Oregon Public Broadcasting

Saturday morning Washington's Department of Transportation reopens the road to Mount St. Helens, just in time for the anniversary of the 1980 eruption. April Baer reports.

The Gifford Pinchot spur of State Route 504 is also known as Spirit Lake Memorial Highway.

It's named for the lake that suffered so much damage during the eruption. Each winter, the road closes at the Hummocks Trailhead.

This year the road’s re-opening coincides with a lot of activity surrounding the 30th anniversary of the big eruption. Interpretive centers expect a bumper crop of visitors through the weekend and into next week.

Abbi Russell with the Washington Department of Transportation says the road will be open on time.

Abbi Russell: "We do get some snowfall this time of year, but this weekend, I don’t think people are going to have to worry too much about that – the weather looks just beautiful."

Even today, the road offers a view of a changed landscape, sculpted by fire and mud. The highway was rebuilt in the 1980s. It winds from I-5 through several small towns, and up to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

On the Web:

More info about Mt St Helens events this weekend and through next week http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/news/2010/index.shtml