Entering the BLast Zone

By John CarrJanuary 18, 2026

Volcanic Landscape

Mt. St. Helens’ active Spirit Lake stage began about 3,900 years ago, with eruptions punctuated by long dormant periods. It culminated in the massive, lateral blast on May 18, 1980, which created a crater, killed 57 people, and caused immense devastation before the area was preserved as a National Volcanic Monument for study and recreation.

A beautiful morning 26 years later found me at the Coldwater Peak Trailhead. It’s located at the Johnston Ridge Observatory only 5 1/2 miles north of the Mt. St. Helens Crater.

From the Trailhead, I could see my destination, Coldwater Peak. The early morning sun was also visible, shining through a natural arch that the Trail passes through on the way to the Peak.

I was interested in seeing the effects of the volcanic blast, and they are still very evident on the Coldwater Peak Trail.

Dome building in Mt St. Helen’s Crater

Spirit Lake from Coldwater Peak

Trail passing through a natural arch

Coldwater Peak

As I began hiking north, amazing views unfolded: the growing, steaming lava dome within the crater, the pumice plain, and landslide deposits. The once-thriving forest is now a ghostly landscape, with only remnants of white and grey trees standing in every direction.

The trail offers panoramic vistas, including Mt. St. Helens, Spirit Lake (where, tragically, Harry Truman perished after refusing to leave his lodge), St. Helens Lake (filled with logs from trees ravaged by the 1980 pyroclastic flows), and Mt. Rainier.

The scenery evokes a lunar landscape, a testament to nature’s resilience. Though a few spruce trees are emerging, the land is centuries from its former glory. Yet, it is a truly unique and memorable environment to explore. The hike encompassed 14 miles and featured a challenging 3,100-foot elevation gain – a day I will always cherish!