Loowit: Big Bang Theory

Because of its symmetrical shape, Mt. St. Helens looked like a snow cone from the picture window of my childhood home in the City of Roses. As referenced in Fire and Ice, the prologue to this series on the Cascade volcanoes, I had this recurring dream that the mountain had erupted. Then, it actually happened, in 1980.

Prior to 1980, when it blew its top, I had climbed the mountain at age 13, my second peak, following Mt. Hood. After the eruption, I scaled St. Helens another five times. Needless to say, the protocol to climb the peak had become more restrictive. When the mountain did explode, it sent ash and debris as far away as Missoula.

Native American legends reflected the immediacy of past eruptions.

Wy'east (Mt. Hood) would battle Pahto (Mt, Adams) for the affection of Loowit (Mt. St. Helens). Disasterous results soon ensued, causing the sacred "Bridge of the Gods" to collapse into the Columbia River.

At the time of the blast, we were working for that Forest Service in Entiat, Washington on the Columbia River. We didn't hear it, but saw the plume of ash cloud hurtling up the river (above). The subsequent  dusting enveloped the town of 300 just north of Wenatchee, Washington. It was quite a sight to behold.

After the big bang, the mountain had a few more eruptions, lesser but still significant. The surrounding became a national monument, and access, and a lottery was established: first-come, first-served. My merry band of gypsies, tramps and thieves and I took the bait. We climbed Loowit on a number of occasions.

Scaling the mountain is an experience. It's more difficult than it looks. We always climbed from the south side, where parking/camping is available via the road from Cougar, Washington. Ape Caves, complete with lava tubes, are open for tours. Anybody care to join me for a sojourn to Camper's Bivouac? Too early for flapjacks?