Photo: Courtesy U.S. Forest Service / Shutterstock by Robert Crum / Seattle Met Composite

In This Feature:

Journey Into the Crater of Mount St. Helens

A visit to the inner sanctum of a fitful volcano, as Bill Nye the Science Guy tags along.

A road trip down a stunning highway leads to a well-appointed visitor center and easy hikes. Never been to the famous mountain? Start here.

Take a walk on the adventure side of the volcano. Keen athletes can spelunk underground, ski gentle slopes, or climb to the crater rim.

Intrepid explorers head to a quiet region to score views of a hidden landscape, plus a chance to view remnants of the eruption.

Don’t underestimate the bow tie.

An explosive history of a volcano that’s over the hill.

The volcano’s unique status makes upkeep complicated.

Forty years on, the eruption still fuels evocative work. Plus: What's up with ash glass?

Flora and fauna have more than returned to the destruction zone—they're thriving.

When? Where? Are we ready?