Mount St. Helens Helicopter Tours

Reviews for Mount St. Helens Helicopter Tours

34 Reviews
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A great addition to anyone's life experiences list.. 

Review by John on 9/18/11 2:13 AM

Courteous staff, thorough pre flight safety information, amazing views, an informative and caring pilot who provided great commentary about various formations and landmarks. I.m do glad I experienced not just the mountain/volcano itself but the beautiful lakes, woods, river valley and other natural beauty surrounding st helens.81

Anniversary .. 

Review by Steve on 9/12/11 1:44 AM

My wife and I flew my parents up from Colorado. They have seen plenty of mountains, but never from this point of view. This is their fiftieth year of marriage and we wanted to do something special. They did not know of the tour until we pulled into the parking lot. Dad said he was little apprehensive but went along any way, Mom was ready to go. They both came back with big smiles and plenty of photos. It was well worth the trip to see them enjoy seeing a mountain from the air. Then I took my wife on the next flight, SURPRISE! She had to ride up front and wasn’t to keen on the idea. She really enjoyed the trip and the view. The pilot made it possible for two apprehensive people to enjoy a once in a lifetime event. Thank you.

Worthy.. 

Review by Jamie on 8/27/11 11:18 PM

Fantastic.

Mt St Helens Helicopter combo tour.. 

Review by h2o polo babe on 8/27/11 12:01 PM

One of the best things we have done so far on our bucket list. Very nice staff, chopper, and facility. Greatly enjoyed ourselves! Highly recommend. Spectacular. Price was worth every penny!

Mt St Helens.. 

Review by NL on 8/27/11 11:36 AM

This was a terrific tour. Pilot was incredibly knowledgeable and communicative. They ran right on schedule which was really important for us as we had a flight to catch in Portland. Was not scary for someone who has never flown in a helicopter.

Awesome.. 

Review by From Florida on 8/27/11 8:32 AM

Couldn't possibly have found a better way to view Mt St Helens and surrounding area.

carson.. 

Review by 65 mustang driver on 8/24/11 7:03 PM

a 10 out of a 10,flew on aug 16 a tuesday,,,,wonderful people and had a great flight.....really really fun and exciting,got to ride up front,wow what a great trip......................fun fun fun ..............iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...........saw all the big mtns.........deer and wild life.....................................carson

Perfect... 

Review by CA78 on 8/15/11 10:40 PM

Arrived at 4:00 p.m. July 3. Turns out this outfit had been trying to call us all day to let us know weather was not looking good, but I left my home number and we were on the road. Weather cleared just in time, so we got to have a fantastic ride with big, puffy clouds adding interest to the amazing scenery. Our pilot was extremely knowledgable, professional and courteous, as was the woman who checked us in. My only regret was not being able to sample the marionberry pie at the café afterward since I was a little green around the gills. But it was entirely worth it. There's no point in doing any other tour besides the awesome combo tour. Only my husband and I were on this trip, and we didn't have to pay extra like some other tours charge when the seats aren't full. Highly recommended.

Awesome Ride.. 

Review by Ron Cooper,Fulton, N,Y, on 8/15/11 10:01 AM

Hi ,I am Ron ,I had a fear of heights and did not know how this would go at first, but I'll tell you it was awesome and I hope I get to do it again, the pilot was great and the sites were real great awesome that there were so many different things to see, The crator ,the elk ,it was very much worth the money and thank you again for the great experiance . Ron

flight over Mt St Helens.. 

Review by Mottay Michel on 8/12/11 3:28 AM

We are French and we flew over on 3 August - we have been lucky because it was a clear day. We have found a staff was very friendly. The Pilot was also very friendly and very professional. Great views of the crater, lakes, lava dome and blast area. We have also see many deers. The flight would have to last a little longer !This is for us a very great moment we can't forget. THANKS to the whole crew !!

Outstanding Trip & Service.. 

Review by James Kennedy on 8/5/11 7:09 AM

We flew over on 28 July - CLEAR DAY. Staff was very friendly. Flight was smooth despite the wind. Facilities were great. Follow their directions on their site and not the GPS or you will not find them. Small restaurant serves a great steak. Pilot was friendly and knowledgeable. Clear day and saw all 4 Volcanoes. Great views of the crater, lava dome and blast area. Numerous people flying that day so a popular event. I would say it does not matter if you do the flight before or after visiting the Johnston Observatory but both are amazing. It is a beautiful and amazing site to visit. THANKS to the whole crew!!

Great Time!.. 

Review by Mike on 7/30/11 12:22 PM

Went up to celebrate my birthday. Had a fantastic time. I'd climbed Mt. St. Helens in my youth and found it fasinating to see how much it had changed after the eruption. The ride was smooth as glass, and after an early morning delay, the weather was beautiful. It was stunning to get a chance to get over the crater rim and see the new mound forming at the center of the crater. We saw wisps of steam venting from 2-3 spots around the mound. If this is something you're thinking about--do it!

Money well spent.. 

Review by Mike on 7/24/11 9:12 AM

We took the grand combo tour. We figured that although it was a lot of money for two of us, if we're going to do it, go all the way. We were't disappointed. Besides just the excitement of a helicopter ride, the experience was truly awe inspiring. The perspective gives you an appreciation for the power and scope of the eruption that no other vantage point would. If you think about what all you would spend on a trip to Busch Gardens or the like, it doesn't seem so bad for a once in a lifetime experience like this.

Absolutely amazing!.. 

Review by Newcastlenative on 7/9/11 3:52 AM

The pilot/guide gave fabulous insight into the explosion and recovery of the area. And the view from the helicopter is SO much better than anything you can see from the ground. We practically entered the crater and could see the lava dome really well. It was a beautiful day, so we also had great views of Spirit Lake, Mt Rainier, and Mt Adams. This experience was worth every penny--the best way to see Mt St Helen's!

A Different Perspective!.. 

Review by Jeff on 7/3/11 7:48 AM

If you think seeing St. Helens from an observation platform is an experience then you are sadly mistaken! The helicopter will give you an whole new appreciation of what happened when the mountain exploded in 1980. The experience is something you'll never regret!!

JUST AWWWSOME!.. 

Review by JOE on 6/26/11 8:58 AM

THIS WAS BY FAR THE MOST AWWWSOME HELECOPTER RIDE I WAS EVER ON, I SEEN THE MOVIE, THE NEWS ARTICALS AND LOTS OF PICTURES BUT NOTHING COMPARES TO A CLOSE UP LOOK AT THE DEVISTATION THAT WAS CAUSED BY THAT BLAST. IM FROM WISCONSIN AND WAS IN WASHINGTON VACATIONING AND I STRONGLY RECOMEND A HELECOPTER RIDE INTO MT. ST. HELENS.

Life Altering .. 

Review by Man ? Well on 5/17/11 3:53 AM

Just 2 yrs after the big blast, en-route to California, I took a side trip to check out Mt.St Helens. The "Visitors Centre" consisted of a simple trailer style snack-shack and a helicopter resting on the flats guarded by a scruffy looking guy kicked back in a lawn chair. Within 1/2 hr, a small group of us took our seats, assuming nothing more than a 'closer look'. After surveying the forest of what looked like toothpicks neatly laid down on the surface of some lifeless planet, we entered the North face and hovered directly above the lava-dome. The pilot said he would like to get us closer in, but the air currents generated by the bubbling molten lava pool off to the right could suck us in within seconds. Nobody minded backing away a bit. At that location I could only see about 1/2 of the lava pool with my wide-angle lens on the Nikon and it was getting a little warm. I highly doubt that one would get quite the same ride now as I had. That was at a time before Mt St Helens was developed into a tourist attraction - It was still 'raw' and unpredictable. Safety regulations at the time were basically "Enter at your own risk". The pilot - I can only say - After talking to him after the ride, although I had some question regarding his overall sanity, I felt his experience made him possibly the most qualified for this trip. I truly believe he took us closer than anyone else would have but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since that day, I have a much greater respect for the power of this ball we call Earth and how tiny of a creature we really are. I have no idea what the area looks like after 30 years of healing. The pictures, movies and documentaries can tell the story - but getting up close and 'personal' will change your life! Take the flight - whatever the price.

Worth every cent.. 

Review by Jeanne on 9/22/10 3:35 PM

Great pilot and staff. If you have the money, do this tour. It was absolutely unforgettable and "made" our trip.

Fantastic.. 

Review by Lisa Kelly on 9/12/10 7:15 AM

This was an absolute highlight of our honeymoon! Obviously, it's not a cheap thing to do but it's one of the those 'once in a lifetime' experiences that leaves you bowled over and well worth the cost. I cannot believe how close to the crater we got - it was just incredible. Everyone who worked on the tour and the Eco Park were extremely helpful and friendly and very welcoming. I would highly recommend this as something you'll never forget and will talk about for years to come.

Wonderful experience.. 

Review by Karen L on 9/10/10 1:36 PM

This is something I have wanted to do for many years now. It exceeded my expectations. The pilot Patrick was great. I will cherish the video footage. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone.

great views and pies.. 

Review by Harper/Castro on 9/8/10 1:29 PM

We both agreed that this was the best money we spent during our week in Oregon and Washington. Words cannot describe the experience and the views. Would do it again...and, we'd eat the blackberry and peach pies again, too!

satisfied customer.. 

Review by satisfied customer on 9/7/10 8:18 AM

Words can't describe it. Just do it. It's well worth the money and the pilot's great. End it w/ a meal at the restaurant. It was fantastic and the service is wonderful. Very friendly and welcoming!

A great birthday experience.. 

Review by Phaysee on 9/5/10 3:24 PM

I took my 16-year-old son on the first helicopter ride of his life for his birthday, and we both loved it. The day with clear and relatively windless, and our ride was smooth with great visibility. It was a great experience but over all too soon. The pilot and his wife were friendly and helpful. We got there early so got on an earlier tour. It seemed a bit expensive for 25 minutes, but it was still worth it.

Extraordinary experience!.. 

Review by Emilie  on 9/1/10 5:40 AM

Our flight was just a week ago, at 10.45am. We had reserved long before, and were lucky to have the best day of the week for it. The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky and very little wind. And it was such a great experience, to not only see the mountain up close, but to find out about all its effects on nature. The pilot answered all our questions and made it all worth it. Thank you!

Spectacular!!!.. 

Review by Wendy & Grant on 8/31/10 6:14 AM

We were in BC Canada in 1980 and felt it/saw when Mt St Helens erupted and had always wanted to see the Mountain. We had an awesome day and were glad we took the combo tour... it was well worth it. Thanks.

Incredible Experience.. 

Review by Dave Fron on 8/20/10 9:56 PM

The service couldn't have been better from Mount St. Helens Helicopter Tours. Rachel and Patrick were great! I highly recommend going "big" with the Awesome Combo Tour. We got some great commentary from Patrick throughout our flight. And the weather was perfect. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

July Tour.. 

Review by Chuck & Patty, Gary & Doris on 8/16/10 9:39 PM

Patrick and Rachel are a delightful couple and made our day complete. Patrick is an excellent pilot and the information given was great. The restaurant food was very satisfying as well. Thanks for a great day!

Memories of a life time... 

Review by Jenny De on 8/11/10 10:25 AM

We made a memory! We were treated like V.I.P.s everyone could not have been more helpful. The pilot was very knowledgeable and pleasant. The area is beyond beautiful. There were some clouds the day we were there but the pilot maneuvered around them and I don't feel like we missed anything because of clouds. The weather is very much apart of the area so planning is a must. It was one of the more expensive things that we did on our vacation but I had saved for it and have NO regrets. Anyone interested in this area or in love with Mt. St. Helen must do this at least once. We visit St. Helen at least once a year but this was the first time we had seen it this way. AWESOME does not do the experience justice. It was beyond awesome, a true must do!

Wow!.. 

Review by WyoMtnMan on 7/27/10 11:42 PM

We had an excellent experience on our flight. We originally had a 10am flight scheduled but morning fog forced us to postpone until 2pm. Pilot gave us a smooth ride and was very knowledgeable on all the features leading up to the mountain and of the mountain itself. The sights that we saw will live in our memories for sure. A definite must do!!

View of a lifetime.. 

Review by Mountain hermit on 7/14/10 2:12 PM

Had a perfect day for the tour. Blue skies and not a cloud in sight. The pilot was great, gave alot of information about what you were seeing and what it was like during the eruption. Really put the whole thing in perspective. Was nice to see the recovery of the area from an view that you just don't comprehend from the ground. Have spent most of my life in the mountains of Washington and have never seen a view like this. Have recommended it to everyone I know.

2nd Try .. 

Review by Leslie on 6/28/10 11:55 AM

We were suppose to go up the 20th but the weather was not co-operating. Came back the 24th with fingers crossed. Was able to get on. Upgraded our package and is was SO WORTH IT!!! It was the very best experience!!! The pilot was AWESOME. I am afraid of heights, flying ...you name it. He made me feel so comfortable!! Would do it again in a heartbeat!!! It made our trip!! THANKS AGAIN

Great Flight.. 

Review by Tom Arnold on 6/22/10 8:02 AM

The flight was absolutely excellent. As an amateur volcanologist, I was able to get up close and personal with the lava dome in the caldera of Mt St.. Helens, which was my goal. The pilot was the best, dodging clouds and holding the chopper steady while I took some amazing photos. ...hats off to a wonderful experience!

30 Min tour.. 

Review by Hiker on 6/19/10 5:59 PM

Our flight was for 3:00 pm. Got there 2 hours early and was able to take the next flight up.Pilot friendly, knowledgeable, gave us an awesome experience. Worth every penny and a view that can't be beat. Do it.

crater tour.. 

Review by tonykon on 6/15/10 1:13 PM

The weather was not the best, and the flight a little bumpy, but of course the pilot had no control over this. The pilot was excellent, very knowledgeable, and did an excellent job. The helicopter was a Bell Jet Ranger, which is probably the best commercial workhorse chopper ever made. There were absolutely no problems. The mountain and crater were simply indescribably magnificent. We had gone to the Johnston Ridge Observatory first and I would definitely recommend doing that first before the helicopter tour. The helicopter ride/tour gave a view of the mountain and crater and results of the explosion that cannot be seen in any other way and my wife & I will remember the experience the rest of our lives. Also the small restaurant and facilities at EcoPark, where the helicopter leaves from, does not appear to be much, but the food was absolutely excellent (not gourmet) and the people very personable and friendly. I highly recommend this.

 

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