Hi All - I'm traveling with a friend to Washington the first week of May.

I'm looking for decision-help on which mountain to visit. Unfortunately, we only have the time to do one or the other, otherwise I'd see both.

I do understand there will be a lot of snow this time of year - so really looking to find out which one might be more accessible / worth the visit this time of year. Thank you!!!

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

whidbeysounder t1_j6fn1b8 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 12:11 AM

Both are great but Rainier has way more on the spectacular scale

dtmi1212 t1_j6fu8t3 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 1:00 AM

I'll say that the visitor center at Mt St Helens is fantastic if you want to learn about a volcano blowing its top.

domestication_never t1_j6g5vur wrote on January 30, 2023 at 2:22 AM

Rainer. The road to the visitor center is kept open year round. It's not on Helens, you'd have to check.

You can drive between the two in a few hours from the dirt backroads that access spirit lake if you know what you are doing. Its a trip. They won't be open probably.

doktorhladnjak t1_j6gtfc9 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 5:25 AM

Paradise is currently only open (and the road only plowed) on weekends due to staffing issues, so definitely check ahead

https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/news/mount-rainier-national-park-announces-winter-2022-23-recreational-access-changes.htm

grw2020 t1_j6k0qb4 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 9:44 PM

From the Windy Ridge Viewpoint you can see 4 volcanoes! 538 steps to the top, well worth it.

videocodec t1_j6g0ruy wrote on January 30, 2023 at 1:47 AM

Mt. Rainier. You could do PNW trek and Mt Rainier together. St Helens is just remote. In May is shouldn't be too bad.