The Volcano Air Tour: Explore Mt. St. Helens from Troutdale - Portland, OR

The Volcano Air Tour: Explore Mt. St. Helens from Troutdale

Portland, OReasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–1.5 hours

Fitness Level

No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels as it is an airplane tour.

Overview

Fly above the magnificent Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake on a private airplane tour from Troutdale. Discover the dramatic aftermath of the 1980 eruption in a truly unforgettable way.

Details

Experience the dramatic landscape shaped by the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption on an exhilarating aerial tour offered by Envi Adventures in Troutdale, Oregon. This private airplane air tour takes you soaring high over the iconic volcano, revealing unparalleled views of the crater, Spirit Lake, and the protected national monument surrounding it. From above, witness the rugged beauty of the blast zone and see how nature has begun to reclaim this powerful landscape over the past four decades. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, photography lover, or simply seeking a unique adventure, this flight promises memories you won't forget. The tour is suitable for all ages and is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. Envi Adventures pilots are experienced guides, ensuring your safety and enriching the adventure with insights into the geology and history of Mt. St. Helens. This aerial perspective offers a rare opportunity to understand the scale of the eruption and appreciate the evolving ecosystem in a way that ground tours cannot offer. Prepare to be amazed by the raw power and serene recovery visible from the sky on this special flight experience departing from Troutdale in the heart of Oregon's scenic Columbia River Gorge region.

Adventure Tips

Bring a Good Camera

Capture stunning aerial views with a camera equipped with a zoom lens for detailed shots.

Dress in Layers

Temperatures can vary inside the aircraft; wear comfortable layered clothing for the flight.

Arrive Early

Arriving early allows time for safety briefings and preparation before takeoff.

Notify of Motion Sickness

If you are prone to motion sickness, inform the pilot beforehand to prepare or take precautions.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Little Crater Lake viewpoint
  • Silver Lake Overlook near Troutdale

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • Black-tailed deer

History

Mt. St. Helens erupted catastrophically in 1980, drastically transforming the landscape and creating a protected national monument.

Conservation

The area benefits from ongoing restoration efforts and responsible tourism practices aimed at preserving the fragile ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Mid-morning
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Above Spirit Lake
  • Crater rim aerial views
  • Columbia River Gorge backdrop

What to Photograph

Volcano crater
Spirit Lake
Surrounding forest regrowth

Recommended Gear

Camera with Zoom Lens

Essential

Essential for capturing detailed aerial photos of the volcano and Spirit Lake.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Allows you to adjust for the changing temperatures inside the aircraft.

Sunglasses

Helps reduce glare through the windows during bright daylight flights.

summer specific

Motion Sickness Medication

Recommended for travelers prone to air sickness to ensure comfort during the flight.

Book Now