Glide Time

Where to Cross-Country Ski in the Pacific Northwest

Find tranquil trails, big volcano views, and a glittering ice cave.

11/24/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Full Circle

The Time I Hiked 93 Miles around Mount Rainier

Circling a volcano on foot is a singular Pacific Northwest experience.

06/04/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Trails

Hike of the Month: Eruption Trail at Mount St. Helens

This short-and-sweet walk from Johnston Ridge Observatory is all volcano photo ops, all the time. Parking is free, but that could change next year, among other national forest fee increases.

09/23/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Outdoors

Park for Free or Help Pull Weeds on National Public Lands Day, September 24

Attend a volunteer event in Portland and beyond, or visit federal recreation sites such as Crater Lake National Park without paying a fee.

09/16/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Coronavirus

The Region’s National Forests, From Mt. Hood to Southwest Washington, Have Officially Closed Borders

The sweeping mandate is meant to keep Oregonians at home.

03/26/2020 By Benjamin Tepler

The Essentials

13 Things to See and Do in Portland: February 2020

Guitar-strumming drag queens, explosive volcano art, and festivals galore.

01/21/2020 By Conner Reed

Field Notes

Snowshoe in Solitude at June Lake

This tucked-away Mount St. Helens trail offers a snowy, kid-friendly day out.

01/21/2020 By Benjamin Tepler

Television

Survivors of the Mount St. Helens Eruption Tell Their Story

Thirty-seven years ago, two campers found themselves in the path of volcanic mudflow after the volcano erupted. Now they bring their story to the small screen.

10/12/2017 By Hannah Bonnie

Volcanic Birthdays

On the Anniversary of an Eruption, Mount St. Helens Is a Study in Resilience

The National Volcanic Monument turns 35. Thanks, Reagan!

05/16/2017 By Meagan Nolan

GET OUT

Your Game Plan For Summitting St. Helens, Hood, and Adams

A trio of nearby peaks beckon—here’s how beginners can start their ascent.

07/21/2014 By Devan Schwartz

HISTORY

Mount St. Helens: The Deep History

From the birth of the beast to its explosion in 1980 through its 21st-century rumblings, we offer a look back at the mountain's major moments.

06/02/2014

FIELD GUIDE

Pro Tips for Photographing Mount St. Helens

How to take the ultimate shot of the peak, the crater, and the wildlife around the mountain.

06/02/2014 By Allison Jones

LITERATURE FROM THE BLAST ZONE

Coming Back to the Lady

Legendary Portland author Ursula K. Le Guin offers a perspective on the blast and changing landscape of Mount St. Helens.

06/02/2014 By Ursula K. Le Guin

FIELD STUDIES

16 Perfect Trails for Exploring Mount St. Helens

Whether you're scouting for a family-friendly stroll or a three-day backpacking challenge, we've rounded up the best hiking opportunities on the volcano's west, east, and south sides.

06/02/2014 By Rachel Ritchie With Aaron Scott and Maya Seaman

GEOGRAPHY

A User's Guide to St. Helens Highlights

An aerial view of the mountains attractions, and a step-by-step approach to summiting the volcano.

06/02/2014 Illustrations by Dan Gay

ECOLOGY

Life Goes On: Mount St. Helens' Flora and Fauna

Ecologists reflect on the rebirth of the mountain after its modern eruptions—and a field guide to its wildest residents (yes, including Sasquatch).

06/02/2014 Illustrations by Dan Gay By Kelly Clarke

GEOLOGY

Mount St. Helens: Anatomy of an Eruption

Inside the events of May 18, 1980—and scientific insight on when it could happen again.

06/02/2014 By Zach Dundas and Rachel Ritchie

COVER STORY

The Essential Guide to Mount St. Helens

We explore the mountain's top trails and campgrounds, history and lore, and take in in-depth look inside the historic eruption.

06/02/2014 Edited by Rachel Ritchie