More St. Helens:

Mount St. Helens
The National Volcanic Monument

Congress established Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to allow for the natural recovery of the land and for research and education on this process. Numerous roads, viewpoints and miles of trails have been replaced or created for you to explore by car, mountain bike, or foot. During the summer Forest Interpreters lead a wide range of activities, from short walks to amphitheater presentations.

Although the blast of the 1980 eruption killed every living thing above ground, wildflowers now bloom, and even elk have returned to the hills. You can see how the landscape is renewing itself, via three roadway approaches into the area, helicopter rides that go right into the crater, and hiking trails. There is also opportunity to camp within the blast zone, or fish in a new lake created by the 1980 eruption, or explore the 12,810 foot-long lava tube known as "Ape Cave". Located on the south side of the volcano, the tube was created by volcanic activity 1,900 years ago.

The Monument receives nearly 4 million visitors each year, and the volcano is the most climbed in North America.

Contact Information

Monument Headquarters. 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Road, Amboy, WA 98601. Phone: 360-449-7800.

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