Observatory near Mount St. Helens reopens

LONGVIEW — The Washington Transportation Department reopened the Spirit Lake Highway to the public Saturday, just in time for the special event opening the Johnston Ridge Observatory — the nearest site for visitors to Mount St. Helens.

Highway 504, which runs from Castle Rock, has been closed since December by snow near the volcano.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory features new interactive media displays this year to go along with geology exhibits, seismographs and a stunning view into the crater.

Wednesday will be the 31st anniversary of the volcano’s big May 18, 1980, blast.

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