Following the eruption of Mount St Helens in 1980, the landscape and ecosystems surrounding it were changed irreparably. The previous road on the floor of the valley was engulfed by mudslides at the time of the eruption, and in the aftermath of the disaster, the ground was left too unstable for rebuilding. Thus, a new highway was carved instead into the surrounding hillsides. This ‘memorial highway’ passes directly through the blast zone and gives an incredible opportunity to view the devastation caused by the event, including a unique chance to see the gaping hole in the volcano which collapsed from the sheer power of its eruption.

Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, Castle Rock, WA, Phone: 360-274-5200

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