Seasonal route: The road is subject to closure in winter. Witness the power of nature to create and destroy. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in May 1980 devastated all surrounding plant and animal life; today the recovery is slow but remarkable. Follow Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (SR 504) past amazing vistas and into the volcanic blast zone, with overlooks and visitor centers along the way.
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Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (SR 504) extends east from I-5, following the north fork of the Toutle River as it ascends to Coldwater Ridge and the western edge of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Rebuilt after Mount St. Helens' eruption, the two-lane highway provides views of the volcano’s horseshoe-shaped crater and access to trails at Coldwater Lake.