40 Years of Volcanic History - Mount St. Helens

I’m guessing you probably weren’t one of wild souls racing between 65 and 100 m.p.h. to escape the wrath of Mount St. Helens when it blew its top on May 18th, 1980, nearly 40 years ago. Yes, folks that were close to the mountain that day, on its west side, had to flee for their lives. Those to the north, and within range of the blast, had little to no chance. In any case, the mountain had already been very active in the months leading up to this big eruption, so most had cleared the area and certainly many warnings had been put out. Yet the brave, foolhardy, stubborn and/or dedicated (think scientists placing and collecting instruments) were still around when St. Helens blew…and wow did it blow.

After over 1000 earthquakes shook the area between March 16, 1980 and the big event, a 5.1 quake hit on May 18 that let loose a giant, growing portion of the mountain’s north flank that had bulged out to at least 450 feet in diameter. Triggering the largest landslide in earth’s natural, recorded history, this event depressurized the volcano’s magma system, causing explosions that rocketed through the sliding debris. Hitting 300 m.p.h., and shooting north and west and, of course, up, it’s this event that most remember…a mushroom cloud of rocks, steam and ash that seemed to reach all the way to space! And now, with the 40th anniversary of this iconic eruption coming up on May 18th, we are doing a 3-part series (one article per month) to showcase all that is happening “up there” and how you can get out and enjoy it.

 

Getting Out There on a Guided Hike

If the images above don’t have your attention, then this next bit might not be of interest. However, I’m guessing you’re as equally “blown away” by the above snaps as I am. Heck, I lived in the area when the eruption happened, witnessed it personally, and even collected multiple coffee cans of fallen ash that covered every surface like winter snowfall. Yet I’ve never seen some of these pictures, especially the one from Silver Lake; just incredible. Of course now it’s very safe to visit (and has been for a very long time). Thus, the below, guided hike opportunities:


Glacier Overlook Hike

Challenge Rating: Strenuous Length: 8 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 1500 ft  Highest point: 5300 ft Duration: Approximately 8 hours (9:00 am to 5:00 pm)  Minimum Age: 12+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult) Pace:  ~1-2 miles/hour with breaks Tuition: $190 - Sign-up: Here.

This hike is a staff favorite and is truly stunning. Accessing a portion of the mountain that is normally off-limits to visitors, the views afforded on this adventure are un-matched.

“I was awestruck by the expansive views in every direction, surrounded by fields of wildflowers (blue lupine, red paintbrush, purple penstemon, white yarrow and yellow) as far as the eye could see, with Mt. Adams, Spirit Lake, Johnston Ridge and the crater of Mount St. Helens all in view.  It was truly a spiritual moment.” - Unnamed Hiker from the Glacier Overlook Guided Tour




Summit Adventures

Challenge Rating: Strenuous ​​​​​Length: 10-12 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 4,500 ft-5,500 ft Duration: Approximately 8-11 hours, depending on the group and the weather conditions. Minimum Age: 12+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult) Permits: Fee includes a climbing permit. Tuition: $250 - Sign-up: Here

This hike was truly the highlight of our 3 week trip to the Pacific North West! And, we went to Mt. Baker, N. Cascades NP (hiked Maple Pass loop), Olympic NP (hiked Golden Gate and Skyline Trails), hiked to Cape Flattery, Climbed huge rocks at Rialto and Ruby beaches, visited the Columbia River Gorge, and Mt. Hood, Saw the Great Dunes on the Oregon coast, climbed Lighthouses in WA, OR, and CA, hiked around Crater Lake, and drove through the Redwoods and Rt.1 down the coast of N. California, and of all of that...THIS was the MOST AWESOME EXPERIENCE of it ALL!!! Even OLD PEOPLE can do it!!! (I am 63 and my wife is 57). - Unnamed Hiker from the Summit Guided Tour


Into the Crater

Challenge Rating: Strenuous Length: 10 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 2000 ftDuration: Approximately 10-12 hours Pace: ~1-2 miles/hour with breaks Minimum Age: 12+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult) Tuition: $735 - Sign up: here.

Absolutely amazing life changing unforgettably incredible experience from camping on a ridge in a huge storm to going 'off hike' into the crater of the volcano that has inspired my entire life. I recommend that everyone do this hike and support the Mount St Helens Institute. - Unnamed Hiker, Into the Crater Guided Tour


Summary

Perhaps you’ve done one of these hikes before? Perhaps not. What I can say is I haven’t, yet, but hit me up next year and I guarantee my story will be different. I mean here we are, just miles away from one of the most incredible, natural examples of the earth’s geologic power and people from half-way around the world regularly buy expensive airline tickets just to get near it. We do live in the land of “milk and honey,” with gorgeous lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and the like…and yes, we’re a bit spoiled. But this…this is different. Mount St. Helens is truly one-of-a-kind so get up there while your legs can handle it. I really don’t think there’s much chance for disappointment.

Get Straight to the Hikes: Visit this page on the Mount St. Helens Institute Website

Link: Mount St. Helens Institute (all kinds of great stuff on this site, including more hike options)

USGS Fact Sheet: Mount St. Helens - From the 1980 Eruption to 2000


Watch for the next installment of our Mount St. Helens 40th Anniversary blog post in one month.


EXTRA BONUS:

For an extra, check out this movie, titled, “St. Helens,” which aired in the early 1980’s, not long after the eruption. I remember seeing this film back then, when I was very young (and I loved it). Surely it’s a bit cheesy now, with low production values, etc. Even still, it’s quite entertaining and most certainly will get you psyched for a guided hike up the mountain!


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Dan Meyers