Around 50 miles northeast of Portland, OR, and less than 100 miles south of Seattle, Washington, sits Mount St Helens, one of Washington State's most impressive natural landmarks. Mount St Helens is located in Skamania County in the southern part of the state and is part of the Cascade Range. It's one of Washington's most prominent and isolated peaks and is also an active stratovolcano that famously had a major eruption back in 1980. Mount St Helens is also known as Louwala-Clough, Lawetlat'la, and Loowit to various Native American tribes and peoples, for whom it has taken on sacred status.


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1. Mount St Helens History and Elevation

Mount St Helens History and Elevation

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  • How was Mount St. Helens formed?
    • The volcano was formed tens of thousands of years ago and is regarded as the most active volcano in the Cascade Range.
  • Was Mount St. Helens always a low peak in Washington?
    • No, it was actually the fifth highest peak in Washington before the 1980 eruption, but it is now the 52nd highest.
  • When did the major eruption of Mount St. Helens occur?
    • The major eruption occurred on May 18, 1980, and it remains the deadliest and most destructive recorded volcanic eruption in the United States.
  • What damage was caused by the 1980 eruption?
    • The eruption resulted in the deaths of 57 people, and the destruction of many homes and buildings, along with 15 miles of railways and 185 miles of highway.
  • What is the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument?
    • Created in 1982, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument was established to preserve the area and provide space for scientific study.
  • Has Mount St. Helens shown any activity since 1980?
    • Yes, Mount St. Helens has shown some signs of activity such as steam and ash plumes and a magnitude 3.5 earthquake in 2006, but no major eruptions have occurred since.
  • Is Mount St. Helens a destination for outdoor recreation?
    • Yes, the area has become a popular climbing and hiking spot, with several routes leading to the summit.

2. Elevation of Mount St Helens

Elevation of Mount St Helens

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  • Why is elevation important in geography?
    • Elevation is one of the most important geographical statistics when discussing volcanoes, hills, mountains, or other high locations. It tells us how high an area is in relation to sea level and can affect temperature and human health, such as causing altitude sickness in high areas.
  • How is elevation measured?
    • Elevation is most commonly measured in feet or meters.
  • How has Mount St. Helens' elevation changed?
    • Before the 1980 eruption, Mount St. Helens had an elevation of 9,677 feet (2,950 m). After a massive debris avalanche, its elevation was reduced to 8,363 feet (2,549 m), leaving a huge crater at the summit.
  • Is Mount St. Helens still among the highest mountains in Washington?
    • No, Mount St. Helens is no longer in the top 50 highest points in Washington, although it is still very highly elevated.
  • What is the highest point in Washington State?
    • The highest point is Mount Rainier, which is also the highest mountain in the Cascade Range, with an elevation of 14,417 feet (4,394 m).
  • What is the lowest point in Washington?
    • The lowest point in Washington is the Pacific Ocean, which is at sea level.
  • What is the average elevation in Washington?
    • The mean elevation of Washington is approximately 1,700 feet (520 m).
  • Which city is the highest in Washington?
    • The highest city in Washington is Waterville, located in Douglas County, with an elevation of 2,622 feet (799 m).
  • What are the elevations of major Washington cities?
    • - Seattle: 170 feet (52 m)
      - Spokane: 1,843 feet (562 m)
      - Tacoma: 243 feet (74 m)
      - Vancouver: 171 feet (52 m)

3. Mount St Helens Climate, Elevation and More

Mount St Helens Climate, Elevation and More

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  • What kind of weather does Mount St. Helens have?
    • Due to its extremely high elevation and location in the Pacific Northwest, Mount St. Helens experiences very cold weather, with freezing temperatures for long parts of the year and major snowfall.
  • How do temperatures at Mount St. Helens compare to cities like Seattle?
    • Maximum temperatures at Mount St. Helens are relatively low, especially compared to low-lying cities in Washington State like Seattle.
  • Is Mount St. Helens a popular climbing location?
    • Yes, despite its harsh weather and volcanic nature, Mount St. Helens is a very popular climbing spot. Both beginners and experienced climbers attempt to reach the summit throughout the year.
  • When are the best climbing conditions at Mount St. Helens?
    • The best climbing conditions are typically in the summer months. However, all routes involve challenging terrain and require a good level of fitness.
  • Is hiking around Mount St. Helens popular?
    • Yes, hiking in and around Mount St. Helens and its nearby areas is popular year-round.

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