Mount St Helens still worth detour in cloudy/wet weather?
Sep 15th, 2010, 04:52 PM
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Mount St Helens still worth detour in cloudy/wet weather?
We're currently visiting Seattle and have always wanted to visit Mount St Helens. We'd planned to go down there tomorrow and return the following day. Unfortunately the weather forecast is for rain showers and cloud. I'm wondering whether we'd see anything under these conditions - should we still go in the hope that the clouds will part, or should we skip it. Anyone with any experience of how much the weather affects a sightseeing visit to the mountain?
Sep 15th, 2010, 05:44 PM
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Hmm. Good question. I looked at the weather on-line and it said a 50% chance of showers on Thursday. This does not mean the clouds will not obscure the view, even if it is not raining.
I would say this. It is not like Mt. Rainier. I would not recommend a trip to Mt Rainier in the rain or clouds as the views are such an important part of that experience. With Mt. St. Helens, it is different. First, the National Park Service has excellent visitor's centers with very informative and interesting displays and movies(Mt. St Helens Vistors Center at Seaquest State Park - Silver Lake and the Johnstone Ridge Observatory). The movies and slide shows in these visitor's centers are not to be missed, and the other displays are truly great. And second, there are interesing things to do, even if you can't see a lot. There is a trail up at Johnstone Ridge in the blast zone that would be interesting even if it were cloudy or sprinkling. Also, the crater is not that far from the visitor's center at Johnstone Ridge, so there is a reasonable chance you'd be able to see it when you were at the Johnstone Ridge Observatory, I think (I hope).
If you go, take warm clothes and rain gear.
I would say this. It is not like Mt. Rainier. I would not recommend a trip to Mt Rainier in the rain or clouds as the views are such an important part of that experience. With Mt. St. Helens, it is different. First, the National Park Service has excellent visitor's centers with very informative and interesting displays and movies(Mt. St Helens Vistors Center at Seaquest State Park - Silver Lake and the Johnstone Ridge Observatory). The movies and slide shows in these visitor's centers are not to be missed, and the other displays are truly great. And second, there are interesing things to do, even if you can't see a lot. There is a trail up at Johnstone Ridge in the blast zone that would be interesting even if it were cloudy or sprinkling. Also, the crater is not that far from the visitor's center at Johnstone Ridge, so there is a reasonable chance you'd be able to see it when you were at the Johnstone Ridge Observatory, I think (I hope).
If you go, take warm clothes and rain gear.
Sep 16th, 2010, 12:08 AM
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We were there in that type weather about 10 years ago - we could not see the actual dome, but are still glad we went. The Visitor Centers were excellent - far from many of the usual NPS centers that make one feel like they are on a 5th grade field trip from school. I remember just standing outside in awe at the power of the volcano. Not for everyone - but if it is something you have always wanted to see I would still go.
Sep 20th, 2010, 09:28 PM
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just a short reply as I'm on my sony mp4. we did go and it was truly amazing! weather was much better than expected even a glimpse of the crater thru the clouds from johnstone ridge. very pleased we went, thank-you for the great advice!
