Mount St. Helens tour from Portland: Crater views and lava tubes

Hike into North America's longest lava tube, then climb to the crater rim

A 12-hour guided tour from Portland to Mount St. Helens and its volcanic landscape, with a naturalist guide leading hikes through old-growth forest, the Ape Cave lava tube, and a lava tree mold forest. You'll reach the Johnston Ridge Observatory viewpoint into the crater, eat lunch overlooking Spirit Lake, and climb 357 stairs to a 365-degree vista where four stratovolcanoes come into view on clear days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ape Cave Lava Tube1h · entry included
2. Johnston Ridge Observatorypassing by

Mt St Helens guided adventure tour

• Travel from Portland to Mt St Helens
• Hike near waterfalls and oldgrowth forests
• Explore Ape Cave lava tube
• Walk through lava mold forest
• Picnic lunch at crater viewpoint
• Climb 357 stairs for Spirit Lake view
• Visit Johnston Ridge Observatory site
• See Mt St Helens visitor center exhibits
• Experience retro visitor center with ranger talk

The experience

The tour departs Portland and heads to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, where a naturalist guide walks you through the geology, ecology, history and legends of the 1980 eruption and the landscape it created. The day centers on three distinct hikes: through old-growth forest near waterfalls, into the Ape Cave, North America's longest continuous lava tube, and through a lava tree mold forest of wells and tunnels that feels like a natural maze. The cave stays at a constant 42°F, so layers are essential, and you'll need shoes suitable for scrambling over rock.

Weather permitting, the guide drives you to the closest vehicle-accessible viewpoint into the crater itself. There you'll eat a picnic lunch overlooking Spirit Lake, then have the option to climb 357 stairs to a platform with a 365-degree view of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. On clear days, you can see four stratovolcanoes: St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and Hood. The tour also stops at the Johnston Ridge Observatory: the site where volcanologist Dave Johnston radioed "Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!" on the morning of May 18, 1980, and visits the visitor center with detailed exhibits on the eruption and the mountain's geology.

If weather blocks the crater view, the itinerary shifts to bonus stops, including a landscape of sapphire waterfalls and blue-grey andesite carved smooth by the 1980 lahar. Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Portland area, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, snacks, lunch, and a PA system so you can hear the guide while driving are all included. Children from age 8 are welcome on the tour.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Portland area.
• air-conditioned vehicle with a PA system.
• professional naturalist guide.
• bottled water and snacks.
• picnic lunch.
• headlamps.
• gratuities.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Terran Travels

Is this one for you?A 12-hour commitment means this tour takes most of the day, so plan it as your main activity and leave the rest of the afternoon free. The moderate to strenuous hikes and cave scrambling require at least moderate fitness. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Ape Cave lava tube actually like to walk through?

Ape Cave is North America's longest continuous lava tube, and you'll traverse it on foot, scrambling over rock formations inside. The temperature stays at a constant 42°F year-round, so even on hot days outside, you'll need layers and sturdy shoes suitable for minor rock climbing.

Can I see into Mount St. Helens crater on this tour?

Yes, weather permitting. The guide drives you to the Johnston Ridge Observatory, the closest viewpoint accessible by vehicle that looks into the crater. From there, you can climb 357 stairs to a platform with a 365-degree view overlooking Spirit Lake, where you'll eat lunch.

What happens if the weather is bad and I can't see the crater?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. If visibility is poor, the itinerary shifts to bonus stops, including a landscape of waterfalls and smoothed andesite carved by the 1980 lahar, so you still see unique volcanic features.

How much hiking is involved, and what should I wear?

You'll hike through old-growth forest, into the lava tube, and through a lava tree mold forest. Wear long pants because there are opportunities for crawling, and bring shoes suitable for scrambling over rock. The cave is cold, so layers are essential.

Does the tour include meals?

Yes. Bottled water and snacks are provided throughout the day, and you'll have a picnic lunch at the crater viewpoint overlooking Spirit Lake.