22 Stunning Images of the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption

On May 18, 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens sent shockwaves through the Pacific Northwest, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. These 22 captivating photos capture the raw power and surreal beauty of the volcanic explosion. From a lone mountain climber caught in the chaos to the ominous plume of smoke rising above the clouds, each image tells a story of nature's awesome force. Witness the aftermath of 540 million tons of ash blanketing the landscape, and see how this catastrophic event forever changed the region.