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chuckmo26

Mount St. Helens

Our RV park choice this time was Seaquest State Park, and wow, do we wish we had booked more days here! This park was a hidden gem with its tranquil setting, beautiful trails, and incredible views. From the moment we parked, we were enchanted by the lush greenery and peaceful ambiance. Every corner of the park seemed to beckon us to explore, relax, and soak in the natural beauty. It quickly became a favorite stop on our journey, and we left already planning our return!



For many, the eruption of Mount St. Helens in May 1980 was an unforgettable event that ignited widespread interest and appreciation for volcanoes and the science behind them. Chuck shares this passion, and visiting Mount St. Helens has long been a cherished item on his bucket list. Our recent trip to Mount Lassen only heightened our anticipation for this upcoming adventure.


After setting up camp, we took a leisurely walk to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center near the campground. The under-road pedestrian tunnel was a fun little adventure in itself. We hoped to catch a glimpse of the former jewel of the Cascades, but the thick cloud cover kept it hidden from view. The mystery of what lay behind the clouds only added to our anticipation, making us eager for the next day's adventure.



We were determined to catch a glimpse of the mountain on our first day, so we hopped into our trucks and set off up the Spirit Lake Highway. Despite our efforts to rise above the clouds, our journey along the winding roads left us without a single hint that Mount St. Helens was so close, stubbornly hidden from our view.


After a productive day of work, we headed to the Learning Center. With the Johnston Ridge Observatory closed due to a road collapse, this became our backup plan. The Learning Center turned out to be a fantastic alternative. It offered great views, and insightful exhibits about the area's geology, history, and the famous volcanic eruption that reshaped the landscape.



Words fail to capture the sheer majesty and awe-inspiring presence of Mount St. Helens. As the cloud cover lifted, revealing its breathtaking grandeur, we were left speechless in the shadow of this magnificent volcano, surrounded by the haunting remnants of the 1980 eruption.


Broken-off trees, ash piles, remnants of lahars (mudflows caused by volcanic activity), hummocks (small islands of ash left by erosion), and the expansive scar on the mountain where the landslide occurred are still visible today. Additionally, evidence of the dome rebuilding—a natural process for stratovolcanoes—and frequent small earthquakes underscore the dynamic nature of Mount St. Helens.



One item on this leg of the journey we did not complete was a trip to Windy Ridge. This viewpoint is famous for its close-up views of the destruction caused by the volcano's eruption and landslide. The ridge is located off Forest Road 99, between Windy Pass and Independence Pass, and is less crowded than the Johnston Ridge side of the mountain.


At the time of our trip, Forest Road 99 was closed for logging and had not been inspected and opened by the forestry service.


Our next stop is Mt. Rainier.


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