Mount Saint Helens: A Spontaneous Summer Adventure in Washington

Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are those that unfold unexpectedly. The journey itself becomes the destination, and even when things don’t go according to plan, the adventure is always worthwhile. This is the story of our recent spontaneous summer escapade to the majestic Mount Saint Helens in Washington state.

Embracing the Unexpected: A Journey to Mount Saint Helens

Have you ever felt the urge to break free from routine and embark on a spontaneous adventure, only to find that things don’t quite pan out as expected? We’re a family that thrives on impulsive day trips. When boredom strikes, we pack our bags and set off to explore somewhere new, anywhere at all.

Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest has its perks. We’re just a short drive away from diverse landscapes. The vibrant city lies 15 minutes away, while stunning ocean beaches are an hour’s drive. In just an hour and a half, we can find ourselves amidst the towering mountains, and in three and a half hours, we’re surrounded by the serene desert. The possibilities for adventure are endless!

One cloudy Saturday morning this summer, my husband and I decided to make a spontaneous trip to Mount Saint Helens. This active Washington volcano, just across the border from Portland, Oregon, dramatically erupted in 1980. Our kids had never witnessed its awe-inspiring presence, and we thought it would make a fun and educational day trip.

We quickly prepared for the journey. Dressing in layers, grabbing jackets, packing snacks, and conducting a brief online search for information and directions, we hopped into the car and started our drive.

The drive north from the outer southwest of Portland took approximately one hour and 45 minutes to reach the Mount Saint Helens Information Center. The scenic route offered glimpses of the lush greenery that characterizes the region, building anticipation for what awaited us.

Upon arriving at the visitors center, we were greeted by a network of hiking trails that wind behind and around the building. The trails beckoned us to explore, promising breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.

We decided to take a leisurely stroll around the area to survey the potential views. The atmosphere was serene, the scenery breathtaking. We encountered only a few other hikers on the trails, adding to the sense of tranquility. Walking through this peaceful landscape was a perfect way to clear our minds and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

After our short hike, we returned to the information center. Inside, we discovered an interactive museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and geology of Mount Saint Helens. The helpful staff provided us with a map, outlining the distances to the next two viewing areas and the base of the mountain.

After carefully considering our options and calculating the available time, we decided to visit the first observation center, located approximately 20 minutes away by car. We knew we wouldn’t have time to reach the base of the mountain, but we were determined to make the most of our visit.

The first viewing center is housed in a large building situated next to a helipad. Here, visitors have the opportunity to book a helicopter ride to view Mount Saint Helens from above. I found the prospect incredibly exciting and vowed to return on a sunnier day to experience this unique perspective.

Inside the viewing center, visitors can relax in the lobby area, marvel at the massive and gorgeous antler chandelier, browse the gift store for souvenirs, and enjoy a meal at the restaurant while taking in the beautiful views. The center provides a welcome respite from the elements and a chance to soak in the surroundings.

Unfortunately, our visit was cut short by the thick cloud cover that obscured the mountain’s peak. We couldn’t see Mount Saint Helens at all. Despite this disappointment, we decided to embrace the situation and enjoy the experience for what it was. We were having fun exploring the area, and that’s what mattered most.

In the photo below, you can barely make out Mount Saint Helens peeking through the clouds and above the lush green forests. This was the best view we got that day, and it was enough for us! We learned that patience and adaptability are key to a good adventure.

After soaking in the views (or lack thereof!), we returned to our car and began the drive home. We savored the scenic route through forests and charming small towns, reflecting on the unexpected turns our adventure had taken.

When the Journey is the Destination

I often question whether I should share travel stories where the end result doesn’t quite match the initial plan. But I’ve come to realize that these adventures are often the most valuable. They remind us to take chances, embrace spontaneity, and keep moving forward, even when we don’t reach our intended destination. I cherished the time spent with my family on the open road, exploring new places, discovering unique flowers, wildlife, and trees. There’s nothing I love more than embarking on adventures with my loved ones, anywhere, anytime.

The journey truly is the destination. Day trips like this serve as a reminder to appreciate the present moment and find joy in the unexpected.

Fuel for Fun: Snacks and Refreshments for the Road

As I mentioned, we often embark on random day trips throughout the year. Some of our favorite spontaneous destinations include Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, Newport, and Pacific City along the Oregon coast, as well as Hood River, Oregon. Each location offers its own unique charm and allure.

Over the years, we’ve become expert impromptu day trip snack packers. One thing I always, ALWAYS include in our provisions: Starbucks goodies to keep my husband and me energized for the journey. Nothing beats a delicious pick-me-up on a long drive!

For our Saint Helens trip, we packed the adorable tote bag filled with some of the company’s latest energy drinks, perfect for our day adventures.

One of my favorite canned products that Starbucks offers is the Starbucks Refreshers with Coconut Water. The Peach Passion Fruit flavor is incredibly refreshing on a hot day of road tripping, but my current favorite is the Black Cherry Limeade. It’s delicious and helps keep me hydrated and energized throughout the day’s adventure.

As you know, I always have some Starbucks Coffee next to me while I work in-between our adventures. The Doubleshot Energy beverage in Mexican Mocha flavor is the perfect combination of a tasty treat and a source of motivation while I write this post!

I’d love to hear about your experiences: What’s one trip you’ve taken where the end destination wasn’t what you had originally planned? Or what’s a fun journey you have taken recently just for some spontaneous fun?

Share your stories and inspire others to embrace the unexpected and find joy in the journey! Adventures await!