| Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument erupted on May 18, 1980. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall, symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive avalanche of rock debris. Within moments, this slab of rock and ice fell into Spirit Lake, crossed a ridge 1,300 feet high, and roared 14 miles down the Toutle River. The eruption lasted nine hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape were dramatically changed within moments. A vast, gray landscape lay where once the forested slopes of Mount St. Helens grew. Carved out of the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest in 1982, the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument allows scientists and visitors to see the changes in the landscape and the volcano. Within the monument's bounds, the environment is left to respond naturally to the disturbance. Observe how surviving plants and animals rise out of the ash, colonizing plants catch hold of the earth, and birds and animals find a niche in a different forest on the slopes of Mount St. Helens. Numerous viewpoints and miles of trails have been created for visitors to explore by car and foot. During the summer Forest Interpreters lead a wide range of activities, from short walks to amphitheater presentations, to help guests understand and enjoy this area. Discover the winter at Mount St. Helens, where many cross-country ski and snowmobile trails have been created for visitors. |
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