1998 Map of Spirit Lake West

About this map

Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument dominates this landscape, reflecting the dramatic geological shifts of the late 20th century. The topography is defined by the massive Mud Flow following the North Fork Toutle River and the creation of Coldwater Lake north of Johnston Ridge. Scientific and public observation points like the Johnston Ridge Observatory and Loowit Viewpoint are established along the high ground, overlooking the blast zone. Significant engineering efforts to manage the altered watershed are visible, including the Spirit Lake Outlet Tunnel and its associated Tunnel Intake. To the north, the terrain transitions into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where a dense network of high-elevation lakes such as Deep Lake, Lonesome Lake, and Venus Lake remain tucked between peaks like Mount Venus and Minnie Peak.