2023 Map of Spirit Lake East

About this map

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument defines this landscape, where the recovery of a volcanic ecosystem is meticulously documented. The map centers on the eastern shores of Spirit Lake, a site of profound geological change. High-elevation points like Bismark Mtn and Goat Mtn overlook a complex network of alpine waters, including Ghost Lake, Strawberry Lake, and Panhandle Lake. The terrain is marked by significant passages such as Norway Pass and Independence Pass, which serve as vital connectors for researchers and hikers traversing the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. A dense system of trails, including the Green River Trl and Smith Creek Trl, illustrates the accessibility of this protected wilderness. Notable landmarks like Harmony Falls and Windy Ridge provide specific points of reference for studying the long-term environmental shifts within the blast zone and its surrounding forests.