The Mt St Helens Adventure Tour from Portland
Active
11h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Travel to Mount Saint Helens and environs, from Portland, on this ALL-INCLUSIVE tour with a guide who will discuss the geology, ecology, climate, history, and legends of the area, as well as the history of US public lands. Your guide will lead you on hikes near waterfalls, through lava tubes, and within oldgrowth forests.
You will see some of the most unique geological features in North America, including North America's longest continuous lava tube and a lava tree mold forest. Weather permitting, you will be driven to the closest viewpoint into the crater of the volcano, where you will be provided a picnic lunch, overlooking Spirit Lake. No matter how hot the weather, you'll enjoy natural air conditioning as you hike by dramatic waterfalls and through primeval forest. You'll have the option of a dinner/beer stop (own expense) on the way back to Portland. *THIS IS A 12-HOUR TOUR*
Available options
The Mt St Helens Adventure Tour from Portland
Pickup included
What's included
If weather does not allow mountain visibility, a modified itinerary will take you to bonus stops.
Bottled water
Snacks
Lunch
Hotel pickup/drop-off in Portland area
Air-conditioned vehicle
Headlamps
Gratuities
PA system to hear guide while driving
Professional naturalist guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Travel to Mt. St. Helens and environs with a naturalist guide who will discuss the geology, ecology, climate, history, and legends of the area, as well as the history of US public lands. Your guide will lead you on hikes near waterfalls, through lava tubes, and within oldgrowth forests. Stops both inside and outside of Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
2
Stop 2
Traverse North America's longest continuous lava tube! No matter how hot it is outside, the temperature in the cave is a constant 42F (5.5C), so bring layers. Also, be sure to bring shoes that are suitable for scrambling, and wipe those shoes before entering the bats' home so that they don't get white-nose syndrome!
3
A lava mold forest. Walk through a wonderland of wells and tunnels, that's hard to pull kids away from.
4
Weather permitting, we'll take you to the closest viewpoint with a view into the crater that is accessible by vehicle. There you'll have a picnic lunch, and have the opportunity to burn off your lunch by ascending the 357 stairs to a 365-degree view overlooking Spirit Lake, with the mountain looming. If conditions are clear enough, you'll see four stratovolcanoes: St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and Hood.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
The place where Dave Johnston got on the radio and yelled "Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!", the fateful morning of May 18, 1980.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The visitor center with the most detailed history and geology of Mt. St. Helens.
7
A fairytale landscape of sapphire waterfalls and blue-grey andesite that were scoured and smoothed by the 1980 lahar resulting from the rapid melting of the Shoestring Glacier by pyroclastic flows.
8
The visitor center that provides a special retro experience, with a movie about Mt. St. Helens circa 1985, and a 1990s-era Disneyland Haunted Mansion-style park ranger statue, who will give you a lecture.
What's not included
Hotel pickup/drop-off in Seattle area
Hotel pickup/drop-off in Hillsboro
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
17 reviews
5★
12
4★
2
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
5.0
24 reviews
5★
24
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour operates in all weather conditions, and the cave is 42F (5.5C). Please dress in layers.
We recommend shoes that are suitable for minor rock climbing (i.e. scrambling/bouldering).
Wear long pants, as there will be opportunities for crawling.
Important notes
This tour runs to and from Portland, Oregon.
About Portland
Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city known for its eco-friendliness, craft breweries, and thriving arts scene. Nestled between the Pacific Northwest's rugged coast and the Cascade Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and outdoor adventure.
Top Attractions
Washington Park
Washington Park is a 460-acre park that features beautiful gardens, museums, and recreational facilities. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and families.
Nature
2-4 hours
Free (some attractions have admission fees)
Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore, spanning an entire city block. It is a paradise for book lovers.
Cultural
1-3 hours
Free to browse (cost of books varies)
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the largest art museum in Oregon, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.
Museum
1-3 hours
$25 (adults), $20 (seniors), Free (under 18)
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, located just a short drive from Portland.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city. It is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
Cultural
1-2 hours
$19.95 (adults), $17.95 (seniors), $14.95 (students), Free (under 5)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Food Cart Pods
Portland is famous for its food carts, offering a wide variety of cuisines. These pods are a great way to sample different dishes in one place.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available
Craft Beer
Portland is known as 'Beervana' for its numerous craft breweries. Be sure to try a local brew or two.
Drink
Non-alcoholic options available
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut is a famous doughnut shop in Portland, known for its creative and unique doughnut flavors.
Dessert
Vegetarian options available
Marionberry Pie
Marionberry pie is a local favorite, made with Oregon's famous marionberries. It is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Dessert
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Whitewater rafting
Wind sports
Spa treatments
Yoga classes
Scenic drives
Picnicking
Best Time to Visit
June to September
Summer is the most popular time to visit Portland, with warm weather and a variety of outdoor festivals and activities. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and outdoor recreation is at its peak.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT) - GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Portland is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it has its share of crime and safety concerns. Visitors should take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
Getting there
By air
- Portland International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown
By train
Union Station
By bus
Portland Union Station, Portland Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
The MAX Light Rail system is efficient, affordable, and covers most of the city. It is a convenient way to get around Portland.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Pearl District
Alberta Arts District
Hawthorne District
Mississippi Avenue
Day trips
Mount Hood
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
Mount Hood is a majestic mountain located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and scenic drives.
Columbia River Gorge
30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day
The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning natural area located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
Willamette Valley
60 km (37 miles) • Full day
The Willamette Valley is a renowned wine region located just a short drive from Portland. It is home to numerous wineries and vineyards, offering wine tastings and tours.
Festivals
Portland Rose Festival • June
Oregon Brewers Festival • July
Portland Christmas Market • November-December
Pro tips
- Visit Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, and get lost in the vast selection of books.
- Explore Portland's food cart scene, which offers a wide variety of cuisines at affordable prices.
- Take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge, where you can hike, waterfall view, and enjoy scenic drives.
- Visit the Portland Japanese Garden, a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city.
- Try a local craft beer at one of Portland's many breweries, which are known for their innovative and unique brews.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
