Mt. St. Helens – Meta Lake

Meta Lake was still under several feet of snow when Mt St Helens erupted on May 18, 1980. This snow provided shelter and protection for several amphibian and rodent species.

In more recent times, a beaver dam caused the surface of the lake to rise considerably, as the viewpoint is now almost completely underwater!

The stroll down to Meta Lake from the parking lot is ridiculously easy. It is an 0.3-mile interpretive trail with maybe 10 feet of elevation. Keep an eye out for life in the lake once you get there!