Back in 1980, Ryan Lake and its adjacent campgrounds and wilderness area was supposed to lie outside the predicted blast zone for the impending eruption of Mount St. Helens. The lake lies a bit more than twelve miles from the mountain, and geologists had designated only 10-mile radius as a "red zone" around the volcano.

But volcanoes don't consult with geologists before cracking open their domes. So, on May 18th of that year, when St. Helens finally erupted, the effects of the blast were felt well beyond their predicted radius. And Ryan Lake was not spared.

Sadly, three campers backpacking through the local complex of trails did not make it out in time.

Today, the area around Ryan Lake remains much as it was immediately after the blast. Toppled trees are everywhere. There is thick ash underfoot, and wherever you walk on the short six-tenths of a mile trail around the lake, you will see evidence of that day.

The grounds have been turned into a self-guided interpretative center. There are signs along the way to inform visitors of the extent of the devastation (one sign sits by a a tree stump, which, turned over on its side, is twelve feet high).

But the signs also outline the forest's ongoing recovery, and the efforts to aid that recovery by the Forest Service, volunteers, and even the timber industry itself.

Nowhere, though, will you see mentioned the three individuals who lost their lives here some thirty-five years ago. But when you visit, you'll be walking in their footsteps.

It is a magnificent place, full of wild beauty and the evidence of nature's ferocious power. And for those three people, who must have loved the wilderness as much as any of us who walk there, I can think of no more fitting memorial.

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Frequently asked questions

What's Kettle Falls like for family-friendly vacations?

The remote destination of Kettle Falls is a good choice if you've been thinking about a trip with your kids. The beautiful waterfalls, forests, and hiking trails are just a few things that make this an attractive place for a family vacation. Fly into Trail, BC (YZZ-Trail Regional), which is located 36.9 mi (59.4 km) from the city center.

When's the best time to book a family-friendly vacation in Kettle Falls?

The hottest months are usually August and July with an average temp of 67°F, while the coldest months are January and December with an average of 27°F. The snowiest months in Kettle Falls are January, December, October, and February, with each month seeing an average of 11 inches of snowfall.

What's there to see and do with your family in Kettle Falls?

While you and the family are vacationing in Kettle Falls, you might want to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors at spots such as Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, and Columbia River. Make sure you have lots of time for activities like Pierre Lake and Peapon Lake.

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