Harry’s Ridge | Mount St. Helens Hiking
Hiking at Mount St. Helens is unlike any other experience in Washington. It’s haunting. It’s beautiful. It’s fascinating. It’s downright awesome. And I say that in the truest sense of the word – it leaves you in awe of Mother Nature. The hike to Harry’s Ridge provides stunning views, a nice workout, and a journey through the unique landscape. First off, I want to provide a brief history lesson. Mount St. Helens famously erupted on May 18, 1980. The explosion devastated the surrounding area and killed 57 people, including a crotchety curmudgeon named Harry Truman. He was the owner and caretaker of Mount St. Helens Lodge at Spirit Lake, and he stubbornly refused to evacuate his home despite the pending eruption. This hike – Harry’s Ridge – is named after him. Now to the hike itself. Harry’s Ridge is a 8.2-mile round trip adventure with a 970-foot elevation gain. It starts from the Johnston Ridge Observatory parking lot along No. 1 Boundary Trail, and you actually stay on this...
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