May 18, 1980 - 8:32am - life forever changed for thousands of Washington residents. An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale started a chain reaction that led to the massive eruption of Mount St. Helens on that bright spring morning. As 1300 feet of mountain earth blasted over 60,000 feet into the air, the eruption turned day into night as the gray ash fell over most of eastern Washington and even into Idaho.

Local rivers and streams were immediately blocked with mud, ash, and uprooted trees. Nearly 150,000 acres of forest were flattened by the power of the blast. Some trees completely uprooted and carried miles away, while others were simply stripped of their greenery and left for dead. Then, there were the people. Even with the scientific knowledge that an eruption was likely to happen, many lives were still lost. Those either unprepared or stubborn, now lay forever as part of the earth beneath tons of ash and rock.

Today, nearly twenty-five years later, the outer areas of the blast zone have been replanted, and even offer the appearance that nothing ever happened to destroy the area. However, closer to the mountain, the U.S. Congress designated an area as the "Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument". Within these borders, the land is left to recover naturally so scientists, young and old, can explore and observe how the earth responds to such a catastrophe.

There are two primary lookout points as visitors approach the mountain. An entrance fee used for monument maintenance is valid for both locations and can be paid at either location. Coldwater Ridge Observatory is the first one visitors come across as they head in on the north side of the mountain on Highway 504 out of Castle Rock, Washington (exit 49 on I-5). From this observatory, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount St. Helens from approximately ten miles away. A plaque hangs inside the entrance, honoring those who were lost to the eruption on that fateful day.

For those wishing to get a little closer to the mountain, the Johnston Ridge Observatory is about as close as one can get. A few more miles up the road, and around several curves, visitors can get an even better view from the fantastic observatory on Johnston Ridge. From here, visitors stand just five miles away from the base of the mountain. Being this close allows many of them to actually feel the incredible power that soared out from the summit of the mountain so many years ago.

Easily within the range of the National Volcanic Monument, visitors can see how the land is responding to the devastation. Hiking trails are available from this observatory for those wishing to explore the surrounding area. There are also great displays inside as well as a very informative video about the work that is constantly being done in and around Mount St. Helens. In addition, rangers are also available for questions not answered by the fantastic displays.

Finally, from the Johnston Ridge Observatory, many visitors take a moment to enjoy the view of nearby Mount Adams. At over 12,000 feet in height, Mount Adams seems to poke its head up over the ridges to say "hello" to visitors at Mount St. Helens. Many younger people, who may not remember the eruption, may find themselves wondering if this is how Mount St. Helens looked before that devastating day in 1980. Sometimes pictures simply don't do it justice.

A visit to Mount St. Helens is not only encouraged for visitors to Oregon, it's practically a must. Just a few hours northeast of Portland, a day trip can be planned for either the north route (as described above) or via the south route through the small town of Cougar and around the southeast side of the mountain up to gorgeous Spirit Lake. They can even stop and explore Ape Cave if they find it interests them. No matter which route travelers select for their trip, they won't be disappointed. Mount St. Helens is truly a spectacular gift nearby Washington has to offer.

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