When you arrive at Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument after pickup by private vehicle from your Downtown Portland hotel, you’ll have the unique opportunity to go spelunking at Ape Cave, the largest continuous lava tube in the continental US.

Then, explore the Mount St Helens Visitor Center in and around the 'Blast Zone,' where the volcano last erupted in 1980. While you stop to take scenic photos along the way, your naturalist guide describes the impressive ongoing reforestation project and explains how well the surrounding ecosystem is recovering from the volcano’s massive explosion.

At midday, enjoy a local, organic lunch (see below for a sample menu). Then, head to the Johnston Ridge Observatory, just 5 miles (8 km) from the crater, to enjoy stunning views of the steaming volcano, the growing lava dome and the glacier.

Enjoy a private nature walk here with your guide, who shares the drama of the geological events surrounding the eruption. As you keep your eye out for wildlife, including deer, elk, beavers and birds, learn how volcanoes are monitored and how Mount St Helens has taught scientists new answers to old mysteries!