Here’s why you should consider Mount St. Helens, one of the most ambitious places for a vacation. This active stratovolcano can offer various activities that you and your family will enjoy.
Here are five fun activity suggestions you can consider during your vacation at the location.
Hiking or Trekking
One of the most popular activities tourists do at Mount Saint Helens is hiking and trekking. When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, no one could have predicted that it would become the magical hiking destination popularly known today.
It has over 200 miles of trails that provide access to a captivating landscape characterized by beautiful wildflowers, forests, lakes, massive ash and rock mounds, and an expanding volcanic crater surrounded by the state’s newest glacier.
Mount Saint Helens offers various hiking experiences that suit every traveler that comes to the mountain. You can opt for a short trail which is excellent for family hikers. If you are one of those day hikers with higher stamina, you might consider taking medium trails.
Meanwhile, for backcountry enthusiasts, you might want to go for long, difficult trails culminating in solitude.
Sightseeing
Another wonderful thing to do in Mount St. Helens is to appreciate the scenery of the volcano. You can visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory as it is the best destination that offers the best and the most direct views of the volcano’s crater.
During your visit to the observatory, you will also learn about the science of volcanoes and enjoy some interactive experiences.
Another great place to visit for sightseeing is the Forest Learning Center. You can enjoy some interesting exhibits and films that show the original footage from the eruption of Mount St. Helens.
After learning many things inside the Forest Learning Center, you might also want to hop into another activity without being on the premises. The learning center offers you a trail you can follow and a viewing deck that would give you a birds eye view of the reformed Toutle River.
Boating and Fishing
Boating and fishing are other activities to add to your to-do list when going to Mount Saint Helens.
This wonderful vacation destination is the home of the majestic St. Helens volcano and the home to world-class fishing.
Fishing is an excellent way to catch your food to eat during your stay at the location. It is also a great way to pass the time if you are looking for a laid-back activity during your stay in the area.
Mount St. Helens is surrounded by majestic lakes, which can be excellent places for boating and fishing. The best lakes, streams, and rivers where you can do this activity are in Cowlitz County, including Toutle River, Kalama River, Cowlitz River and Coldwater Lake.
Camping Mount Saint Helens
If you love camping, you should go to Mount St. Helens. This place offers various camping destinations that you will surely love. Whether you plan to go simply by using a tent or choose to camp with a trailer or an RV, you will have many options.
It is also advised to camp out during your boating and fishing excursion to add fun to the experience.
Mount Saint Helens is one of the favorite destinations of people who love camping. Not only because of the vast array of campground options that the location has but also the access to various day and night activities suitable for the entire family.
Skiing
Are you looking for an extreme adventure during your stay at Mount St. Helens? You might want to try skiing down the mountainside. It is one of the activities that tourists look forward to when visiting Washington State.
Since Mount St. Helens ranks as the number five highest volcano in Washington, you must first learn about the permits, trailheads, and risks when you go skiing or hiking on it or at other nearby stratovolcanoes. More importantly, you should also consider the weather.
The best time to ski in Mount St. Helens is March to May, so you might want to plan your vacation during these months. Book a flight to Washington state as early as possible before peak season. Additionally, expect to see many skiers and mountaineers in the location during these times.
If you live away from Mount St. Helens, you might want to look for the cheapest flight to Washington – try to find good offers online, such as the ones Next Vacay offers their customers. They have the best deals when it comes to flights to and from various locations worldwide.
Plan for Mount Saint Helens
Now that you already have an idea of what to do during your vacation at Mount St. Helens, it would be best that you start planning for your itinerary. This way, you can make the most out of your Mount St. Helens experience and have a vacation that you will never forget!