Back in 1980, Ryan Lake and its adjacent campgrounds and wilderness area was supposed to lie outside the predicted blast zone for the impending eruption of Mount St. Helens. The lake lies a bit more than twelve miles from the mountain, and geologists had designated only 10-mile radius as a "red zone" around the volcano.

But volcanoes don't consult with geologists before cracking open their domes. So, on May 18th of that year, when St. Helens finally erupted, the effects of the blast were felt well beyond their predicted radius. And Ryan Lake was not spared.

Sadly, three campers backpacking through the local complex of trails did not make it out in time.

Today, the area around Ryan Lake remains much as it was immediately after the blast. Toppled trees are everywhere. There is thick ash underfoot, and wherever you walk on the short six-tenths of a mile trail around the lake, you will see evidence of that day.

The grounds have been turned into a self-guided interpretative center. There are signs along the way to inform visitors of the extent of the devastation (one sign sits by a a tree stump, which, turned over on its side, is twelve feet high).

But the signs also outline the forest's ongoing recovery, and the efforts to aid that recovery by the Forest Service, volunteers, and even the timber industry itself.

Nowhere, though, will you see mentioned the three individuals who lost their lives here some thirty-five years ago. But when you visit, you'll be walking in their footsteps.

It is a magnificent place, full of wild beauty and the evidence of nature's ferocious power. And for those three people, who must have loved the wilderness as much as any of us who walk there, I can think of no more fitting memorial.

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Indoor pool

Benny's Colville Inn

Colville

United States

Pat

SAR 571 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Dec - 2 Dec

Terrace/patio

Columbia Point Resort

Kettle Falls

United States

Jason

Basic Room | Living area

Selkirk Motel

Colville

United States

Marko

SAR 429 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

Lobby

Comfort Inn

Colville

United States

Keith

Terrace/patio

..........

Colville

SAR 39,309 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

Beach

CreekSide Cabin - Secluded 1 bedroom Cabin built with Nature in mind

Rice

United States

Zayn C.

Living area

8,500 sq.ft. Luxurious River/Mountain View house

Kettle Falls

SAR 3,265 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

Eagles Nest | Free WiFi

Lake Roosevelt Suites

Evans

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Learn more about Kettle Falls

Nestled where the Columbia River once thundered through dramatic falls, this historic town offers excellent fishing and camping at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Explore the St. Paul's Mission and Heritage Center to understand local indigenous history, then grab homemade pie at the Northern Ales brewery after a day outdoors.

See all hotels in Kettle Falls

Back in 1980, Ryan Lake and its adjacent campgrounds and wilderness area was supposed to lie outside the predicted blast zone for the impending eruption of Mount St. Helens. The lake lies a bit more than twelve miles from the mountain, and geologists had designated only 10-mile radius as a "red zone" around the volcano.

But volcanoes don't consult with geologists before cracking open their domes. So, on May 18th of that year, when St. Helens finally erupted, the effects of the blast were felt well beyond their predicted radius. And Ryan Lake was not spared.

Sadly, three campers backpacking through the local complex of trails did not make it out in time.

Today, the area around Ryan Lake remains much as it was immediately after the blast. Toppled trees are everywhere. There is thick ash underfoot, and wherever you walk on the short six-tenths of a mile trail around the lake, you will see evidence of that day.

The grounds have been turned into a self-guided interpretative center. There are signs along the way to inform visitors of the extent of the devastation (one sign sits by a a tree stump, which, turned over on its side, is twelve feet high).

But the signs also outline the forest's ongoing recovery, and the efforts to aid that recovery by the Forest Service, volunteers, and even the timber industry itself.

Nowhere, though, will you see mentioned the three individuals who lost their lives here some thirty-five years ago. But when you visit, you'll be walking in their footsteps.

It is a magnificent place, full of wild beauty and the evidence of nature's ferocious power. And for those three people, who must have loved the wilderness as much as any of us who walk there, I can think of no more fitting memorial.

Top Kettle Falls Hotel Reviews

Selkirk Motel

Selkirk Motel

10/10 Excellent

"Pleasantly surprised with the room. Clean, cute and nice. "

Columbia Point Resort

Columbia Point Resort

10/10 Excellent

"Room was clean and the place was quiet. "

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