Windy Ridge Viewpoint
Randle, WA
A viewpoint on the east side of Mount St. Helens looking into the crater and over Spirit Lake, still covered with floating logs from 1980. Forest Road 99 is usually open only from early summer to autumn.
Windy Ridge sits at an elevation of 4,200 feet (1,280 m), about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Spirit Lake in Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. From the viewpoint at the end of Forest Road 99 you look into the volcano’s crater and out over Spirit Lake, right through the blast zone of the 1980 eruption. The well-paved road has many curves and is popular with drivers and motorcyclists.
The approach runs from Randle along Forest Road 25, which meets FR 99 near the Wakepish Sno-Park. The route is usually free of snow from late May through October and closed by snow from November to May. The restroom building at the viewpoint was due to stay closed until it was replaced in 2026 because of a collapsing roof (status unconfirmed as of October 2026); open restrooms are at Smith Creek Overlook, less than 1 mile (1.6 km) away. Check road conditions and closures before you go.
- Nearest town
- Randle, WA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 46.2449, -122.1363
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lower Falls CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Windy Ridge Viewpoint · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Lewis River Horse CampCampsite14 mi from Windy Ridge ViewpointTentsCaravansToilets
- Beaver Bay CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Windy Ridge ViewpointTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Riffe Lake CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Windy Ridge ViewpointTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Gust Backstrom City Park CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Windy Ridge ViewpointTentsCaravansElectricityToilets
- Kid Valley CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Windy Ridge Viewpoint · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Windy Ridge Viewpoint?
Windy Ridge Viewpoint is in Randle, WA, at GPS 46.2449, -122.1363. It is about 15 mi from Cougar.
Can you camp near Windy Ridge Viewpoint?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Climbers Bivouac, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 43 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Windy Ridge Viewpoint?
Windy Ridge Viewpoint is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount St. Helens south and east: Ape Cave to Windy Ridge.
What is there to see near Windy Ridge Viewpoint?
Places worth a stop nearby: Johnston Ridge Observatory (4 mi), Lava Canyon (6 mi), Ape Cave (10 mi) and Reflection Lakes (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Windy Ridge Viewpoint?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)