This tour features aspects of Mount St. Helens' 1980 explosive eruption, as well as evidences of more ancient volcanic events. We will meet in Cougar, WA and drive along the southeast side of Mount St. Helens, stopping for great views of the Lewis River and south face of Mount St. Helens. Highlights include the Pine Creek Boulder, a one mile hike through a spectacular old-growth forest, and a crawl through tree molds where an ancient forest was buried by a lava flow. The trip will conclude with a mile-long hike underground in Ape Cave, one of the world's longest lava tubes. The trip is ideal for children, including home school students interested in volcanoes. Good physical fitness is required.

Trip leader: Keith Swenson (khswenson@live.com)