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1 -The massive size of the 230 square mile blast zone as seen from space is revealed in this 1980 false color composite image from the Landsat MSS satellite. 
[Landsat, MSS Composite, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 125KB]

2 - Before the 1980 eruption the Spirit Lake basin was cloaked in old-growth forest. The signboard marks a vegetation plot, one of only a few places where the Forest Service had recorded the composition of pre-eruption vegetation at an individual species level. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1979] [Hi-Res Photo 286KB]

3 – All traces of the pre-eruption forest were erased by the fiery pyroclastic flows (1300 deg F, 700 deg C) that flowed from the crater that same afternoon. The signboard marks same the same location as pre-eruption photo. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 101KB]

4 – Massive chunks of the volcano, called hummocks, were transported down valley in the largest landslide in recorded history. Hummocks are the small, steep hills that can be seen in front of Spirit Lake. The debris avalanche deposit filled the valley, creating a natural dam that held back the lake waters until an outlet tunnel was completed in 1985. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1991] [Hi-Res Photo 101KB]

5 – Mudflows scoured and buried more than 100 miles (160 km) of river channel on the west and southeast sides of the volcano. The maximum height of the flow is evidenced by mud marks on trees 26 feet (8 m) above the Muddy River. Note the two people and helicopter as an indication of scale. 
[J. Franklin, USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 180KB]

6 – Before the eruption the ridges north of the volcano were shrouded in old-growth Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock forests. The forest in this photo is growing on the site of the now popular Windy Ridge viewpoint, four miles (6 km) northeast of the volcano. The signboard marks a vegetation plot, one of only a few places where the composition of pre-eruption vegetation was recorded at an individual species level. 
[M. Hemstrom, USDA Forest Service, 1979] [Hi-Res Photo 142KB]

7 – A repeat photo of the same location shows the scouring effects of the 300 mph, stone-filled blast that not only toppled the trees but also ripped them from the ground (blast direction is from left to right). The blast stripped the branches from the trees and deposited a jumbled pile of logs on the far side of the ridge.  
[USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 156KB]

104 - This repeat photograph of the Windy Ridge viewpoint shows the result of 19 years of plant establishment on the blast-scoured hillside. Note that vegetation in the foreground is still concentrated in gullies where buried soil and roots were exposed by erosion.
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999]
[Hi-Res Photo 133KB]

8 – A band of standing dead trees marked the outer boundary of the 1980 blast zone. The singed needles bear testimony to the 660 deg F (350 deg C) temperature of the blast. 
[Peter Frenzen, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 209KB]

9 – Prior to the eruption mountain ridges northeast of the volcano supported old-growth Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock forests. The person is standing at the center of  a vegetation plot, one of only a few places where the composition of pre-eruption vegetation had been recorded at an individual species level. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1979] [Hi-Res Photo 209KB]

10 – A repeat photo of the same point, taken after the eruption, shows the effects of a blanket of volcanic ash that fell from a volcanic ash plume that drifted to the northeast on the prevailing winds. This is an area located downwind of the volcano and outside of the blast zone. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 212KB]

11 – Pre-eruption view from the former summit of Mount St. Helens looking north with Spirit Lake and Mount Rainier in the background. Note the dark green color of the old-growth forests that occupied the valley to the north of the volcano and the ridges surrounding Spirit Lake. 
[Peter Frenzen, 1978] [Hi-Res Photo 35.6KB]

12 – The same view after the eruption shows the extensive removal of forest vegetation north of the volcano. The missing trees were buried by the massive landslide (debris avalanche) or ripped from the ground and/or toppled by the lateral blast. 
[J. Franklin, USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 123KB]

13 – Post-eruption view of a blast-sheltered, north facing ridge that was snow covered and facing away from the blast at the time of the eruption (blast was moving from right to left). Note the standing dead trees that are snapped off at the point where they were taller than the ridge. Trees that survived the eruption under snow can also be seen on the sheltered side of the ridge. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1985] [Hi-Res Photo 156KB]

14 – Snow-protected Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock trees provided the first early glimpses of green in a mostly gray and brown landscape. Over time as these survivors grow they will serve as important sources of seed for the establishment of the future forest inside the blast zone at Mount St. Helens. 
[Art McKee, Oregon State University, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 221KB]

15 – The surviving roots of weedy plants, like fireweed, sprouted where they could reach the ash surface, either through surface cracks or in gullies where buried soil was exposed by erosion. 
[J. Franklin, USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 166KB]

16 – At first glance this ash-covered clearcut, located 9 miles northeast of the volcano, appeared completely lifeless following the eruption. 
[Art McKee, Oregon State Univ., 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 204KB]

17 – The same view taken five years later reveals the weedy plant survivors that sprouted from rootstocks that were present in the pre-eruption soil beneath the ash. Weedy plant species such as fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) possess vigorous root systems and are well adapted to rapid growth in harsh, open conditions. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1986] [Hi-Res Photo 125KB]

18 – Huckleberries (Vaccinium spp.) and other forest understory plants resprouted from soil on the root masses of blown down trees providing an early glimpse of green in a mostly gray landscape. 
[J. Franklin, USDA Forest Service, 1982] [Hi-Res Photo 253KB]

19 – Plant life slowly returned to the blown down forest and, because individual plants were few and far between, the landscape still looked mostly gray three years after the eruption. Countless seeds drifted into the blast zone but only a few took root on the sun-baked ash surface. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1983] [Hi-Res Photo 160KB]

20 – Six years after the eruption colonizing plants had begun to fill the available open space and wildflowers framed the blown down forest. Over time these early colonizing plants have added organic matter and nutrients  to the ash surface helping to modify harsh environmental conditions and pave the way for other plant life to follow. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1986] [Hi-Res Photo 256KB]

21 – The slow but steady return of forest vegetation can be seen in this aerial view of the debris avalanche deposit near Castle Lake five years after the eruption. Note the green color of wet areas and pond shorelines where the seeds of sedges, willows and other wetland plants have taken root.
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1985] [Hi-Res Photo 125KB]

22 – Nineteen years after the eruption the forest’s return to the debris avalanche is well underway. One of the most successful trees has been red alder (Alnus rubra), a tree that disperses easily and is capable of rapid growth on the nutrient-poor, volcanic deposits. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999] [Hi-Res Photo 114KB]

23 – Between 1980 and 1986 there were a number of small steam and ash eruptions as a series of dome building eruptions built the 1000-foot tall lava dome in the crater. This is a view of a dome shattering explosive eruption that occurred in the fall of 1982. 
[Peter Frenzen, 1982] 
[Hi-Res Photo 65.2KB]

24 – It is not unusual to see large herds of bull elk running together on the debris avalanche or in the blast zone north of the volcano. Elk viewing is a very popular activity among Monument visitors. 
[C. Tonn, USDA Forest Service] [Hi-Res Photo 108KB]

25 – Birds like the mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) that nest in cavities in standing dead trees have prospered in the blast zone 
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service] [Hi-Res Photo 131KB]

26 – The northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) is an example of a ground-dwelling species that survived the eruption in the shelter of its underground burrow. 
[Charlie Crisafulli, 1985] [Hi-Res Photo 142KB]

27 – Spiders and other scavengers like this carabid beetle were among the first residents on the pumice plain north of the volcano. These scavengers survived by feeding on the carcasses of other insects that had been blown into the blast zone by prevailing winds. 
[Bob Parmenter, Univ. of New Mexico, 1987] [Hi-Res Photo 162KB]

28 – More and more insects are colonizing the blast zone as developing plant life provides a source of food and shelter. Grasshoppers forage among the lupines on the pumice plain. Such insects provide a food source for small mammals and insectivorous birds. As food and shelter become increasingly available animals are colonizing the blast zone in ever increasing numbers. 
[J. Gale, USDA Forest Service, 1994] [Hi-Res Photo 143KB]

29 – Following the eruption blast zone streams like Clearwater Creek nine miles northeast of the volcano were filled with ash and logs. 
[J. Franklin, USDA Forest Service, 1980] 
[Hi-Res Photo 168KB]

30 – The tremendous reproductive capacity of amphibians is evidenced by the large number of recently emerged western toads (Bufo borius) on the shoreline of Meta Lake in the blown down forest northeast of the volcano. 
[Todd Cullings, 1989] [Hi-Res Photo 259KB]

31 – Prior to the eruption high mountain lakes like Obscurity Lake, 10 miles north of Mount St. Helens, were characteristically clear due to extremely low levels of dissolved nutrients. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1978] [Hi-Res Photo 177KB]

32 – The same view after the eruption shows the extent of eruption damage to the forest surrounding Obscurity Lake. Note the large quantity of volcanic ash that was eroded from adjacent hillsides and deposited on large deltas at the mouth of inlet streams. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 154KB]

33 – Following the eruption Ryan Lake, 12 miles north of the volcano, was filled with organic material ranging in size from large logs to dissolved organics. As fall rains washed in nutrients from the blast-shattered forest Ryan Lake was transformed into an organic rich stew  teemig with microbial activity.
[S. Greene, USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 181KB]

34 – Water samples reveal the tremendous quantity of dissolved organics that leached into blast zone lakes following the eruption. The dark-colored beaker at left is from a nutrient-rich, hot spring that flowed from hot, volcanic deposits. The center beaker is nutrient-rich water from Coldwater Lake soon after the eruption while the beaker on the right is from Coldwater Lake one year later. The difference in clarity between the center and right beakers shows how quickly the water column cleared as the concentration of nutrients was reduced by microbial activity and dilution by incoming rain and snow melt.   
[Cliff Dahm, Univ. of New Mexico, 1981] [Hi-Res Photo 105KB]

35 – Since 1980 biologists have periodically surveyed blast zone lakes to determine how fish populations responded to the 1980 eruption. Biologists set gill nets or fish by hook and line for pre-determined intervals to develop estimates of population levels and size distribution of fish in Monument lakes. 
[J. Nieland, USDA Forest Service, 1981] [Hi-Res Photo 136KB]

36 – A biologist  displays a cutthroat trout at a high mountain lake north of Mount St. Helens.  There are a number of lakes in the volcanic blast zone that are readily accessible by road or trail and are available for recreational fishing. 
[S. Lanigan, USDA Forest Service, 1991] [Hi-Res Photo 242KB]

37 – The 900-foot tall lava dome that formed in the crater between 1980 and 1986 still retains a considerable amount of heat today. Erosion from flooding and seasonal run-off has cut deep gullies in the crater floor. Where the groundwater beneath the dome is exposed hot, mineral rich thermal springs occur. These thermal areas provide a special habitat for bacteria and other microbial life. 
[Tim Lichen, 1990] [Hi-Res Photo 112KB]

38 – Arrows point to a cross-sectional view of archaebacter as seen through a powerful electron microscope.  Archaen bacteria are only found in high temperature, high pressure thermal springs and are thought to have been among the earliest life forms on earth.
[Cliff Dahm, Univ. of New Mexico, 1981] [Hi-Res Photo 108KB]

39 – Primitive bacteria like archaebacter can be found in the high-temperature, nutrient-rich thermal springs in the crater. Mats of thermophilic algae and filamentous bacteria can also be found growing in the warm streams that flow from the crater floor. Scientists who sample these systems must contend with a variety of hazards ranging from potentially pathogenic bacteria to near constant rock fall from the unstable gullies and crater walls. 
[Tim Lichen, 1990] [Hi-Res Photo 249KB]

40 – In 1982 Congress established the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (red at center is volcanic crater and Monument boundary is outlined in blue). The Monument is dedicated to the protection of the unique natural features created by the 1980 eruption for the benefit of future generations. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1982] [Hi-Res Photo 65KB]

41 – The Clearwater Valley is a portion of the volcanic blast zone that is located outside the Congressionally set-aside Monument, in an area designated for multiple-use management. This 1981 photograph shows what the area looked like after the eruption. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1981] [Hi-Res Photo 230KB]

42 – With the exception of designated research plots, wildlife trees and streamside protection zones the blown down and standing dead trees in the Clearwater Valley were removed as part of a massive timber salvage and recovery operation. The green color in this 1987 photograph is from the more than four million trees that the Forest Service replanted in the Clearwater Valley following the eruption. Today the trees in these plantations have been pre-commercially thinned and many trees are over 20 feet tall. 
[USDA Forest Service, 1987] [Hi-Res Photo 170KB]

43 – Erosion gullies formed quickly as runoff from the first fall rains began to cut through the fresh ash deposits. 
[F. Swanson, USDA Forest Service, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 197KB]

44 – Same view as preceding picture. Following the first winter erosion gullies had cut down through the ash exposing the pre-eruption soil surface. The roots of plants that were lucky enough to have been exposed in gullies were able to re-sprout and survive. 
[F. Swanson, USDA Forest Service, 1981] [Hi-Res Photo 211KB]

45 – Four years after the eruption willows and other plants are seen growing from the same erosion gully. In this way, erosion can be viewed as a positive process that helped to contribute to the survival of native plants that have contributed to the revegetation and eventual stabilization of blast zone hillslopes. 
[F. Swanson, USDA Forest Service, 1984] [Hi-Res Photo 181KB]

46 – The Monument is an important laboratory for both geologic research and long-term studies of how nature responds to infrequent, large-scale disturbances. 
[US Geologic Survey, 1980] [Hi-Res Photo 98.7KB]

47 – The Monument Science program is responsible for promoting the continuation of long-term studies at the volcano. In order to ensure that natural processes and features are protected we periodically assesses the status of vegetation in and around popular trails and visitor facilities. Such baseline monitoring provides an indication of how well the Monument is meeting its fundamental preservation objectives. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1994] [Hi-Res Photo 216KB]

48 – The Monument is collaborating with university scientists to remeasure critical long-term studies around the volcano. College students from across the Pacific Northwest and around the nation come to the volcano to participate in internships and other volunteer opportunities. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999] [Hi-Res Photo 179KB]

49 – Prairie lupines (Lupinus lepidus) have been an important early colonizing plant on the Pumice Plain (pyroclastic flow) north of the crater. 
[James Cook, Univ Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1999]
[Hi-Res Photo 289KB]

50 – View looking across the Pumice Plain towards the volcano. The clumps of grass visible in this picture has established from seed transported to the site in the gut track of elk. 
[James Cook, Univ Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1999]
[Hi-Res Photo 135KB]

51 – The barren, gray appearance of the floodplain of the North Fork Toutle River reflects a lack of vegetation development due to periodic disturbance from seasonal flooding. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1988]
[Hi-Res Photo 189KB]

52 – Lodgepole pine is an example of a successful evergreen tree species that has established on the debris avalanche deposit. Lodgepole is a tree that is adapted for rapid establishment and growth on nutrient poor volcanic deposits.
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999]
[Hi-Res Photo 224KB]

53 – Red alder (Alnus rubra) is a fast growing deciduous tree that has been an important early colonizer on the debris avalanche near Coldwater Lake. As alder has matured and produced seed it has spread rapidly across the barren deposits.
 [P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999]  [Hi-Res Photo 119KB]

54 – A steady increase in the number of red alder and Sitka alder (Alnus sinuata) seedlings found in the center of the valley provides testimony to the continuing spread of alder across the debris avalanche deposit. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999]
[Hi-Res Photo 150KB]

55 – The most well-developed alder stands are found along the margins of the debris avalanche deposit where they established first due to their proximity to adjacent seed sources. With the next decade much of the debris avalanche will be covered in a dense thicket of alder. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999]
[Hi-Res Photo 235KB]

56 – The Muddy River mudflow as seen from the Lahar Viewpoint on the south side of the volcano one year after the eruption. 
[F. Valenzuela, USDA Forest Service, 1981]
[Hi-Res Photo 146KB]

57 – The same view 18 years later shows that forest reestablishment is well underway on the Muddy River mudflow. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999]
[Hi-Res Photo 144KB]

58 – The establishment of trees along the margins of the mudflows has been rapid. This reflects the heavy rain of seeds from the adjacent, undisturbed forest. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999] [Hi-Res Photo 163KB]

59 – Blowndown forest protected by snow near Meta Lake. Snow protected Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock trees near Meta Lake three years after the eruption. Re-sprouting shrubs are also visible. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1983] [Hi-Res Photo 152KB]

60 – Same view of blown down forest near Meta Lake nine years after the eruption. Note that the snow-protected trees have grown and numerous snow-protected shrubs have also resprouted. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1989] [Hi-Res Photo 305KB]

61 – Same view of blown down forest near Meta Lake 14 years after the eruption. Note the comparative large size and continued growth of the snow-protected trees and shrubs. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1994] [Hi-Res Photo 258KB]

62 - Plant establishment in areas that were not snow covered at the time of the eruption can be seen in this view of blown down forest near Independence Pass.  Willows, alders and Douglas fir trees have established from seeds blown in from several miles away.  
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999] [Hi-Res Photo 184KB]

63 – The importance of erosion to plant survival and recovery can still be seen 19 years after the eruption on this pre-eruption clearcut near Independence Pass. Note that most of the plant life is still distributed along the erosion gullies that were carved in the otherwise flat and, therefore, intact as deposits. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999] [Hi-Res Photo 135KB]

64 – The influence of elk on plant establishment and growth can be seen in the relatively low abundance of fireweed blooms visible in an unfenced "control" plot that has been repeatedly browsed by elk and deer. The control plot is located adjacent to the fenced area where elk and deer have been experimentally excluded since 1991 (for comparison see fenced plot in Photo 65). 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1994] [Hi-Res Photo 255KB]

65 – The increased bloom of fireweed in response to protection from browsing by elk and deer can be seen inside an experimental fenced area where large herbivores have been excluded since 1991. This 1.25 acre (0.5 hectare) exclosure is one of three sets of adjacent fenced and unfenced experimental plots established by biologists to monitor the influence of large herbivores on plant succession. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1994] [Hi-Res Photo 236KB]

66 – The biggest difference between vegetation inside versus outside a fenced area on the debris avalanche is the difference in the growth form of the trees. Trees outside of the fence have a shrubby appearance due to repeated browsing while trees inside of the fence exhibit the upright growth form that is typical for trees.
[Hi-Res Photo 216KB]

67 – The influence of snow on plant survival and patterns of vegetation recovery can still be seen in the standing dead forest along the 99-road 20 years after the eruption. Note the patches of green where late lying snow provided shelter to small trees and shrubs. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999] [Hi-Res Photo 117KB]

68 – The growth of the next forest rising beneath the remains of the previous forest can be seen along the 99-road corridor.  These snow-protected Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock trees are among the largest naturally established evergreen trees within the core of the 230 square mile blast zone.  
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999] [Hi-Res Photo 153KB]

69 - View of the volcano and Spirit Lake from the Boundary Trail at Norway Pass 
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1992]
[Hi-Res Photo 160KB]

70 - Aerial view of Mount St. Helens from the north looking over Mount Margaret 
[US Geological Survey]
[Hi-Res Photo 169KB]

71 - View of the volcano and Spirit Lake from the Boundary Trail at Norway Pass 
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1992]
[Hi-Res Photo 168KB]

72 - Aerial view of Johnston Ridge Observatory from the south
[A. Yamada, USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 187KB]

73 - View of the Johnston Ridge Observatory from the viewing plaza
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1997]
[Hi-Res Photo 107KB]

74 - Mount St. Helens crater as seen through the theater windows at the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The 16 minute movie 'Message from the Mountain' ends when the curtains open to reveal an incredible mountain view.
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1997]
[Hi-Res Photo 77.1KB]

75 -  Each year more than 600,000 visitors come to the Johnston Ridge Observatory to learn about the eruption and gaze into the volcanic crater.
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1997]
[Hi-Res Photo 131KB]

76 - View of Mount St. Helens from the parking area at the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center. Coldwater visitors are treated to state of the art exhibits on the recovery of plant and animal life and a concession operated restaurant and gift shop.
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1996]
[Hi-Res Photo 140KB]

77 - The Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center as seen from the Winds of Change Interpretive Trail .
[R. Beckman, USDA Forest Service, 1996]
[Hi-Res Photo 152KB]

78 - A view of Mount St. Helens as seen through pavilion windows at the  Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center 
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1996]
[Hi-Res Photo 106KB]

79 - The Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center pavilion provides a unique setting for live interpretive programs in all kinds of weather.
[D. Cordell, USDA Forest Service, 1996]
[Hi-Res Photo 100KB]

80 - Volcano view from the viewing deck at the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center. 
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1996]
[Hi-Res Photo 149KB]

81 -  During the summer months visitors can learn about plant and animal recovery through guided walks on the Winds of Change Interpretive Trail near the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center. 
[J. Quiring, USDA Forest Service, 1993]
[Hi-Res Photo 98.9KB]

82 - Visitors to the west side of the Monument can stop at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake to learn about the 1980 eruption and plan their visit to the west side of the volcano.
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 203KB]

83 - The soaring wood and masonry atrium of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake provides an excellent gateway to the Highway 504 corridor and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 93.3KB]

84 - Exhibits at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake capture the drama of the 1980 eruption through historic news accounts.
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 99.2KB]

85 - Visitors experience the shattered forest along an interpretive trail near Meta Lake along Forest Road 99 northeast of the volcano. 
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 213KB]

86 - During the summer months visitors can learn about the eruption and plant and animal recovery through a ranger led interpretive talk at the Windy Ridge amphitheater. The Windy Ridge Viewpoint is located at the end of Forest Road 99 northeast side of the volcano. 
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 167KB]

87 -  Viewing an interpretive sign at Windy Ridge viewpoint along Forest Road 99 northeast of the volcano. 
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 164KB]

88 -  Enjoying the view from the standing dead forest at Blast Edge Viewpoint. Blast Edge Viewpoint is located along Forest Road 99 road northeast of the volcano. 
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 196KB]

89 -  Viewing the high mountain lakes and blown down forest from the Lakes Trail in the Mount Margaret backcountry.
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 158KB]

90 -  Students learn about the process of science by taking their own measurements at the Environmental Education plots located near the Lahar Viewpoint along Forest Road 83 on the south side of the volcano. 
[J. Gale, USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 123KB]

91 -  Cross-country skiing is a popular activity near the Marble Mountain snow park along Forest Road 83 on the south side of the volcano.
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 187KB]

92 - Snow-mobiling is a popular activity along snow-covered roads near the Marble Mountain snow park along Forest Road 83 on the south side of the volcano. 
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 164KB]

93 - Mountain-biking in the blast zone on the northeast side of the volcano 
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 167KB]

94 - Gathering information and filling out the climber’s register at Jack’s Restaurant, just west of the town of Cougar on the south of the mountain. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 131KB]

95 - Climbers gathered on the rim of Mount St. Helens 
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 171KB]

96 - At the start of the barrier free boardwalk on the Trail of Two Forests just off Forest Road 83 road on the south side of Mount St. Helens. 
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 157KB]

97 -  On the boardwalk trail across the lava flow at Trail of Two Forests along Forest Road 83 on the south side of Mount St. Helens. 
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 224KB]

98 - Middle school students learn about past eruptions as recorded in a layer-cake of past mudflow deposits at Stratigraphy Viewpoint along Forest Road 83 south of the volcano.
[USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 223KB]

99 -  Information and lantern rentals are available at Ape Cave just off Forest Road 83 on the south side of the volcano.
[H. Heaton, USDA Forest Service, 1991]
[Hi-Res Photo 210KB]

100 -  Ape Cave is one of the longest lava tubes in the lower 48 states. It is located just off Forest Road 83 on the south side of the volcano. 
[J. Nieland, USDA Forest Service, 1979]
[Hi-Res Photo 113KB]

101 - The impact of the lateral blast on shoreline vegetation can readily be seen along the shoreline at Panhandle Lake, one year after the eruption. Plant life during the first few growing seasons was limited to tree saplings sheltered by snow and plants that sprouted from surviving roots that were excavated from the ash by erosion.
[F. Valenzuela, USDA Forest Service, 1981]
[Hi-Res Photo 142KB]

102 - The expansion of surviving plant life and recolonization of buried soil exposed by erosion can be seen in a repeat photograph of the shoreline at Panhandle Lake, three years after the eruption.
[F. Valenzuela, USDA Forest Service, 1983]
[Hi-Res Photo 142KB]

103 - This repeat photograph from 1987 shows the continued growth of surviving trees and shrubs at Panhandle Lake.
[F. Valenzuela, USDA Forest Service, 1987]
[Hi-Res Photo 105KB]

105 - Surviving trees and shrubs sheltered by snow and wetlands plants that resprouted from pre-eruption soil lined the shoreline of Meta Lake four years after the eruption.
[F. Valenzuela, USDA Forest Service, 1984]
[Hi-Res Photo 172KB]

106 - This repeat photo of the Meta Lake shoreline seven years after the eruption shows the slow but steady growth and expansion of surviving plant species.
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1987]
[Hi-Res Photo 182KB]

107 - The same view 19 years after the eruption shows the reestablishment of wetland plants along the shoreline of Meta Lake.
[P. Frenzen, USDA Forest Service, 1999]
[Hi-Res Photo 204KB]

108 - A pre-eruption view of Mount St. Helens from Spirit Lake shows the smooth, conical slopes of a very young, and potentially explosive volcano.
[J. Hughes, USDA Forest Service]
[Hi-Res Photo 86KB]

109 - The same view shows the profound change in the volcano and Spirit Lake. The formerly clear mountain lake had been completely displaced by the massive landslide and choked with ash and organic debris.
[J. Franklin, USDA Forest Service, 1980]
[Hi-Res Photo 127KB]