8 Stunning Local Wonders You Should Visit This Summer With Kids

Unlike the lengthy eruptions of volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland and Kilauea in Hawaii, the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens did most of its catastrophic damage in only a few minutes. Fifty-seven people were killed when the eruption triggered the largest landslide in recorded history, and the entire north face of the mountain collapsed, with ashes scattered across a dozen states. Nearly 40 years later, the area inside the blast zone is still just beginning to show signs of new life.

For families, the Johnston Ridge Observatory at the end of State Highway 504 in the heart of the blast zone is the best way to see Mount St. Helens. Displays, films and ranger talks at the Observatory tell the biological, geological and human story of Mount St. Helens. There are hiking opportunities, a food cart and a gift shop.

The Observatory is only open in the summer and requires an $8 day pass (kids under 15 are free) or recreation pass. Please leave pets at home.