Highway 504 To Castle Lake Overlook•Mount St. Helens

00:00     Title
00:15     Seaquest State Park
02:15     Silver Lake
04:15     Highway 504
08:20     Castle Lake Overlook
10:35     Coldwater Lake
12:35     Loowit Viewpoint
16:35     Johnston Ridge Observatory
19:44     Fin

Highway 504 is the pathway for touring the southern and western ends of Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument. This long road goes past several scenic overlooks on the way up to the crater observation facility at the end of the line. The best way to get a tour of Highway 504 underway is to first stop by the Mount St Helens Visitor Center next to Silver Lake and Seaquest State Park. The state park was mentioned in a previous article and it is a good spot for setting up a basecamp.

When starting the journey up the mountain it does not take long for the views to dramatically change. The lower elevations are deeply forested and very little evidence of the disastrous 1980 pyroclastic flow can be noticed this far away. Businesses that cater to Mount St Helens tourism can be seen along the road during the first part of the drive. There are plenty of lodges and outdoor outfitters to choose from in this area. Volcano helicopter tours are available too. Best of all, this is the home of Bigfoot and some really cool memorabilia is available in the gift shops!   

As the road steadily goes uphill, the signs of civilization start to disappear in the rearview mirror. The deep woods become thicker and darker, which adds to the mystery of what to expect up ahead. One of the first landmarks along the way is the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge and it is well worth checking out this historic site. There are several information placards at the bridge that explain everything from the local flora and fauna to details about the 1980 Mount St Helens eruption. One of the signs lets visitors know that this is the edge of the blast zone. When looking at the forest near the bridge, the thin sapling pine trees can be noticed sprouting up where the old growth trees were knocked down by volcanic ash a few decades ago.

Driving slow to take in the sights is part of the program when continuing uphill to the crater observation site. Stopping at each of the scenic overlooks is the best way to witness the changes that occurred after Mount St Helens blew its top. More pine tree saplings can be seen sprouting on the razed ground the further one goes and the burnt gigantic logs lying on the ground become more common.

One of the first scenic areas along the road to the top is the Castle Lake Viewpoint. The valley down below now looks lush and green, but when gazing east toward the crater, the outlines of the massive pyroclastic flow can be seen. The terrain becomes much rougher on the way uphill from this point onward and this is one of that last peaceful views to be experienced along the way. On a heavy overcast day, like during my visit, not being able to see the mountain peaks or the crater rim adds even more to the mystery. The eroded thick pyroclastic flow covering the valley floor is fascinating and views only get better uphill. The Castle Valley Viewpoint is where the cold reality of Mount St Helens first sets in, so be sure to have a look!