Rainier and St. Helens volcano loop

Wildflower meadows at Paradise and the blast zone of Mount St. Helens, between Seattle and Portland.

Distance: 335 km (208 mi)
Driving: 3 h 43 min
Suggested days: 4
Stops: 5
States: WA, OR
Updated: September 11, 2026

At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 335 km (208 mi) with 5 stops, from Seattle to Portland. About 3 h 43 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Washington, Oregon · More road trips from Seattle

Route description

From Seattle, head south to Ashford, the small town at the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The road then climbs through old forest along the Nisqually River to Paradise, where wildflower meadows at 5,400 feet spread below the glaciers and trails lead up toward them. The meadows are usually at their best from late July to August, and the park may require timed-entry reservations in summer.

From Paradise, continue east on Stevens Canyon Road or return through Ashford, then head south and west to I-5 and the Spirit Lake Highway (WA-504) toward Mount St. Helens. Johnston Ridge Observatory looks straight into the crater, five miles from the 1980 blast, but a 2023 landslide cut the road below the ridge, so check whether it has reopened before you plan on it.

From the mountain, I-5 leads south across the Columbia River to Portland. Snow closes the higher roads at Mount Rainier for much of the year, so the loop is best from July to September.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Seattle
WA
Start
2

Ashford
WA
116 km
3

Paradise, Mount Rainier
NatureAshford, WA
Wildflower meadows at 5,400 feet on the flank of Mount Rainier, with trails toward the glaciers.
27 km
4

Johnston Ridge Observatory
NatureToutle, WA
A viewpoint looking straight into the crater of Mount St. Helens, five miles from the 1980 blast.
81 km
5

Portland
OR
110 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Seattle → Ashford · 72 mi · 1 h 17 minOvernight nearby, for example: Big Creek Campground (3 mi); Cougar Rock Campground (11 mi).
Day 2: Ashford → Paradise, Mount Rainier · 17 mi · 0 h 18 minOvernight nearby, for example: Cougar Rock Campground (3 mi); Ohanapecosh Campground (9 mi).
Day 3: Paradise, Mount Rainier → Johnston Ridge Observatory · 50 mi · 0 h 54 minOvernight nearby, for example: Beaver Bay Campground (15 mi); Riffe Lake Campground (19 mi).
Day 4: Johnston Ridge Observatory → Portland · 69 mi · 1 h 13 minOvernight nearby, for example: Columbia River RV Park (6 mi); Vancouver Mall RV Park (11 mi).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

FAQs

How long is Rainier and St. Helens volcano loop?

4-day road trip of about 335 km (208 mi) with 5 stops, from Seattle to Portland. About 3 h 43 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Rainier and St. Helens volcano loop?

We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Rainier and St. Helens volcano loop start and end?

It starts in Seattle and ends in Portland.

Which states does Rainier and St. Helens volcano loop pass through?

Washington and Oregon.

Where can you camp along Rainier and St. Helens volcano loop?

OpenStreetMap lists 92 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Trailer Inns of Bellevue, Fay Bainbridge Park Campground and Cougar Rock Campground.

When is the best time for Rainier and St. Helens volcano loop?

The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)