Mount St. Helens, located just 50 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon, has been attracting thousands of visitors each year since its famous erruption in 1980. In 1982, Congress set aside the 110,000-acre monument to allow the volcanically-altered landscape to recover at its own pace and to provide for research, educational, and recreational opportunities. Exploring Mount St. Helens is a comprehensive guide to this world-renowned attraction, offering a close-up look at the destruction and remarkable recovery of the area. The guide includes detailed information on the natural and cultural history of the area; recreational opportunities, including 23 hiking trails; and historical, geological, and natural exhibits.