Mount St Helens

Mount St. Helens was a placid looking, scenic volcano until it erupted with devastating force in 1980. This is a volcano best seen when in repose, but it is one of my top choices because it has become the best 'living volcano museum'. The devastation is still there for all to see – the felled trees, the destroyed forests, the moon-like landscape which used to be lush – and it is all showcased by well-thought out visitor centres retelling the tragic events of 1980. You can climb to the summit (a day hike) and see the lava dome growing inside the crater. On a clear day, you can see many of the other Cascade volcanoes all around, all of which could erupt with similarly devastating force.

Late Spring to early Fall are the best times to visit. Winter brings harsh weather, and climbing to the summit can be hazardous. A variety of lodgings are available in the towns surrounding the mountain and also several campgrounds.

5 / 5 Review by expert member Rosaly Lopes

‘Mount St. Helens’

Mount St. Helens is one of this centuries most destructive volcanoes. In 1980 it was responsible for the death of 57 people and the devastation of 250 homes ... Read more »

5 / 5 Review by expert member Hamish Holl

‘Once-beautiful, previously dormant, Fuji-like volcano’

The famous 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens blew out the north side of this once-beautiful, previously dormant, Fuji-like volcano, almost instantly flattening ... Read more »

5 / 5 Review by expert member Mike Lyvers

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 Photo by Photography: Mike Lyvers

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