibits, talks, nature walks, and theater programs about the eruption, not to mention spectacular views. National travel deals make excursions to this majestic monument even more affordable.
From spring to fall, roads around the mountain are open, while visitors centers and activities at lower elevations run year-round. A few of the many potential activities in the national forest include; scenic drives, hiking, caving, camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, and water sports like canoeing, kayaking, rafting. Along the way youеll encounter rocky outcroppings in alpine forests, lava tubes and caves to explore, lava flows, and natural fields of wild berries and flowers. Mount St Helens is also a popular climb for both beginner and experienced mountaineers.
Out and about
rental car to St Helens can travel easily to both Portland and Seattle, the Pacific Northwest’s two most populous cities. The Space Needle is the most famous structure in the Emerald City of Seattle, while Mount Hood is Portland’s most significant natural landmark. Both cities are known for their progressive politics, plentiful green spaces, and damp, but mild, climates.
Leisure options
the small town of Toutle, at the west entrance to Mount St Helens, contains the closest restaurants, shops, and hotels to the volcano and its rural surroundings. Toutle’s most popular eating establishments, Patty’s Place at 19 Mile House and Fire Mountain Grill, are both family friendly and conveniently located on Spirit Lake Highway.
Safety
Mount St Helens may have remained relatively dormant since the 1980 eruption, but visitors must still take special precautions around this volatile volcano. Closed trails must always be avoided and mountain driving is even more dangerous during rainy or snowy conditions. Motorists must always travel with full tanks and take out travel insurance.