PORTLAND, Ore. — Mount St. Helens’ Johnston Ridge Observatory will remain closed to the public until at least 2026 due to road repairs on Spirit Lake Highway, a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) spokesperson said.
A massive landslide in May last year cut through the highway — the only road to the observatory. A temporary one-lane bypass was built afterwards for administrative access and to rescue seven stranded vehicles. WSDOT said they were hopeful the temporary bypass would hold through 2024, but in November, water eroded the roadway.
Engineers considered a second attempt at a temporary solution but ultimately ruled it out due to the lengthy, harsh winter conditions and the site's steep slope. WSDOT said any temporary solutions would increase costs and delay the overall timeline for a permanent repair.
"With these considerations in mind, WSDOT will not pursue an additional temporary bypass plan and will focus on the longer-term, permanent solution of a two-lane roadway and bridge replacement," WSDOT said.
A permanent fix sooner than 2026 is unlikely. Where the damage occurred on the upper roadway is not accessible for approximately six months of the year due the high elevations and winter conditions, limiting construction time.
"We know that is deeply disappointing to many in the community," WSDOT said.
After, the roadway is restored, the U.S. Forest Service will have to reinstate electricity and necessary systems at the observatory.
While, the observatory is closed, access remains open to other Mount St. Helens attractions. The science and learning center at Coldwater is still open along with the visitor center at Silver Lake, some hiking trails and viewpoints like Elk Rock.