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Geologic Wonders

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & District

This image shows aa mist covered lake and boardwalk trail with Mount St Helens in the background. Johnston Ridge itself is blocking a total view of the mountain.

The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and District contains many wonderful places to see and explore.  Look for trails, interpretive sites, and more. 

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Mount St. Helens May 18 - 1980

On the morning of May 18, 1980, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered the collapse of the summit and north flank of Mount St. Helens and formed the largest landslide in recorded history. In 1982 Congress designated the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The following decades have offered insight into the biological recovery of ravaged landscapes.

Ape Cave Interpretive Site

Ape Cave

Ape Cave is the third longest lava tube (2.5 miles long) in North America and cave temperature is 42 degrees F/5.6 degrees C year-round.

Ice Cave

Guler Ice Cave in March

Ice Cave is a popular 650 foot long cave that has a beautiful display of ice stalactites and ice stalagmites early in the season.

Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Area

This image shows aa mist covered lake and boardwalk trail with Mount St Helens in the background. Johnston Ridge itself is blocking a total view of the mountain.

Experience the effect the May 18, 1980 eruption had on the Coldwater Valley, including creating a brand-new lake. 

Last updated June 2nd, 2025