Mt. St. Helens: Take One

Arriving at Mt. St. Helens, Washington
see all photos »

Heading north we ventured up into Washington State to begin our marathon stay at Mt. St. Helens (more to follow later). http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm

Access to this national monument is either from an eastern or western approach. Today we elected to take the eastern approach. Entering the area where the volcano is first visible (but still many, many miles away) you drive through many scenic roadways lined with wildflowers and mountainous forests. We coursed up the eastern side and attempted to head into the viewing area from that side. NOPE, not to be. Due to the heavy winter, some of the roadway had sustained damage and was unsafe to pass. We were blocked a one of the rest areas, (Bear Meadows) but no worries. There too were fantastic views of the mountain down Bear Valley. This was the site where a photo journalist was taking photos of the mountain on that fateful morning of May 18, 1980. He was able to capture the eruption, in a time sequence of photographs. Realizing the danger, though he smartly evacuated and drove speeds of 85 MPH north, away from the mountain, thankfully. He subsequently sold the photos and I’m sure made some decent $$.

Mt. St. Helens playing possum under the clouds
see all photos »

The views of the mountain were majestic, but the top of the mountain covered in clouds despite abundant sunshine all around. We really couldn't get an up close and personal look at the volcano site and decided to come back another day.

That eve, w/o any reservations, we headed back out of the area and west, as per Magellan, (my nickname for Rich) who said we should just “wing it” and try to find a place to stay along the road. I had my doubts {traveling w/ 2 dogs AFTER ALL!} Well, he dodged the “I told you so bullet” as we were successful in finding  a room for the night.