Anniversary of Mt. St. Helens eruption is Saturday

Johnston Ridge Observatory opens in time for the 39th anniversary; talks scheduled at noon and 2 p.m.

Area residents are invited to see the wonder of Mt. St. Helens on Saturday, the 39th anniversary of the 1980 eruption. The Johnston Ridge Observatory opens for the season Saturday, just in time for the anniversary.

USGS geologist at Coldwater II observation post, watching Mount St. Helens. Photo courtesy of USGS
USGS geologist at Coldwater II observation post, watching Mount St. Helens. Photo courtesy of USGS

The observatory will be open daily through October from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Johnston Ridge Observatory is located at the end of Highway 504, east of Interstate 5.

On Saturday, in observance of the anniversary, there will be talks at noon and 2 p.m. by the author of the new book: A Hero on Mount St. Helens, the Life and Legacy of David A. Johnson.

Plinian eruption column from May 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens. Aerial view from the Southwest. Photo courtesy of USGS
Plinian eruption column from May 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens. Aerial view from the Southwest. Photo courtesy of USGS

Several campgrounds in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest also opened in time for the anniversary. On Friday, the following campgrounds opened: Mt. Adams Ranger District — Beaver, Moss Creek, Oklahoma, Panther Creek and Paradise. In the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District — Adams Ford, Big Creek, Blue Lake Creek, Iron Creek, La Wis Wis, North Fork and Tower Rock.

Campgrounds at higher elevations usually open in June or early July. Lower Falls and Sunset Campgrounds were also opened previously. More information is available at  https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/gifford…/recreation/camping-cabins .

For more information on the Mt. St. Helens recreational area, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=34143 .

For more information on the Johnston Ridge Observatory, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31562 .

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