Windy Ridge Viewpoint (Forest Road 99)
Vistas, trails, lakes, wildlife and the amazing power of nature abound on your way to Windy Ridge Viewpoint located in the heart of the 1980 blast zone . Rangers provide Eruption Talks in the Windy Ridge Amphitheater and at other Forest Road 99 viewpoints during July and August.
View Spirit Lake and the new landscape created by the 1980 eruption.
Climb the 368 steps on the Sandladder to a viewpoint overlooking Spirit Lake and the debris-filled valley north of the volcano.
Learn more about the 1980 Eruption and how life has returned to the blast zone over the last 30 years.
Watch videos of scientists describing amazing stories of eruption impacts and survival and how the blast zone has developed into a highly diverse and productive ecosystem. Learn how well-adapted lupine plants flourished and elk browsing on small trees is delaying the return of the forest to the valley in front of the crater.
WEB VIDEOS on the 1980 ERUPTION and RETURN OF LIFE
View amazing pictures of landscape change in the blast zone and Spirit Lake.
