The Journey to Johnston Ridge
I recently completed a monumental project that (thanks to COVID) has taken over a year to complete. The Cowlitz County Historical Society received a grant from Cowlitz County Tourism to produce an audio tour that narrates the drive from Castle Rock, WA, to the Johnston Ridge Observatory at the end of State Route 504. As drivers undertake the journey along Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, the tour entertains and educates them about the volcanic events of May 18, 1980, as well as the local history of places like Silver Lake, Toutle, Kid Valley, Hoffstadt Creek, and more.
Travelers who drive the speed limit will hear about these places and listen to interviews with members of the community in real time, as they’re passing through the area. The interactive audio adventure is available as a free download from the Cowlitz County Historical Society’s website, or on CDs which can be found at the County Historical Museum, Castle Rock Visitor Center, Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Seaquest State Park, or any number of local hotels.
Now, you can also listen to the tour here! Many thanks to Joseph Govednik at the Cowlitz County Historical Museum for bringing this project to me, and to Alysa Adams, Greg Drew, Mark Smith, Bill Watson, and Kris Cochrane for providing the interviews. I look forward to another opportunity like this to bring the history of Cowlitz County to life!