Meta Lake is behind the trees growing in the bottom of the image. The lake survived intact, as it was frozen over, and some animals, hibernatiing, or under snow at the time, also made it. This pocket was slightly protected by the terrain.
However, across the road is another scene altogether. These trees are much smaller than those around the lake. This is also where the car of the next section was parked.
This is a sad and rather vivid reminder of the human toll. This car belonged to a couple of miners, and was in somewhat better condition 20 years ago! There is still ash inside the remainder.
A very sad state. Twenty years worth of snow has probably not helped. And the sand blasting from the initial explosion stripped the paint, leaving no protection for the metal.
This is a photo of the car in its original location and condition, as displayed on an information board. The accompanying text tells the story:
This car was tossed about like a toy, rolled from across the road where it had been parked. Owners of the car were at their cabin at a nearby mine and were killed when Mount. St Helens erupted.
The road to Norway Pass, which shows the force of the blast. The direction is obvious from the direction which all the logs are facing! This is just above the battered car.
This road used to loop around, but it was washed out in winter storms a few years ago, and has not been repaired (due to budgetary restraints, I expect). It's a pity, because at the far end there is a wonderful view of where the blast stopped, with a very abrupt transition from dead trees to beautiful forest.
Through the forest