Marvel at the awesome power of nature at the National Volcanic Monument, a 90-minute drive away from Portland.
Mount St Helens was the fifth-tallest mountain in the United States when it erupted on May 18, 1980, reducing its height from 2,950 metres to 2,550 metres – an incredible 400-metre loss. The surrounding blast zone also suffered massive damage from the ash cloud and rock which came rushing from the mountain. Thankfully, the local plants and animals are very resilient and have set about re-establishing themselves in the area during the decades since.There are two visitor centres in the area, both dealing with a different aspect of the events of that fateful day in 1980. Silver Lake Visitor Center offers a video showing the circumstances of the eruption, while Forest Learning Center teaches visitors about the helping hand that humans have given to the regeneration effort over the years.While Mount St Helens is clearly visible from both centres, the most special and striking view is from Johnston Ridge Observatory in the very core of the blast zone. This vantage allows you to look straight into the enormous crater. Another option is to take a trip in a helicopter for a breathtaking birds-eye view of the area.There are some excellent trails around nearby Coldwater Lake. If you'd like a bigger challenge, you can hike up the side of Mount St Helens itself – even at its reduced height, it remains quite a challenge. By regulation, only 100 people can climb the mountain per day, and you must secure a permit to be allowed to do so.The relatively short distance means that you can return to Portland for the night but, if you'd like to stay and soak up the spectacular scenery, there is a campsite by Silver Lake in the Seaquest State Park. Get your boots on and go walking through the forest routes, or take a bike. There are plenty of elk, hawks and woodpeckers that have returned to the area, so keep your eyes open – and if you're lucky, you might even spot a bear or a coyote.
