National Volcanic Monument

Lava Cast Forest 

A one mile stroll through a lava flow

as far as the eye can see.

 Lots of things now growing there.

 Love the trees.

 It's a lovely stroll on a paved surface.

 It did a lot of damage and there are big holes

where trees used to be.

 Beautiful paintbrush amongst the lava.

Found a poser.

Mount St Helens

And over the ridge - there's the volcano.

Bam!

 There's beautiful greenery surrounding the volcano

but not too close.

It's still recovering from the 1980 eruption.

 And 2004-2008 there were small earthquakes

that caused some explosions of volcanic ash and gases.

 And now it's sleeping.

I'm thinking it's sleeping with one eye open.

 Some more shasta daisies.

 And then on the other side of the road is this.

 Up close and personal look at the one side that

was blown off during the 1980 eruption.

 Deer vetch (I think).

They were everywhere by the side of the road in the park.

 Red clover.