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Exploring Mount St. Helens Before embarking on your journey to Mount St. Helens, there are a few things you should know. As of August 2017, the availability of gas stations in the area is limited. Beyond Toutle, approximately 10 miles from I-5 on Hwy 504, there are no more gas/petrol stations. Even the Shell station in Kid Valley, about 8 miles east of Toutle, is closed. A sign in Toutle serves as a warning that you won't find any further gas stations. However, worry not! If you need to refuel, make a stop at Castle Rock as you exit the I-5 freeway, where cheaper gas awaits. Now, let's talk about the best way to reach Mount St. Helens. The most popular tourist route is via Washington state route 504. Accessible at Castle Rock (exit #49) off Interstate 5 in Washington, this route is a gateway to adventure. Just a little over an hour and 15 minutes north of Portland and two hours south of Seattle, it's a convenient starting point for your Mount St. Helens expedition. For those traveling from the east, there are three main routes to consider. If you're using GPS or computer routing, ensure it doesn't lead you onto unpaved, one-lane forest service roads unless you're seeking that kind of adventure. From Spokane, all three routes take roughly the same amount of time. Here they are: 1. I-5 (Between Olympia & Vancouver, WA): This route is accessible from Exit #49 (Hwy 504 @ Castle Rock) or Exit #21 (Hwy 503 @ Woodland). From Woodland, take Hwy 503 east to Cougar, and from there, the road continues northeast as FR (Forest Rd) 90, skirting along the scenic south side of Mount St. Helens. As you continue north on FR-25 towards Randle, prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey. 2. US Hwy 12 West from Yakima: If you're coming from Yakima, take US Hwy 12 west until you reach I-5 south of Chehalis. Keep in mind that White Pass on US-12 must be open for this route. Around 89 miles east of Yakima in Randle, turn onto WA-131, which soon becomes FR (Forest Rd) 25. If you're planning to visit Windy Ridge and Spirit Lake, you can reach them by taking FR-99, which is approximately 20 miles up from Randle. Please note that FR-25 is closed during the winter and typically reopens in May or June. Depending on the snowfall for that year, the road may remain closed until July! 3. I-90 West to WA Hwy 18 (exit #25): For a slightly longer but still worthwhile route, take I-90 to WA Hwy 18. This route will take you through Maple Valley and Auburn before joining with I-5 South for 93 miles. Keep in mind that on the older sections of WA Hwy 18, caution is advised, especially when sharing the road with large trucks. Alternatively, if you're in Bellevue, you can take I-405 South (exit #10) and then head south on I-82 towards Yakima. From there, follow the route described in option 2. 4. I-84/WA-14 West towards Portland: If you're closer to Portland, this route along the Columbia River is for you. After driving on I-84/WA-14, take I-205 North (exit #9) and continue until you reach I-5 North. Approximately 42 miles later, you'll arrive at your destination. Another option from Hwy 14 in Carson is to take Wind River Rd, which becomes FR-30, and continue to Curly Creek Rd (FR-90). Turn left (west) onto FR-90, and you'll soon reach the FR-25 junction. From there, head north on FR-25 towards Randle until you reach the turn-off to Windy Ridge. Please note that there are no public bus services to Mount St. Helens, but fear not! The Lewis Highway Mountain Transit is available for your transportation needs. You can reach them at 360-496-5405, and they operate along US-12 between Centralia/Chehalis and Packwood, offering a reliable way to travel within the area. So, whether you're driving or using this bus service, your journey to Mount St. Helens is bound to be awe-inspiring.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing