Mount St. Helens, a volcano located in Washington near the Oregon border, famously erupted in 1980.

Mount St. Helens, part of the Cascade Range, erupted catastrophically on May 18, 1980. Though it is in Washington State, its proximity to Oregon often associates it with the Pacific Northwest as a whole. The eruption caused widespread destruction, including the loss of 57 lives, extensive damage to surrounding forests, and ashfall across multiple states. The event dramatically reshaped the mountain, reducing its elevation and leaving a massive crater. Today, Mount St. Helens serves as an important natural laboratory for studying volcanic activity and ecological recovery. It is also a popular destination for tourists and hikers exploring its unique landscapes.