Mt St Helens Summit Rim

Volcanic Devastation

As you can see from the rim, the damage done in 1980 was devastating. Well displayed in many Mt St Helens pictures, the 1980 eruption instantly leveled miles of forested terrain, searing the earth with gray and black scars of ash and hardened lava.

St Helens Research Facilities

Mt. St Helens is site of one of the most predominant United States volcanic research centers in America. Due to the sporadic, yet recent activity, this volcano has allowed scientists to gather information on composite volcanoes in an effort to be better capable of predicting when the next possible eruption may take place. While volcanoes are not yet entirely predictable, technology is allowing the crater and underlying magma to be evaluated for potential risks of explosions.

Mount Saint Helens FAQ

* Will Helens Erupt again?

Definitely. The October 2004 activity, coupled with the past history of the volcano, shows that this mountain is not yet entirely dormant.

* What type of Volcano is Helens?

A Composite Volcano

* Is it safe to climb Mt. St. Helens?

When the volcano is dormant, there are numerous expeditions to the rim of the volcano. These are only taken when the volcano is showing no signs of activity.

* How long was Helens active after the 1980 eruption?

Until 1986, where it went back into a semi-dormant state.