Mount St. Helens is seen on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in Winlock.
Just in time for the anniversary of the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and the mountain’s recovery for the past 38 years, the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center has planned a series of walks, talks and lessons for adults and children.
The spring and summer programs are scheduled from May 18 to Sept. 3 at the Mount St. Helens Visitor’s Center at 3029 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock, and at Seaquest State Park across the highway from the center.
“Programs include interactive talks and hands-on demonstrations about the region’s history and monumental eruption, guided walks through the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake and Junior Ranger evening activities for kids of all ages,” states a press release from Washington State Parks.
Formal interactive talks on the history of Mount St. Helens will take place hourly from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday from May 18 to 27, and hourly from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day from June 1 to Sept. 3.
Each program lasts 15 to 20 minutes and takes place in an outdoor amphitheater.
“These interactive talks will immerse visitors in the history of Mount St. Helens,” according to Washington State Parks. “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.”
Junior Ranger evening lessons take place at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from June 1 to Sept. 1 at the Seaquest State Park amphitheater. The events include interactive crafts and activities and last about 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,” according to Washington State Parks.
Wetland Guided Walks are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sundays between June 3 and Sept. 2. The 45-minute guided walks explore the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake.
“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,” according to state parks.
All programs are included in the cost of admission to the Visitor Center, 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.
For more information, contact Alysa Adams, Parks Interpretive Specialist at 360-274-0962 or at silver.lake@parks.wa.gov. To learn more about the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, go to parks.state.wa.us/245/Mount-St-Helens.
