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.
Photo by Charles Arcudi
Open Photo by Charles Arcudi

Kettle Falls long stay rentals

Stay a week, a month or longer in a comfortable place all your own

Relax—Stayz takes the hassle out of booking monthly rentals in Kettle Falls. The wide selection available and useful search filters make finding your home away from home a breeze. Whether you’re looking for fast Wi-Fi for remote working, a fully equipped kitchen for home cooking or a pool where you can relax with a good book, you’re sure to find it on Stayz. Many long-term rentals in Kettle Falls are great for kids and welcome four-legged friends, too. What's more, some offer monthly discounts on extended-stay homes and weekly discounts on shorter-term rentals.

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Great discounts on monthly rentals in Kettle Falls

You’ll often find discounted rates for long stays of over 28 days on Stayz, making stays of a month or more excellent value.

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Looking for your own place to retreat to? On Stayz, you'll enjoy secluded stays with entire monthly rental homes just for you.

Pet-friendly monthly rentals

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Kettle Falls Furnished monthly rentals for remote workers

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Monthly stays with practical kitchens

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Long-term rentals with parking in Kettle Falls

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Wheelchair-accessible holiday rentals

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Holiday rentals in Kettle Falls with pool

Stayz's handy search filters will help you find monthly holiday homes with swimming pools so that you can relax in your very own pool.

Rentals with free cancellation in Kettle Falls

Plans change. We get that. With Stayz, you can search, select 'free cancellation,' and see all rentals in Kettle Falls with flexible cancellation policies.