The volcano blasted moorland of Norway Pass looks down down long valleys to Spirit Lake, and beyond to the steaming crater of Mt. St. Helens. This once desolate landscape now bursts with returning life, and flowers burst from the pumice and ash. New forests reach for the crisp blue sky, and birds throng the chiseled cliffs. The wasteland that was etched into the Cascade Mountains by the 1980 eruption has transformed itself into a natural paradise.
Meta Lake makes an appearance as you ascend the ridge, with the ridges and valleys of the Dark Divide looming beyond.
Upon reaching the crest of this first ridge spur, you are greeted with views of both Rainier and Adams. Both concealing their summits beneath veils of streaming clouds - building thunderheads that would later unleash their wrath upon the mountains.
Approaching Norway Pass are immense heaps of pumice and other volcanic debri, forming the base for the wide meadow country. The bright berries of Mountain Ash add a splash autumn color to the landscape, and massive silvered logs shine in the mid day sun.
The first view down to Spirit Lake and St. Helens really is an awe inspiring experience, and one of the great classic images of the Pacific Northwest. When we arrived the mountain was partially obscured by swirling clouds from which the pieces of the peak could be intermittently glimpsed.
Before heading home we stopped by Windy Ridge where a sinister fog was brewing. It spread from the Toutle Valley, engulfing the lake and sending tentacles of mist flowing in silent menace across ridges and over mountain peaks. It put us in mind of the ancient native american legend of the Seiku, an evil spirit said to live beneath the lake, said to send forth such mysterious vapors and lure travelers to their doom.
We fled back down the crumbling forest roads, fleeing the wrath of the Seiku. The fog tentacles pursued us, writhing through the forest and chasing us all the way to Morton, and beyond the welcoming rays of sunset.
