Dave Prill Photography

Mount Saint Helens has undergone an incredible transformation since my first visit to Windy Ridge in 1983. The landscape, once devastated by the catastrophic eruption in 1980, has gradually healed. While the volcano's iconic crater remains, the resilience of nature is evident in the remarkable recovery of Mount Saint Helens over the years. The waters of Spirit Lake have long since cleared, yet the 350,000 acre-feet of pyrolyzed trees remain floating. The land is no longer void of contrast.

In my early visits to Johnson Ridge it was very easy to see the recovery of Wildlife, spotting Elk, Deer and small Mammals, especially in winter, was relatively easy since most of the landscape remained unchanged since that fateful day in 1980. However, over the years my treks to Johnson Ridge have provided an amazing opportunity to witness the vegetation, and forests slowly reclaim much of what could only be described as a barren moonscape. The rate of this recovery has dramatically increased in the last 15 years or so and as such, the wildlife has much more opportunity to hide from prying eyes.

If you have not had the opportunity to visit this amazing place, I strongly urge you to consider it. Fall/Winter visits are the most risky regarding weather, but can also be the most rewarding. The changing fall colors, crisp winds, dramatic weather changes and the occasional echo of a bugling Elk negate any risk. Keep in mind, services become more shuttered as winter sets in and conditions can change rapidly on this adventure.