Mt. St. Helens National Monument And Ape Cave

Mt. St. Helens National Monument And Ape Cave Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Spend the day exploring this mountain with great guides in a small group.

Just the name Mt. St. Helens says you are in Oregon. Everyone knows that this iconic volcanic peak, which was created with an eruption in 1980, is a draw for all adventurers. In this small group of like-minded people, you will cruise outside of Portland, talking all the way about the history, the culture, and the adventure you are about to embark on. You are accompanied by a naturalist guide who is with you because of his or her love of the region and life! Interpretive nature walks will be part of your excursion while you learn about the local ecosystems and how they emerge and evolve.

This is an amazing trip that will take you into the heart of Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. You will see the steaming volcano just a few miles from the crater and see how the ecosystem is still recovering from the eruption even yet today. Your walk with your guide will be accompanied by the information about how volcanoes are monitored and how events transpired on that fateful day in 1980.

Your excursion will take you into Washington so you can see for yourself the barren southern slopes of the volcano and the austere landscapes of the blast zone. Driving along Spirit Lake Highway, you will have a chance to spelunk into Ape Cave and experience the dark coolness. You should also enjoy a quiet walk along Hummocks Trail if you wish.

A picnic lunch is provided and just after, you will visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory so you can take the interpretive walk along the Eruption Trail. Here you will see the views of the crater, full of colorful flowers if your visit is in the mid to late part of summer. You can also visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory Visitor Center where any further questions about this event will be answered. Here you can feel comfortable learning how volcanoes are now monitored.

This exceptional experience is better for the fact that this small group is all there to learn about the same thing, and sometimes that is even better than going alone.

- Expect to do caving, interpretive nature walks, wildlife viewing, birding, ecological and geological sightseeing with naturalist interpretation.
- Lunch, snacks, and beverages are included.
- All entrance fees are included.
- Dressing properly for this activity is essential for your enjoyment. Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes are important.
- If you are staying at a hotel you will be picked up from your hotel by your guide. If you are arriving by cruise ship, then you can either walk half a mile to the meeting point, or take a taxi, which will cost $5-$10 USD.

- This tour is available May 15-October 15 on Fridays and Sundays. From June 15 - September 30 this program is additionally available on Wednesdays.
- You must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult to participate. Please use your judgement if your child will be entertained for this long day.
- There is a maximum of 10 per tour. If you have a larger group, please contact ShoreTrips.

Days offered: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 10.5 hours Please confirm your pickup time the day before as there may be several pickups on any one day.