Lahar Viewpoint Interpretive Site
campground Map
Save this location for offline use before your trip. For best results, create/open a trip from this page and download the same area.
Nearby Trails
Muddy View Road
Forest Road 700
Smith Creek Butte Trail
Smith Creek Butte Trail
Smith Creek Butte Trail
Smith Creek Butte Trail
About this site
This 1980 mudflow area offers an outstanding view of Mount St. Helen’s (non-crater) south side. The v-notch on the mountain once held Shoestring Glacier, which was liquified along with the surrounding mountain snow from the heat of the eruption.
Water mixed with rock and ash, creating a giant lahar (destructive mudflow originating on a volcano) which swept down St. Helens at 100 miles per hour. It raced through the forest and across this location, shearing off most trees and debarking others as far as 30 feet up.
A variety of trees, plants and wildlife now inhabit this once-barren mudflow.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
Reviews and photos are added by members after completing a trip here. Plan a trip to be the first!
Active Trips
0No active trips at Lahar Viewpoint Interpretive Site right now.
Start the first trip hereCampground data provided by Recreation.gov · Updated Apr 2026
Reserve at Recreation.gov →