Mount Saint Helens was highly recommended by my brother Mike. So we detoured several hours off our path to see the volcano that erupted on May 18, 1980. We only had time for one view, so we went to the main visitor center, Johnston Ridge Observatory located off of Spirit Lake Memorial Parkway.
It was deceiving when you first entered the park, over 200 sq miles were devestated by the explosions, landslides, lahars and pyroclastic flows that occurred with the eruptions. I had still expected total devastation. However in the outskirts of the 110,000 acre park, Weyerhouser partnered with the Forest Service and processed all the downed trees and replanted the forests in the 80's. Those areas are forested with lush and beautiful large trees.
However, when you finally get within the park's borders, the landscape quickly changes. The visitor center is directly opposite the crater and is situated for marvelous views of the devastation left behind.
Surprisingly, there were areas that were still emitting steam which slightly was obscuring a clear view. A great visitor center and award winning films and exhibits. Our drive by turned into a several hour visit. Definitely a worthwhile stop. How often does a volcano erupt, you were around to see it happen on the news and you can visit the site. Not too often.
It is so cool that you guys did this!
ReplyDeleteI remember when Mt. Saint Helens erupted; I was in high school at the time and I guess because we live relatively close to the area, we did see a lot of media coverage on the evacuation procedures and on the devastation to local plant and animal life. It was strange for me because I had envisioned beautiful scenes of explosive fire and molten lava but in this case it was mainly thick grey ashes and concrete like goop engulfing everything greedily... It truly was Mother Nature at her ugliest.
I also remember being sad because there was an old fellow who lived in one of the tourist lodges or something like that, and when there were warnings to leave; he refused to. I guess because he loved his home and if God was going to take him there, then so be it... It was also sad because a well known photographer and a geologist both died covering the events of the eruption. However, if I remember correctly, thousands more would have died if it wasn't for the volcano specialists who insisted that the park be closed. I think it was only weeks before Mount Saint Helens erupted that they urged the closure...
Wow, so glad you got to see this! Catherine