Johnston Ridge Observatory The Johnston Ridge Observatory is located at the end of the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (aka State Road 504), 52 miles from Castle Rock and 8 miles from the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center. The elevation at the Observatory is approximately 4,300 feet.  This vantage point, in the heart of the blast zone brings visitors within five miles of the north side of the volcano and offers stunning views of the still-steaming lava dome, crater, pumice plain and landslide deposit. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is located on Johnston Ridge which was named in honor of U.S.Geological Survey (USGS) volcanologist David A. Johnston who was on duty at the USGS, Coldwater II observation post during the May 18, 1980, eruption. David Johnston was one of 57 people who lost their lives in the eruption.  Geology is the focus at the Johnston Ridge Observatory.  the Center's state-of-the-art interpretive displays magically portray the recent sequence of geologic events at Mt. St. Helens that transformed the landscape and opened up a new era in the the science of monitoring an active volcano and forecasting eruptions. You can read amazing eyewitness accounts from eruption survivors.These accounts tell of the eruption and its aftermath and highlight the human story. Being the closest center to the volcano, it offers a spectacular view of the crater and the 1000 ft high lava dome that is being built inside. A wide-screen theater presentation concludes with the drapes being opened to reveal the awesome view through a windowed-wall. Take a hike  on the  "Eruption Trail" ( 1/2 mile ) and learn how the eruption shaped the surrounding landscape. You can expect to see  views of the lava dome, crater, pumice plain, and the landslide deposit from different perspectives. There is a  a staffed information desk and a Northwest Interpretive Association books sales area. No food service is available at the site. Interpretive Talks are available times are posted  at the center. USFS Interpreters share the magic of the geological events surrounding the 1980 eruption through a variety of formal talks and guided walks. Experience how volcanoes are monitored and discover how Mount St. Helens has taught us new answers to old mysteries

Stumps like this can be seen in the area of the Johnston Ridge Observatory

Mount St. Helens crater as seen through the theater windows at the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The 16 minute movie 'Message from the Mountain' ends when the curtains open to reveal an incredible mountain view. [J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1997]