why do volcanoes erupt with ash

Mount St. Helens is sitting right there in Washington State, specifically in the Cascade Range. It’s part of the Pacific Northwest and is actually located in Skamania County. I've flown over that area a bunch of times during my travels, and you really can't miss it once you're in the air; the landscape around it is still pretty distinct from that massive eruption years back.

If you're ever planning a road trip out that way, it's pretty easy to reach from the Portland area or even Seattle. Most people head toward the Johnston Ridge Observatory if they want the best view of the crater. It's a surreal place to visit, and looking at the sheer scale of it makes you realize how powerful nature really is. Definitely worth checking out if you're ever in the neighborhood.