Recounts through reenactments, personal recollections, and documentary narration, the earth-changing event and aftermath of the May 18, 1980, volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest of southwest Washington. The film represents the work of dozens of both professional and amateur cinematographers and still-photographers. The film leaves the viewer with a positive feeling that the devastated area will someday be beautiful again during the course of the earth-shattering and earth-healing process.