Windy Ridge (Mount St. Helens) facts for kids
Windy Ridge is a special place located in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in Washington State. It's both a high piece of land (a ridge) and a famous road that leads to amazing views. The ridge stretches between two passes, Windy Pass and Independence Pass, about 1 mile east of Spirit Lake.
Many people think the road to Windy Ridge, called Forest Road 99 (NF-99), is one of the best roads in Washington. It's known for its smooth surface, incredible scenery, and fun winding turns that drivers and motorcycle riders enjoy.
Exploring Windy Ridge
At the very end of the road, you'll find a viewpoint that sits about 4,200 feet high. From here, you can look right into the huge crater of Mount St. Helens, which is an active volcano! You also get a fantastic view of Spirit Lake below. It's a truly breathtaking spot to see the power of nature.
The Road to Adventure
Forest Road 99 (NF-99) connects with another road, Forest Road 25, near a place called Wakepish Sno-park. This route takes you past several other interesting spots and overlooks on your way to Windy Ridge and other viewpoints around Spirit Lake.
Discovering Other Viewpoints
Along the way, you can stop at places like Bear Meadow Viewpoint, where you might see wildlife. There's also Miner's Car, a unique historical spot. You can visit Meta Lake, which is a beautiful, calm lake, and enjoy views of the Cascade Peaks. This whole area is a very popular place for people who love to explore the outdoors and see the amazing landscape shaped by the volcano.
