A day trip from Portland to visit Mount St. Helens is a right of passage for any Pacific Northwest local or visitors to the area. The south side of the National Volcanic Monument is easy to reach and the open road inspires freedom and fresh air. Take a break from the stresses of daily life and break away to pine needles, lava tubes, pristine lakes and alpine hikes. Mount St. … [Read more...] about Amazing lava and lakes — visit the south side of Mount St. Helens