Mount St. Helens Visitor Center offers spring and summer events for all ages

May 15, 2018 10:59 am
Our national parks are a national - and for some of us, a local - treasure. They are a literal gift to the future. Photo: Morf Morford
Our national parks are a national - and for some of us, a local - treasure. They are a literal gift to the future. Photo: Morf Morford

Washington State Parks invites the public to join interpretive staff from the Mount St. Helen’s Visitor Center for a diverse series of programs exploring the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and the region’s recovery over the last 38 years.

The 2018 programs take place at varying times from May 18 to Sept. 3, at Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, 3029 Spirit Lake Hwy., Castle Rock and at Seaquest State Park, located directly across the highway.

Programs include interactive talks and hands-on demonstrations about the region’s history and the monumental eruption, guided walks through the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake and Junior Ranger evening activities for kids of all ages.

Mount St. Helens Formal Talks

Hourly, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday to Sunday, May 18 to 27

Hourly, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., daily, June 1 – Sept. 3

These interactive talks will immerse visitors in the history of Mount St. Helens. Participants will travel through time to learn about the devastating 1980 eruption, the ever-changing landscape and story of recovery, the incredible return of wildlife and the important job volcanologists perform every day monitoring the Cascade Mountain range of volcanoes. Programs will last 15 to 20 minutes and take place outside at the amphitheater.

Junior Ranger Evening Lessons

7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, June 1 to Sept. 1, Seaquest State Park

These family-friendly evening programs, held at Seaquest State Park amphitheater, are geared toward kids of all ages and last approximately one hour. They provide the perfect blend of learning and entertainment for families camping at Seaquest or at the end of a long day trip. Park staff will give lessons on the local and regional wildlife, geology and ecosystems. Fun interactive crafts and activities are also scheduled.

Wetland Guided Walks

10 a.m., Sundays, June 3 to Sept. 2

Visitors will explore the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake on a flat, slow-paced, 45-minute guided walk. Created from a Mount St. Helens eruption thousands of years ago, this area is home to unique flora and fauna, as well as an abundance of migratory birds.

All programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, staffing availability and attendance levels. Program information is advertised daily on the Visitor Center front bulletin.

Programs are included in the admission cost to the Visitor Center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 to May 15, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 16 to Sept.15. Admission is $2.50 for ages 7 to 17; $5 for ages 18 and older; $15 for families (two adults plus accompanying children) and free for children age 6 or younger. Donations are welcome.

For more information about the interpretive programs, contact Alysa Adams, Parks Interpretive Specialist, (360) 274-0962 or silver.lake@parks.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center: http://parks.state.wa.us/245/Mount-St-Helens.

– Washington State Parks