An interesting old lava flow was exposed in Lava Canyon after a powerful lahar tore down the southeast flank of Mount St. Helens, scouring out organic debris and built up forest detritus. The Lava Canyon of today is a beautiful, unexpected place at the boundary of lush, green forests and volcanic desolation.
The small bluff on the other side of the ravine is where a wall of lava coming down from Mount St. Helens once stopped. It is now frozen in time.
Interesting cataracts have been cut through the old lava flow by the Muddy River.
Several layers of lava flows are visible here.
Rushing water.
A suspension foot bridge high above the gorge below.
Looking up the river from the middle of the suspension bridge.
The suspension bridge from downstream.
At a steel bridge going across the cataracts.
Where the water plunges off the frozen lava flow.