Categories: Arts & Culture; Sports & Recreation; Outdoor Adventures; History & Heritage
Overview. Mount St. Helens began forming more than 10,000 years ago, before the end of the last ice age. The youngest of the Cascade Range volcanoes, the mountain was fairly active between 1831 and 1857, but its relative calm and nearly perfectly formed cone masked its destructive potential during most of the 20th century. The area was considered a scenic recreational paradise, with beautiful Spirit Lake providing boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities at the base of the volcano's northern slope. All that changed in the spring of 1980. On the morning of May 18, following almost two months of rumbling and venting steam, Mount St. Helens erupted explosively, blowing over 1,300 feet off of its summit and spewing ash over hundreds of miles. Fifty-seven human lives and over 200 homes were lost.
Today, the mountain, now closely monitored for volcanic and seismic activity, is open once again to pleasure seekers and the curious. Dedicated as a national volcanic monument exactly three years after the devastating eruption, the area sports three visitor centers, a scenic drive, and plenty of hiking and climbing opportunities. Wildlife and vegetation are returning, making the area a fascinating place to observe nature.
What to see and do. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is located at Silver Lake, and features a huge walk-in volcano display, as well as an award-winning interpretive theater presentation. Rangers hold informative talks and hikes regularly; pick up a free copy of Volcano Review for a schedule.
Farther along the Spirit Lake Hwy (SR 504), you'll find Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center, where the main emphasis is on the physical recovery of the area after the eruption. Panoramic views from here include the debris-filled Toutle River Valley, newly formed lakes, and the volcano's crater and lava dome. The visitor center also features a gift shop, restaurant, and espresso bar. Both visitor centers are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM from April 1 to September 30, and only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the rest of the year. They are closed on Christmas.
Climbing to the mountain's summit is now permitted, although a quota of 100 climbers a day is in effect between May 15 and October 31. Sixty spaces are reservable in advance by contacting the monument in person or through the mail. The remaining 40 spots are awarded by lottery each evening for the next day's climb. Call the forest's climbing information line at 360-247-3961 for more details. Note that continuing volcanic activity means trails sometimes will be closed to climbers.
Ape Cave, this continent's longest lava tube, is located in the southern part of the monument and is popular with cavers. To wander through this cave, you must bring two reliable sources of light with you, or take a ranger-led lantern tour, available in summer. You can rent lanterns at the cave headquarters in season.
There are no camping facilities in the monument, but nearby Seaquest and Lewis and Clark State Parks have campgrounds and other recreational facilities.
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