Spirit Lake, Mt St Helens

Situated across the blast path of Mount St Helens, Spirit Lake is one of the enduring features of the devastation of the 1980 Mt. St Helens pyroclastic explosion. Floating listlessly over the surface of the water is a forest of destroyed trees, one of the lingering remains of the damage dealt out by the restless volcano.

When you visit Spirit Lake, you will be able to see where many of the Mt St Helens pictures were taken, as this view shows the full crater. This is due to the fact that the lake was within the direct path of the pyroclastic explosion, also known as the "blow down" zone.

Just over two decades after the eruption, Spirit Lake has seen drastic changes. Once, it used to be a recreational outpost for children and adults of all ages. Now, due to the floating forest and other factors, the lake has become a tourist attraction that remains among the most tangible evidence of the St Helens eruption.

Taking the virtual tour of Spirit Lake can show just how vast the devastation was.

Spirit Lake FAQ

* Can I visit Spirit Lake?

Yes. You can take one of the Washington highways to the lake. The Spirit Lake/Windy Ridge viewpoint is your destination in the heart of the blast zone for a scenic view of the lake.

* Was Spirit Lake caused by the 1980 explosion?

No.

* Why is the floating forest still in the lake?

This is due to the fact that the wood was 'preserved' during the pyroclastic eruption. What wasn't completely incinerated was kept from quickly decaying while floating on the surface of the water.

* Why are there so many forests in the area now? Weren't they destroyed in the eruption?

Thanks to the efforts of Washington state, many of the forests that had been utterly destroyed have been replanted. While there is still the "blow down" forest near Spirit lake as a momento of the eruption, efforts have been made to restore the landscape.