Mount St. Helen’s Or Bust!

Another big day of driving took us to northern Oregon and into Washington.  We enjoyed the open scenery dotted with volcanic mountains, and also figured out that gas stations pumping gas is a thing here (we were much less nervous the second time it happened:-).  Multnomah Falls outside of Portland was our first destination of the day.  We were disappointed to find the 3-mile trail to the top of the Falls was closed due to a previous forest fire.  So we joined the masses to stroll to the bridge below the falls.  It was pretty, but not worth the time it took to get there and battle for a parking spot.  
Bridge in the background 

Picture from the bridge

After being disappointed by the falls, we were anxious for a real adventure and made haste to Mount St. Helen’s.  The National Park was well off the beaten path, but so worth the drive!  It was amazing to see the forest change from thick evergreen trees to baby trees and grasses that have started to regrow in the eruption zone.  

Forest just outside of the eruption zone

We raced to the top and were disappointed by clouds covering the top of the crater.  

The desolation and beauty was breathtaking.  Logs and stumps were artifacts of the eruption and were surrounded by wildflowers in blooms.  

 We rushed into the visitor center 15 minutes before closing and wished for more time.  Before we knew it, the doors were being locked and  we were forced to point the minivan to Olympia, our stop for the night.  

It was another long day of driving, but we all thoroughly enjoyed Mount St. Helen and hope to hike to Spirit Lake on our next visit.