Mount Saint Helens to Olympic National Park: A Scenic Journey Through Washington’s Natural Wonders

The journey from Mount Saint Helens to Olympic National Park offers a captivating exploration of Washington’s diverse landscapes. This route spans approximately 220-240 miles, showcasing the aftermath of volcanic activity, lush rainforests, and coastal beauty. Travelers can expect a 4-5 hour drive, with opportunities to witness the recovery of Mount Saint Helens’ blast zone and the pristine wilderness of Olympic National Park.

What are the Best Routes from Mount Saint Helens to Olympic National Park?

mount saint helens to olympic national park
Image ‘File:Olympic NP Washington USA3.jpg’ by Jason Pratt from Pittsburgh, PA (FishSpeaker), licensed under CC BY 2.0

Two primary routes connect these iconic destinations:

  1. Via I-5 and US-101
  2. Distance: ~220 miles
  3. Travel Time: 4-5 hours
  4. Key Points:

    • Start at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
    • Take WA-504 to I-5 North
    • Continue to Olympia
    • Follow US-101 to Olympic National Park
  5. Via Spirit Lake Memorial Highway and US-101

  6. Distance: ~240 miles
  7. Travel Time: 5 hours
  8. Key Points:
    • Take Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (WA-504)
    • Connect to WA-12 West
    • Join I-5 North to Aberdeen
    • Follow US-101 to Olympic National Park

What Hiking Trails Should Not Be Missed at Mount Saint Helens?

mount saint helens to olympic national park
Image ‘File:Olympic National Park (22914531132).jpg’ by Olympic National Park, licensed under Public domain

Mount Saint Helens offers several trails that showcase the impact of the 1980 eruption:

  1. Harry’s Ridge Trail
  2. Length: 8 miles round trip
  3. Difficulty: Moderate
  4. Highlights: Panoramic views of the blast zone and Spirit Lake

  5. Loowit Trail

  6. Length: 28 miles loop
  7. Difficulty: Strenuous
  8. Highlights: Circumnavigates the volcano, passing through diverse post-eruption landscapes

  9. Boundary Trail to Johnston Ridge

  10. Length: 4 miles round trip
  11. Difficulty: Moderate
  12. Highlights: Close-up views of the crater and access to Johnston Ridge Observatory

Where Can Visitors Observe Wildlife in Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife:

  1. Hoh Rainforest
  2. Wildlife: Black bears, Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer
  3. Best Viewing Time: Spring and fall
  4. Regulations: Maintain safe distances, stay on designated trails

  5. Coastal Areas

  6. Wildlife: Sea otters, seals, sea lions, seabirds
  7. Best Viewing Time: Year-round, especially during low tide
  8. Regulations: Respect marine protected areas

  9. Lake Quinault and Lake Crescent

  10. Wildlife: Bald eagles, osprey, various fish species
  11. Best Viewing Time: Early morning and late afternoon
  12. Regulations: Follow fishing and boating guidelines

What Amenities are Available Along the Route?

Travelers will find various facilities to enhance their journey:

Parking Areas and Rest Stops

  • Multiple stops along Spirit Lake Memorial Highway and US-101
  • Johnston Ridge Observatory parking area
  • Interpretive pull-outs with informational signs

Visitor Centers

  1. Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
  2. Location: Southern entrance of the monument
  3. Services: Trail information, eruption history, park activities

  4. Olympic National Park Visitor Center

  5. Location: Port Angeles
  6. Services: Park information, trail conditions, wildlife guides

Costs and Accessibility

  • Entrance fees required for both Mount St. Helens and Olympic National Park
  • Many viewpoints accessible by car
  • Some trails may require hiking; check conditions beforehand

How Can Travelers Maximize Their Experience on This Route?

To make the most of the journey from Mount Saint Helens to Olympic National Park:

  1. Plan for at least a full day of travel to allow for stops and exploration
  2. Visit Mount St. Helens early in the day to avoid crowds
  3. Take the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway route for a more scenic drive
  4. Stop at the Johnston Ridge Observatory for comprehensive eruption information
  5. Enter Olympic National Park through the less crowded Quinault entrance if possible
  6. Allow extra time for wildlife viewing, especially during dawn and dusk hours
  7. Check park websites for current conditions and any closures before departing

By following these tips and exploring the diverse landscapes between Mount Saint Helens and Olympic National Park, travelers can experience the best of Washington’s natural wonders in a single journey.

References:
1. https://www.nomadswithapurpose.com/washington-road-trip-mount-rainier-north-cascades-olympic-national-park/
2. https://stateofwatourism.com/scenic-byways/
3. https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/how-feasible-is-it-to-do-olympic-nat-park-mt-st-helens-mt-rainier-north-cascades-and-the-san-juan-islands-on-a-14-day-vacation-531153/

Leave a Comment