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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Our top choices for Kettle Falls hotels with free wifi

Front of property

Columbia Point Resort

Kettle Falls

United States

Jason

$147 nightly

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

Terrace/patio

Modern. Private. Spacious. Fully stocked. Family friendly. Cozy. RV hookup.

KETTLE FALLS

United States

Danielle L.

$275 nightly

Dec 13 - Dec 14

Total with taxes and fees

Exterior

8,500 sq.ft. Luxurious River/Mountain View house

Kettle Falls

$812 nightly

Dec 13 - Dec 14

Total with taxes and fees

Exterior

Muncton Mountain Lodge

Kettle Falls

United States

Devin m.

$790 nightly

Dec 13 - Dec 14

Total with taxes and fees

Indoor spa tub

Benny's Colville Inn

Colville

United States

Pat

$114 nightly

Dec 22 - Dec 23

Total with taxes and fees

Check-in/check-out kiosk

Selkirk Motel

Colville

United States

Edward

$118 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

Total with taxes and fees

Interior

Trapper cabin

Northport

United States

Patricia B.

$133 nightly

Dec 13 - Dec 14

Total with taxes and fees

Exterior detail

Grandma Jo’s

Northport

United States

Shannon P.

$143 nightly

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

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Top Kettle Falls Hotel Reviews

Selkirk Motel

Selkirk Motel

10/10 Excellent

"Clean, comfortable room and a very friendly and welcoming staff. The warm cookies were wonderful."

Benny's Colville Inn

Benny's Colville Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Clean room and very nice folks..."

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