HISTORY (if needed): The lateral blast of Mt. St. Helens roared on May 18, 1980 destroying 230 square miles of forest, and filling the valley with up to 150 feet of mud, rock and huge pieces of the mountain. It also created over 150 new ponds, lakes and wetlands.
Five years after the lakes were formed, "life in the lakes" was already similar to that found in lakes thousands of years old. Since my last visit, the frontal valley continues to look desolate but the surrounding area is amazingly green and lush. I was thrilled to be back.