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Massive, dark grey volcanic ash clouds billow into the sky behind a forested area and a white building, creating a dramatic scene of a powerful volcanic eruption.

20 Vintage Photos From The Eruption Of Mount St. Helens

History Vintage Photos June 5, 2025 by Patrick Nichols

Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by Matt Staff

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted with a sudden, violent force that left a permanent mark on the Pacific Northwest. Triggered by an earthquake, the blast tore through the landscape, flattening forests, burying rivers, and darkening the sky with a plume of ash that drifted for hundreds of miles. In the chaos, 57 people lost their lives, and entire communities were left stunned by the destruction left in the volcano’s wake.

Scattered among the wreckage were photographers, some professionals, others simply in the wrong place at the right time, who managed to capture what words could never fully describe. These photos are not just snapshots, they’re fragments of a moment when the Earth reminded everyone who’s really in charge. Here are 20 vintage photos from the eruption of Mount St. Helens.

1. A man water skiing as Mount St. Helens erupts in the background, May 18th, 1980

A person water skiing on a lake with forested hills, while a large volcanic eruption sends a huge cloud of ash and smoke into the sky in the background. — washpedantic

2. Hikers on Mt. Adams viewing the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, 1980

Two-panel image: A person with a red backpack stands on a snowy slope, watching a distant volcanic island. In the next panel, the volcano erupts, sending a huge ash cloud skyward as the person crouches down. — gurratheboy

3. Little League game in Lewis County during the eruption of Mount St. Helens

A baseball pitcher throws a ball during a game while a large mushroom cloud rises dramatically in the background beyond the field. — pharoahsbarber1313

4. St. Helens Bridge after it was destroyed in the eruption

A person stands next to a large, damaged metal bridge frame lying on barren, sandy ground with trees in the background. The bridge appears displaced from its original position. — userdeleted

5. Hiking after the eruption of Mount St. Helens

Five people walk outdoors wearing masks and bandanas over their faces. They are dressed in casual clothing, jeans, and shorts, with some covering their heads with hats or towels. The image is in black and white. — hobbit-trivia-

6. This is one of the most beautifully terrifying photos ever taken

A red car and motorcycle are parked on a forest road as a massive, dark volcanic ash cloud rises dramatically into the sky in the distance, framed by tall trees. — syd430

7. A supply run for necessities through ash-covered streets

Two people in yellow raincoats, goggles, and masks carry beer boxes and grocery bags outdoors, with ash-covered cars and houses in the background. — boobaroogl

8. Anticipating the eruption, 1980

A person stands between a parked car and a trailer surrounded by debris, with a snow-capped mountain in the background under a clear sky. — jgp722

9. Drawing on people’s cars after the eruption, 1980

Three children with bandanas covering their faces stand in front of a dusty car. The windshield has a sign reading "May 20th 1980 Volcanic Ash from Mt. St. Helens." Other cars and trees are in the background. — theredditofjessica

10. David A. Johnston, photographed one day before the eruption of Mount St. Helens, May 17, 1980

A person sits on a folding chair on a rocky ground beside a green vehicle and a camper in a forested area. Camping supplies and equipment are scattered nearby. — holyfruits

11. Enjoying Spirit Lake the week before Mount St. Helens erupted

Two children play on a wooden dock in a clear lake, with a snow-capped mountain rising in the background. Sunlight reflects off the water, and more people are visible on docks farther out. — araemo28

12. Two brothers leading their horses to safety after the eruption, 1980

Two shirtless people, muddy and barefoot, guide their horses across debris and a flooded, muddy area, with damaged machinery visible beneath them. The scene suggests the aftermath of a natural disaster or flood. — ctdca

13. Solidified ash and mudflow following the eruption

A man stands on a mud-covered road surrounded by green trees. A tilted yellow sign in front of him reads "No Shoulder." Fallen branches and debris are scattered across the road. — colorized_foretime

14. Mount St. Helens one day before the eruption, and one month after the eruption

Two images show a mountain before and after a volcanic eruption. The top image shows a forested, snow-capped peak. The bottom image shows a jagged, gray, barren landscape with the peak partially collapsed. — vforvilliam

15. The Mount St. Helens eruption from miles away, 1980

A massive plume of ash and smoke rises high into the sky from a volcanic eruption, with a field and a line of trees in the foreground under partly cloudy skies. — andrewallenreynolds

16. I hope this photographer made it out in time

A massive cloud of ash rises dramatically from a volcanic eruption behind a forest, with a house and vehicles in the foreground under a hazy sky. — srosenow_98

17. Two kids posing on their roof as Mount St. Helens erupts behind them, 1980

Two young children stand outdoors smiling in front of a house, with trees and a large, cloud plume rising in the blue sky behind them. The photo appears vintage, with warm tones and faded colors. — xj3kx

18. This is a view of what it looked like to drive through the ash after the eruption

A foggy or dusty road is seen through a windshield, with blurry trees lining both sides and a small bus stop shelter on the right. Visibility is low due to the thick haze. — srosenow_98

19. The eruption from Kelso, WA, 1980

A large, mushroom-shaped cloud rises in the distance behind houses and a grassy field where people are playing sports on a sunny day. — polar_ted

20. His car was destroyed by the eruption in 1980

A man stands next to a heavily damaged and ash-covered car in a devastated forest with fallen, ash-coated trees, likely after a volcanic eruption or natural disaster. — washpedantic

Want to see more content from natural disasters?

Take a look at 19 Haunting Images Showing the Destruction Caused By Natural Disasters, or check out Fire and Fury: 20 Images of Volcanic Eruptions. Finally, if you want to travel back in time to the Dust Bowl, check out 25 Vintage Photos Showing the Impact of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s.

Tags: 1980s

About Author

Patrick Nichols

Patrick is a writer based in upstate New York, where he grew up and still calls home. Over the past year, he’s been diving deep into storytelling, especially tales rooted in history, the Wild West, lost treasures, and ancient artifacts. He's also drawn to unsolved mysteries and whatever the internet can't stop talking about.

Whether it's a centuries-old legend or a bizarre internet rabbit hole, Patrick is always chasing the threads of a compelling story. When he’s not chasing stories, Pat’s probably hiking mountain trails with his dog, exploring new corners of the U.S., or doom-scrolling between hangouts with friends and family. He finds inspiration in nature, forgotten places, and random conversations—anything that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s city streets or backcountry paths, Patrick’s always on the lookout for the next great story.

View all posts by Patrick Nichols

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