The 1980 Mt. Saint Helens eruption continues to be dramatically evident. Its rare to have such an amazingly catastrophic geologic story in plain view, for anyone to enjoy and understand. Here, as the grasses sway on the windy ridge of Norway Pass, a massive stump from a tree that literally exploded during the eruption tells the story of May 18, 1980. It is all that remains of a lush, typically northwest forest. When hiking this area, you can envision the path of the volcano's explosion, defined by the direction that the rotting tree trunks are aligned. A truly unique and beautiful place.
Norway Pass, Mt. Margret Backcountry Area, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington