Explore Mount St. Helens

By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness . . . the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might; who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. (Psalm 65:5–8)

Come Explore firsthand one of the most powerful events in the modern history of the United States—the eruption of Mount St. Helens. We have assembled a team of experienced guides and speakers to help us understand the eruption that occurred on May 18, 1980, and the geologic and environmental effects that followed. Answers in Genesis speakers (Dr. Tim Chaffey, Dr. Georgia Purdom, Dr. Jennifer Rivera, Dr. Dana Sneed, Dr. Danny Faulkner, Dr. Terry Mortenson, and Mr. P [Roger Patterson]) along with Dr. Steve Austin (geologist), Dr. Keith Swenson (forest ecologist), Bill Hoesch (Director of Mount St. Helens Creation Center), John Hergenrather, Eric Hovind (Creation Today), and Edward Isaacs (geologist) will be our guides on four days of exciting adventures. They will help us look at the evidence that reveals rapid catastrophic power and how we might consider a powerful Creator and his purpose.

When: August 18–22, 2025 (45th anniversary year of the eruption)

Who: Anyone ages 8 and older who loves to hike and learn about God’s creation from a biblical worldview. Families are welcome, but the minimum age to attend is 8 years old, due to the challenging nature of the hikes. Registered participants ages 8–17 must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered for the program.

Where: Mount St. Helens, Washington. The hikes in and around Mount St. Helens, spread across four days, range from easy to strenuous. This experience is not recommended for individuals who cannot hike moderate terrain.

Recommended Lodging:

• Best Western (near Mount St. Helens), 310 Long Avenue, Kelso, WA 98626-1114. Phone number: (360) 425-9660.
• Mount St. Helens Motel, 1340 Mt St Helens Way NE, Castle Rock, WA 98611. Phone number: (360) 274-7721.
• GuestHouse, 501 Three Rivers Dr., Kelso, WA 98626. Phone number: (360) 414-5953.

There are readily available restaurants and grocery stores for your convenience.

Transportation: You are responsible for your own transportation. Each day you will be responsible for transportation to and from the assigned trailhead. Consolidating people in vehicles is helpful as parking will be limited at some of the stops.

Pricing & Registration

Cost: $1,199 per person (save 10% off this price with the early-bird discount through March 31, 2025.)

Register Now

Partnering with Answers in Genesis on this Excursion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hike difficulty levels?

• Easy: A hike that is generally suitable for anyone who enjoys walking, with no physical difficulties and few obstacles.
• Moderate: A hike that generally is suitable for novice hikers who want a bit of a challenge and might require some moderate exertion.
• Strenuous: A hike that will challenge most hikers and might require sustained physical effort.
• Very Strenuous: A hike that only well-conditioned and well-prepared hikers should attempt and might require sustained physical exertion.

Will there be carpooling to the hike locations?
You are responsible for arranging travel each day to and from the hike trailheads. Consolidating people in vehicles is helpful as parking will be limited at some of the stops. Traveling together is also a great way to meet new friends.

I woke up late—can I join the group?
Our excursions will leave on time and will not be able to wait for latecomers.

Is there shuttle transportation from the airport?
No, there is no shuttle transportation from the airport.

My child is under 8 years of age and is an advanced hiker, would they be able to participate?
No, only individuals 8 years old and older may register for the experience.

My child is 8–17 years of age and is an advanced hiker, would they be able to participate without an adult?
No, registered participants ages 8–17 must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered for the program.

Can I stay somewhere other than the Best Western?
Yes. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Best Western in Kelso, WA, but you are welcome to stay at another location in the area.

Is there a refund for inclement weather?
No, there are no refunds for weather-related cancellations of hikes.

Is there a discount for lifetime members?
No. Other than the early-bird discount for 2025, there are no discounts for this trip.

Can I choose which hikes I want to participate in?
Yes, you may select to not attend one of the hikes, but you are expected to inform your group leader of your absence.

Are the optional activities part of the trip?
No, these activities are recommendations and are not included in the cost of the trip, and no guides will be provided.

Are pets allowed on the hikes?
No, the US Forest Service does not allow any pets.

What is the cancellation policy?

• No payment plan/no deposit—registrants should pay in full upon registration. There is a 10% discount for those registering during 2024.
• Cancellations requested through May 25, 2025, will result in a full refund minus a $100 cancellation fee.
• Cancellations requested May 25–June 25, 2025, will receive a 50% refund.
• For cancellations June 26, 2025, and later, no refund will be issued.

When will I be given the details for each hike?
At the conference on the first day, each participant will be provided with a hike guide. The hike guide will contain details regarding directions to hikes, geographic information, contact information, color group assignment, and much more.

What are the requirements for the optional, strenuous nine-mile Loowit Trail?
You must be physically fit enough to hike steep elevations, carrying a minimum of three liters of water in a backpack. In addition to the three liters, you must be able to carry snacks, lunch, toiletries, rain gear, etc. This hike is a total of nine miles round trip from the trailhead. The trails cross creeks and may be unstable in places due to loose volcanic debris.