Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, scenic views
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted with staggering force, reshaping the Pacific Northwest landscape in minutes. Today, this living monument tells a story of destruction and renewal—where reborn forests, lava tubes, and panoramic viewpoints reveal nature’s resilience.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Explore the Ape Cave Lava Tubes – Venture into a two-mile-long lava tube, the nation’s third longest. Bring two light sources per person and warm clothes—it’s 42°F year-round.
- Drive the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway – Follow SR-504 through the blast zone, stopping at Elk Rock, Castle Lake, and Coldwater Lake for post-eruption vistas and interpretive sites.
- Visit the Science and Learning Center – Discover hands-on exhibits, short films, and the Winds of Change Trail, offering insights into the volcano’s recovery and views of Coldwater Lake.
- Hike the Hummocks Trail – This easy 2.4-mile loop winds through a surreal volcanic landscape shaped by the 1980 eruption, with interpretive signs and views of Mount St. Helens.
- Take in Scenic Viewpoints – Climb Windy Ridge’s 368 steps for crater views, or visit Loowit and Castle Lake viewpoints to see rebirth amid the once-devastated landscape.
Recommended Reading: Eruption: The Untold Story of Mount St. Helens blends eyewitness accounts with clear science and history to trace the events of 1980. Author Steve Olson reveals how the eruption reshaped landscapes, communities, and our understanding of volcanic forces.
Photo Credit: Gary Cole/Unsplash