Soaring Over Mt. St. Helens: Envi Adventures Air Tour from Troutdale
Difficulty
easy
Duration
60 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for people of most fitness levels; must be able to enter/exit a small airplane and sit for the flight
Overview
Lift off from Troutdale and circle the scarred bowl of Mt. St. Helens on a one-hour air tour that places you above the 1980 eruption zone, the Columbia River Gorge, and the distant cone of Mount Hood. Weather-dependent and intimate, this flight offers geological perspective and photography opportunities few other views can match.
Soaring Over Mt. St. Helens: Envi Adventures Air Tour from Troutdale
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You taxi along a sun-warmed apron in a small four-seater; the pilot runs through a quick checklist and the airplane’s propeller becomes a steady pulse. Troutdale’s low buildings fall away and suddenly the Columbia River Gorge opens like a ripped curtain — cliffs dropping, rivers daring you with whitewater braided through basalt. The plane banks, and Mt. St. Helens comes into view: a jagged, bowl-shaped crater rimmed with old snow and a moonscape of pumice and fallen trees.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early and be checked in
All passengers must be present at least 20 minutes before departure; late arrivals risk cancellation and heavy rescheduling fees.
Provide accurate weights
The operator caps group weight and requires individual passenger weights at booking — have them ready to avoid rebooking fees.
Bring a fast lens and spare battery
Windows are slightly reflective; a 24–70mm or 70–200mm and an extra battery will maximize usable shots during the 60-minute flight.
Prepare for weather-driven changes
Flights are frequently rerouted or canceled due to visibility and wind; build flexibility into your schedule and book morning slots for the clearest air.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- Elk
History
Mount St. Helens’ May 18, 1980 eruption blew out the volcano’s north side, killing 57 people and reshaping the surrounding landscape; the area is now a protected volcanic monument.
Conservation
The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument manages recovery and public access—minimize noise and disturbance, follow posted closures, and pack out all trash to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Troutdale
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Compact mirrorless or DSLR camera
Fast autofocus and a 24–200mm range capture both wide crater panoramas and closer geological details.
Warm windproof jacket
Early-season mornings at the airfield can be cold and windy while you wait to board.
spring specific
Binoculars (small, 8x)
Useful for pre- and post-flight views of the gorge, river traffic, and distant wildlife.
summer specific
Polarizing sunglasses
Reduces glare from aircraft windows and improves visibility of ash and water features below.