On May 18, 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens forever changed the landscape of what was once considered a near-perfect volcanic cone. Ash blasted high into the atmosphere and circled the globe, while, in a matter of moments, nearly 200 square miles of rich forest were transformed into a stark, gray landscape. Today, Mount St. Helens stands as the most dramatic example of active volcanic power in the continental United States.

What was once devastation has become a living laboratory. The blast zone is now world-renowned for scientific research into ecological recovery, offering rare insight into how life returns after volcanic disturbance. Visitors can witness this awe-inspiring regeneration firsthand as plants and wildlife steadily reclaim the terrain. With visitor centers, sweeping viewpoints, and abundant recreation throughout the region, Mount St. Helens invites exploration of both nature’s raw power and one of the greatest restoration stories on Earth.