Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is an iconic stratovolcano in the Pacific Northwest known for its catastrophic 1980 eruption and subsequent volcanic activity. Visitors come to see the crater, surrounding lakes and forests, and learn at the visitor centers.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Pacific Northwest |
| Subregion | Cascade Range |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Skamania County and Klickitat County |
| District | Gifford Pinchot National Forest |
| City | Vader |
| Postal Code | 98649-9739 |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 46.1912 |
| Longitude | -122.1944 |
| Maps |
11:55 AM LOCAL TIMEMount St. Helens is a world-famous stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of Washington state. It erupted catastrophically on May 18, 1980, transforming the landscape with a massive debris avalanche, ash plume, and subsequent lava and ash flows. Today, the volcano is a site of ongoing geological change, with a crescent-shaped crater, deep Spirit Lake, and regenerating forests around the blast zone. Key points for visitors include the Johnson Ridge Observatory, which provides dramatic high-elevation views of the crater; the Gifford Pinchot Visitor Center near Castle Rock, offering exhibits and ranger programs; and various trails leading to viewpoints and landforms—note that trail access is subject to closure depending on volcanic activity and safety advisories. The surrounding landscape features high-elevation wilderness and rivers tied to volcanic runoff, and nearby facilities and towns serve as bases for day trips. Whether you're into hiking, geology, or photography, Mount St. Helens offers a visceral window into planetary forces and recovery over the past four decades.
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