Mountain View Excursion

This scenic road trip offers two unforgettable mountain viewpoints: one overlooking the crater of Mount St. Helens and another providing panoramic views of at least five Cascade volcanoes on a clear day. Plan to set aside a full day for this adventure, and don't forget your camera.

Begin in Centralia or Chehalis by taking Interstate 5 south to Exit 68, then head east on U.S. Highway 12 toward Randle. As you travel, the Cascade Mountains will gradually come into view.

Along the way, the city of Morton makes an excellent stop for fuel, coffee, or a meal. Head north on Highway 7 to the four-way flashing light, then turn left to find local favorites like the Cody Café and The Bean Tree.

Continue east on Highway 12 to Randle, then turn south onto State Route 131, which soon becomes Forest Road 25 as it enters the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Follow the road toward Windy Ridge in northern Skamania County.

Windy Ridge is about 35 miles from Randle, with a drive of roughly 45 minutes through dense forests. After turning onto Forest Road 99 and entering the Mount St. Helens blast zone, the landscape changes dramatically.

At Windy Ridge, take the nearby stairway to an overlook that offers one of the best views into the crater of Mount St. Helens. Short of hiking into the Mount Margaret area, few places provide such a dramatic perspective of the volcano and the aftermath of the 1980 eruption.

After exploring Windy Ridge, you can either return to town or continue to another spectacular viewpoint in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Return to Forest Road 25, then turn right onto Cispus Road just before reaching Randle. Follow the signs to Cispus Center, then continue on Forest Road 76 before turning left onto Forest Road 77. Continue climbing toward Burley Mountain, then turn onto Forest Road 7605. If the spur road is open, you can drive to the restored fire lookout. Otherwise, enjoy a scenic 1.5-mile hike to the summit.

Note: Portions of the road are deeply rutted and may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially beyond the intersection of Forest Roads 76 and 7605.

From the lookout, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Cascade Range. On clear days, you can see Mount Rainier to the north, Mount Adams to the east, Mount St. Helens to the southwest, and Mount Hood to the south, along with the Goat Rocks Wilderness and surrounding forests.

This full-day adventure rewards travelers with incredible scenery, memorable hikes, and outstanding photography opportunities.

If you'd like to explore more of East Lewis County, consider adding the East County Road Trip to your itinerary or extend your stay by exploring lodging options in the Morton area and beyond.