WASHINGTON STATE — The coronavirus outbreak disrupted what had been big plans to mark the 40th anniversary of the eruption of Mount St. Helens here in our state.

The peak in the Cascade Mountain Range blew its top on this day in 1980, killing 57 people, blasting more than 1,300 feet off the top of the mountain and raining volcanic ash around for hundreds of miles.

Unfortunately, there were no public observances at the volcano today. The multiple visitor centers and museums that had planned remembrances are also shuttered because of social distancing concerns.

The good news is, as of last Friday, most of the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest surrounding the Mt. St. Helens area is open for day use hiking. So visitors can still get some pretty good views if they want to make the drive and the weather cooperates.