Bear Meadow Interpretive Site
On May 18, 1980, Gary Rosenquist was camped at this site and took a series of photos capturing the first few moments of the landslide and eruption, barely escaping with his life. The site offers a volcano view, interpretive information and accessible picnic area and restroom. Boundary Trail #1 may be accessed from here.
Accessible Adventures Video: Mt. St. Helens East Side Attractions
Active Alerts
General Information
July-October
Day use only; no overnight camping allowed
Recreation Passes honored: Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes.
Restrictions: No overnight camping allowed on Forest Road 99 inside the National Volcanic Monument.
Day Use: $5 per vehicle per day
Day use fee payment options: Cash, Check, Scan & Pay or a valid Recreation Pass.
*Suggestion: Download the recreation.gov app before your trip to have the ability to scan & pay digitally on-site.
Contact Name: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters
Contact Phone: 360-449-7800
Address: 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd. Amboy, WA 98601
Phone: (360) 449-7800
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am - 4:00pm. (Closed Daily: 12:00 - 1pm). Closed: Tuesday and Thursday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.31384
Longitude: -122.035054
Directions
From State Highway 12 in Randle WA, take WA-131S south for 2.8 miles to Forest Road 25. Continue on Forest Road 25 for another 24.3 miles to the junction with Forest Road 99. Turn right onto Forest Road 99 towards Windy Ridge. Bear Meadows will on your left approximately 2.2 miles up Forest Road 99.
From Cougar WA take Lewis River Road east for 2.8 miles. The road then changes to Forest Road 90. Continue on Forest Road 90 for 16 miles and stay to the left on Forest Road 25, pass the Pine Creek Information Center. Drive Forest Road 25 for 25 miles and turn left at the junction of Forest Road 25 and Forest Road 99. Bear Meadows will be on your left approximately 2.2 miles up Forest Road 99.
Travel Considerations
Forest Road 99 is paved but rough and narrow in places. Use caution.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
