Geologic Wonders

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

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

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