Why You Should Visit Kelso, Washington
Only ten miles from Kelso is the fabulous volcano of Mt. St. Helens. This volcano erupted at 8:32 a.m. on May 18, 1980, when its north face collapsed in possibly the largest avalanche ever recorded. Shortly afterward, a cloud of ash rose skyward while a pyroclastic flow sent more ash down the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers, sweeping everything in its path downstream and destroying roads and bridges. On the drive to the volcano, you can see the path of its destruction as well as what nature has done so far to rebuild itself. Your best chance for a clear view of Mt. St. Helens is July through September, and afternoons are often clearer than mornings. Along the way you can stop at several of the observation and visitor centers and learn more about the area and Mt. St. Helens.
Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake is one of them. There are presentations on the significance of the area; The Fire Below Us and Fire Mountains of the West, which are about 30 minutes long, a timeline of events and volcanic activity leading up to the volcanic eruption and also a timeline and progress report of the regrowth of the area in the years since the eruption. You can also view seismographs of the volcano’s activity and there are interactive presentations and exhibits. Outside the visitor center there are boardwalks over wetlands and a trail to explore Silver Lake and its region. There is an admission fee for these centers.
Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center would be your next stop where you can view exhibits that are interactive based around the ecological point showing how the plants and animals have recovered from the eruption, ranger led programs, self guided trails, restaurant, and bookstore.
My favorite visitor’s center is Mt. St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory. This Observatory sits only five and a half miles from the volcano and is absolutely perfect for viewing the volcano and most of the blast zone from the eruption. This center is the closest you can get to the volcano by vehicle. Here, you can also read a list of the victims of the eruption as well as read about the experiences from the survivors.
If you enjoy learning about the effects and recovery of the trees and plants from the eruption, you will love visiting The Mt. St. Helens Forest Learning Center, where they focus all study on the forest itself, its recovery, reforestation, and conservation. The center is located directly in the blast zone. There is a wonderful view of the mountain and even a short trail you can hike.
Experience a more close up interest to the volcano by taking a helicopter or airplane tour, or even climb the volcano if you are determined enough to see exactly what it is all about. There is also a small driving tour where you can view the different landscapes and changes to the landscapes from the eruption.
If you like to golf, The Three Rivers Course was built on the ash deposits from the eruption and because of that, it has been said to be the best course in the region. There are also miles upon miles of trails for hiking and biking if you prefer.
Castle and Coldwater Lake were formed from the 1980 eruption and serve and a breathtaking view of six different rivers and countless waterfalls, not to mention a perfect area for fishing and boating.
Okay, if you haven’t seen enough already, there is moreâÂ?¦ Lava Canyon is on the southeast side of Mt. St. Helens and the canyon floor is made of ancient lava flows which helped form waterfalls.
Windy Ridge Viewpoint is one of the best places to get an overview of the area devastated by the 1980 eruption. A bluish-white volcanic gas plume is often visible rising from the volcano.
At this point if you are still looking for adventure, you may have to do a little bit more traveling� Ninety miles from Kelso is the Ape Cave and The Trail of Two Forests. The Ape Cave is a lava tube that was formed from an eruption of Mt. St. Helens about 1,900 years ago and is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States. Two different routes of exploration exist inside the cave and an above-ground trail the lower cave is a relatively easy and takes about an hour hike roundtrip, however, the upper cave is one and a half miles long, takes about three hours.
Trail of Two Forests is a boardwalk trail through molds or impressions of an ancient forest engulfed by a lava flow almost 2,000 years ago, and an emerald forest that has risen from the black lava. Absolutely incredible!
And last but certainly not least, if you are looking for the ultimate scenic getaway, only two hours from Kelso is Lewis River Falls. Here, you are surrounded by the most breathtaking view that you will never forget. Lewis River Falls is home to a series of beautiful waterfalls and you can hike through the valley of waterfalls via several trails.
All of this and more gives you Kelso, Washington. Part of the living, breathing, and breathtaking world of nature surrounding
the past, present, and future of Mt. St. Helens’ eruptions. Each aspect of your journey provides its own mood of the marvelous mountain. One day trips are always nice, but to see and feel it all, several days may be best. Beyond exploring Mt. St. Helens, you can also branch out and create day trips to many more historical sites and, yes, more volcanoes that are convenient to the broadened area.
Kelso, Washington is truly the center of the most exciting experience you could ever dream of. Not to mention it is the perfect setting for the perfect family vacation.
