Even before all the recent volcanic activity at Mount St. Helens, we took a trip up to the Johnston Ridge Observatory and loved it. The drive is amazing itself, as you watch the landscape transform before your eyes. Once you arrive at the observatory there is an excellent view of the mountain on a clear day. Of course, the day we went, it was socked in fog! Now the local Portland paper will tell you ahead of time what the visibility is at Mt. St. Helens, so be sure to check before you go! We had a great time even though we could not see the crevice of the volcano, as the devastation of the area was fascinating enough. The observatory is nice, small with some interactive displays, with the main show the volcano out the large windows. Be sure to also take the short hike that leaves the parking lot to gain a better appreciation the impact this eruption had on the local environments.
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