Through photography this book tells the dramatic story of Mount St. Helens and environs over more than a half century, beginning with a climb in 1971. The main focus of the book is the 1980 eruption of the volcanic mountain and the evolution of its rebirth and the surrounding area. Eruption photos include not only those taken on May 18, 1980, but also of minor eruptions in April, only days after the volcano had come to life. Photographs show the destruction of large swaths of forest, both from the air and from hiking and cross-country ski trips. Replanted forests, wildflowers, wildlife and trails are among subjects highlighted in the photographs.