Today my roommates took me to visit mighty Mount St. Helens, known long before that name as Loowit by the Native peoples who have lived in its shadow for countless generations.
Standing here, it's easy to understand why this mountain has inspired both legends and respect, with its rugged beauty and powerful history. Even today, the landscape is still flexing it's power.
A few years ago the bridge to the Johnston Ridge Visitors Center washed out and it's still being repaired. Never fear, this fox found a trail to the visitors center.
Speaking of history, you might remember what happened in May 1980, when Mount St. Helens erupted with incredible force and forever changed the surrounding landscape.
Even today, it's amazing to see how nature has recovered while still leaving behind unmistakable reminders of one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in U.S. history. The forest service decided not to touch anything after the eruption to see what would happen.
Wildflowers are out today.
Always a sucker for foxglove. Such a cool plant.
Part of the trail featured interpretive signs that explained the area's fascinating geologic history. Some had faded from years of sun exposure, but they still told an interesting story about the powerful forces that shaped Loowit and the ever-changing landscape around it.
As the hike continued, more and more wildflowers appeared along the trail, adding bright splashes of color to the volcanic landscape. One thing I couldn't help noticing was how many dandelions had taken over—hardy little plants that seemed perfectly happy to thrive where so much else was still recovering.
Now, back to that landslide that wiped out the bridge. These days, Johnston Ridge Observatory can only be reached on foot, since the road has never been fully rebuilt. Do you see it way up on the left-hand side? And that big mountain rising in the distance is Mount Adams, another mighty volcano in the Cascade Range.
Finally, it was time for lunch—a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We had the amphitheater all to ourselves, with only a few other hearty souls making the journey up here today. Between the peaceful surroundings and the incredible mountain views, it was the perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy a well-earned meal.
Johnston Ridge's parking lot was a little eerie. After sitting unused for about three years, it showed clear signs of neglect, and it almost looked as though nature was slowly reclaiming it.....which, I suppose, is rather fitting for a place like this. 
Fortunately, there are plans to reopen the road next May, so this visit will definitely go in the memory books as something unique: not just because of the spectacular wildflowers, but because of the rare silence that settled over the monument without the usual hordes of visitors.
