Photo: JPLDesigns/istockphoto.com

The 1980 eruption was the biggest volcanic event in recent American history. But the mountain has more than moved on—it’s become a new and vibrant wonderland for scientists and sightseers alike. Find unique hiking, biking, and camping, or even explore a lava cave.

In This Feature:

Mount St. Helens is Not a National Park

The volcano’s unique status makes upkeep complicated.

05/06/2020 By Allison Williams

How to Visit Mount St. Helens While the Visitor Center Is Closed

The volcano's observatory is off-limits thanks to—what else—a natural disaster.

05/17/2024 By Allison Williams

Visiting the East Side of Mount St. Helens: Otherworldly Escape

Intrepid explorers head to a quiet region to score views of a hidden landscape, plus a chance to view remnants of the eruption.

05/06/2020 By Allison Williams

Visiting the South Side of Mount St. Helens: On Top of Old Smokey

Take a walk on the adventure side of the volcano. Keen athletes can spelunk underground, ski gentle slopes, or climb to the crater rim.

05/06/2020 By Allison Williams

Visiting the North Side of Mount St. Helens: Crater Crash Course

A road trip down a stunning highway leads to a well-appointed visitor center and easy hikes. Never been to the famous mountain? Start here.

05/06/2020 By Allison Williams

A Timeline of Mount St. Helens

An explosive history of a volcano that’s over the hill.

05/06/2020 By Allison Williams

Hike and Bike: Mount St. Helens

Lucky us: We live near some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Want to break a sweat? Take a stroll before lunch? There’s a trail for that.

05/17/2010 With Courtney Nash, Judy Naegeli, Erin Reading, and Kasey Cordell Edited by Laura Dannen By Hayley Poole and Craig Romano