Mount St. Helens National Park
Decimation and destruction, beauty and beginnings—although somewhat of a paradox, these are but a few ways to describe Mt. St. Helens. In 1978, 2 volcanologists studying Mt. St. Helens predicted that it would erupt before the year 2000. They were soon proved correct when on March 18, 1980 the snow capped mountain erupted—ending 125 years of inactivity. The blast spewed ash and gasses at a rate of 670 miles per hour, it flatten 150 square miles of forest, sent a cloud of ash 13 miles high that covered cities in Washington, Montana and Idaho with fine ash and grit and dammed rivers with the logs and mud. When it was over, there was a gaping hole 2,000 feet deep, a half mile wide and a1 mile long.
However, beauty arose from the ashes and now more than a quarter of a century later the park is home to a variety of plant life such as shrubs, silver firs, pines and hemlocks. Its animals include deer, elk, gophers, deer mouse, squirrels and birds like the raven mountain bluebird, white-crowned sparrow, American robin, hairy woodpecker and red-breasted nuthatch. In 1982, the Monument was established providing scientist a place to study and visitors and the visitors the opportunity to see the effects of the volcano.
While visiting, be sure to spend some time at the Ape Cave. This 12,810 foot long cave is one of the longest lava tubes in the continental U.S. The slope is easily walked; however, it is recommended that you bring along at least 3 light sources and be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Also of interest is the Johnson Ridge Observatory where you can learn more about the volcano through exhibits and media presentations. You can also take the ½ mile walk on Eruption Trail. Other activities include hiking the many trails, climbing to the volcanoes summit and visiting the Coldwater Ridge Visitors Center.
42210 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd.
Amby, WA 98601
360-449-7800
www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm
|
