Forest Road 99
This 16-mile, winding road leads you from forests into the heart of the blast zone. Ten interpretive sites provide views of the volcano and interpretive information. The final site, Windy Ridge Viewpoint, offers a sweeping vista of the crater, Spirit Lake and landscape blasted by the 1980 eruption.
This drive is extremely popular, so expect visitors. The road is difficult to maintain, so repairs and gravel stretches are common. Elevation is between 3,500 and 4,000 feet. See Mount St. Helens Map.
Forest Road 99 is split between two different ranger districts within Gifford Pinchot National Forest. For current conditions NORTH of Bear Meadow Trailhead and Interpreative Site, contact Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. For current conditions SOUTH of Bear Meadows Trailhead and Interpreative site, contact Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Active Alerts
General Information
July 1st - Nov 30th
Washington State Sno-Park Permit required to park at Wakepish Sno-Park Dec. 1 through March 31. Not available on-site. Purchase online or from a vendor.
Amercia the Beautiful or Northwest Forest passes accepted except in winter at Wakepish Sno-Park. (see Permit Information section)
No overnight camping on Forest Road 99 within the National Volcanic Monument.
$5/vehicle/day or a valid Recreation Pass required at most recreation sites. Fee tubes for payment on-site at Bear Meadow, Meta Lake or Windy Ridge. See Mount St. Helens Map.
Contact Name: Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
Contact Phone: (360) 497-1100
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
