Mount Saint Helens

My husband and I took a day trip to Mount Saint Helens, called Lawetlat’la (“the smoker”) by the Yakama Nation. The volcano erupted on May 18, 1980, and spewed ash all over the Pacific Northwest. Several months later, we flew over Mount Saint Helens on our way to visit family in Spokane, and saw trees flattened like matchsticks outward from the blast, and the whole mountain covered in ash. In Spokane we heard accounts of ash falling like snow, and received a jar filled with ash that had covered the ground.

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center (Milepost 5)

Ash fall throughout Oregon, Washington, and beyond

Thirty-plus years later, we checked into our room in Kelso, Washington, and then approached the mountain from the north on Highway 504. We stopped at the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center near Silver Lake at 500 feet elevation, and learned about the natural history of the area.

Forest Learning Center (Milepost 33.5)

View of Toutle River

Toutle River

The Forest Learning Center was closed at 2,650 feet, but we were able to walk around, read the informative signs, and see the views.

Johnston Ridge Observatory (Milepost 52)

Mount Saint Helens shrouded in clouds

Mount Saint Helens from the theater

We proceeded to the Johnston Ridge Observatory at 4,200 feet, as the skies darkened and a few drops of rain started to fall. We watched the informative video presentation about the volcano, followed by the dramatic unveiling of the mountain from the theater.

Another view of the mountain

A dusting of snow

It was amazing to see the contrast from 30-plus years ago, and see how the mosses, grasses, and plants have come back (succession in action). The fall colors were beautiful against the dramatic skies (it grew increasingly cloudy as we ascended the mountain). Wildlife has also returned to the area. It's hopeful to see how quickly nature has repaired itself –  new life has emerged.