The May 18, 1980 eruption of this volcano provided an opportunity to see the Earth recreating itself. Twenty years later, one can witness firsthand the land being reborn, sprouting anew through the still surreal moonscape of lava and ash. See whole forests blown over by the force of the blast. Visit a number of visitor centers, along State Route 504, located just a few miles from the massive crater. Each stop gives you a different visual and educational perspective. You can even see a new dome forming.