Hoffstadt Bluffs

As you continue east on Spirit Lake Highway [1] from Silver Lake [2], the road slips past the trailer homes of Toutle at the juncture of the South and North Fork of the Toutle River, and then up along the North Fork into the mountains. Much of the route is on private timberland, with Weyerhaeuser tree plantations lining both sides of the road. A few miles west, signs point to the famous buried A-frame, another place to purchase souvenirs.

Continue east through the Weyerhaeuser tree farms to Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center (360/274-7750 or 800/752-8439, May–Oct. daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.) at milepost 27. Owned by Cowlitz County, this timber-frame building houses two gift shops, a demonstration glass blowing studio, and a restaurant (June and Sept. daily 11:30–5 p.m., July–Aug. 11:30–6 p.m.) whose menu lists barbecue, burgers, and home-style blackberry cobbler among its other treats.

Eat inside and enjoy the picture-window panorama, or outside on the patio overlooking the North Toutle Valley [3] and Mount St. Helens [4]. A picnic area is also available, with telescopes to watch the several hundred elk below and the mountain above.

Hillsboro Helicopters (360/274-7750 or 800/752-8439, www.hillsboro-aviation.com [5]) sends scenic helicopter flights from Hoffstadt Bluffs over the dramatic crater and Eco Park Adventure Trails (360/274-7007, $30 per hour) offers horseback adventures within the blast zone around the bluffs.