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The Atlas/Washington/Spirit Lake Highway (WA-504)

Spirit Lake Highway (WA-504)

43 mi
Length
4
Verified stops
3,910 ft
High point
Scenic
Road type

WA-504 runs 52 miles from I-5 at Castle Rock east along the North Fork Toutle River to the Johnston Ridge Observatory at the edge of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument — the only scenic byway in the US that enters a volcanic blast zone. Wide sweepers and bridges over canyon crossings characterize the road; the upper miles transition into the grey-ash landscape left by the 1980 eruption. The Johnston Ridge Observatory (visitor center, crater overlook) is the terminus. Note: a 2024 landslide damaged the upper stretch near the observatory; WSDOT expects full restoration by fall 2026 — check current conditions before riding.

// Mile by mile

What you'll hit along the way.

Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.

Mile 0.0

Castle Rock

A small town at the western trailhead of WA-504, offering fuel, food, and lodging before heading into the Cascade foothills.

Mile 5.0

Silver Lake

A broad, shallow lake alongside the highway with views toward Mount St. Helens on clear days.

Mile 10.0

Toutle

A small community along the Toutle River, marking the transition into the volcanic blast zone landscape.

Mile 40.0

Castle Lake Viewpoint

A roadside viewpoint offering a look at Castle Lake, formed by the 1980 eruption debris avalanche, with Mount St. Helens in the background.

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