FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mount St. Helens Volcano Outdoor School

Where is the Science & Learning Center facility located?

The Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center is located on the north west side of Mount St. Helens. This is 40 miles from the town of Castle Rock Washington on I5.

Why is the Science & Learning Center a unique place to stay?

The Science and Learning Center at Coldwater is centered in the heart of the blast zone from the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, less than 10 miles from the crater. The facility offers spectacular views and immersion into the volcano and surrounding landscape.

Watch this video for a tour of the Science & Learning Center facility and campground!

What is the length of your season for overnight outdoor school programs?

Our season for overnight outdoor school is late April - late October.

Volcano Outdoor School walking distance outdoor learning site with views of Mount St. Helens. Photograph by Jared Stewart, MSHI staff, 2022.

What type of lodging is available for outdoor school?

Our facility, the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center is based in a repurposed visitors center.

• The facility contains a commercial kitchen. 
• Sleeping areas are within the exhibit halls and bunk rooms. There are 2 separate sleeping rooms - one room with bunk beds that sleeps 16 and a separate room with 11 beds.
• We can further accommodate more folks sleeping indoors with additional cots that can be set up around the building.
• Groups are welcome to move beds and cots within the facility to their liking.

It is up to group coordinators to determine how they want to space students in different sleeping areas and rooms in the Science & Learning Center facility.

Rooms such as the theater can be repurposed easily (with cots) as sleeping areas and can provide gender neutral sleeping areas, etc.

Our staff do NOT sleep in the building with groups: it is up to group coordinators to determine how they want to use the facility for indoor lodging with their group.

The Science & Learning Center has a large wrap-around deck: groups are always welcome to use cots and sleep outside and/or set up tents (we have ~5 tents to loan). If it's a clear night the stars are amazing!

Below: a diagram of the Science & Learning Center facility footprint, annotated to show sleeping areas.

Science and Learning Center sleeping area (separate from the bunk bed room). On a clear day, Mount St. Helens is in view out of the large floor to ceiling glass windows. Photo by Gina Roberti, 2025.

Below, a photo of the atrium space where we do Volcano Outdoor School welcome and orientation and schedule board.

Photograph by Gina Roberti, MSHI staff 2022.

What pre-trip resources do you offer for teachers and group leaders to prepare for their trip?

• 1980 eruption story Youtube video developed by Mount St. Helens Institute staff
• Mountain Moves eruption activity video developed by Mount St. Helens Institute staff
• 1980 eruption story Powerpoint presentation (creates copy) for teachers and/or group leaders to present in their own classrooms
• Sediment on the Move Storyline: FREE integrated curriculum designed for 4th grade students aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.Materials are modular and adaptable for asynchronous and synchronous classroom settings.
• Volcano Tuesdays: a series of pre-recorded 30-45 minute videos showcasing do-at-home activities teaching various topics about volcanoes.
• Our Resources for Extended Learning document and our Recommended websites page.

What are examples of educational activities that are led during trips? 

Browse our Volcano Outdoor School Activity Guide including how each activity aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Yes, you can request certain activities during registration.

How do you currently share the building with the U.S. Forest Service?

In order to support our partners at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and visitors to the area, we have worked out a plan for shared use of the Science and Learning Center after a landslide occurred on WA State Route 504 highway.

Operations at Mount St. Helens Institute and the Science and Learning Center have not been impacted by the landslide. The landslide on WA 504 that happened in spring of 2023 poses NO DANGER to our operations or facilities. The roads to the Science and Learning Center and the west side of Mount St. Helens remain open and clear. Visit our Landslide Updates and Information page to learn more.

Between 10 AM and 4 PM daily (7 days a week) from May - November, the Science & Learning Center is open to the public as a visitor center run by the U.S. Forest Service Ranger staff.

• The dining room, commercial kitchen, campground and sleeping areas of the facility remain private for Mount St. Helens Institute programs.
• All program participants will continue to have private, secure and safe areas of the building for personal gear and activities.

Below, a photo of how the main atrium space in the center of the Science & Learning Center is used by USFS staff as a public visitors center daily.

How are educational activities led during field trips aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)?

Read about how our activities are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in this slide deck. This is a great file to share with school administrators about our field trips!

How do field trips support social emotional learning (SEL)?

Field trips are GREAT in supporting social emotional learning! Learn more in this slide deck. This is a great file to share with school administrators about our field trips!

Is our group required to have an additional vehicle if the bus drops and picks up students?

Yes! We REQUIRE for our safety and risk management that ALL overnight trips maintain at least 1 vehicle with the group that stays on site at all times. If a bus is dropping all of the students off, this means having 1 additional chaperone or teacher vehicle that stays with the group. This is a REQUIREMENT.

What ratio of chaperones are required for day and overnight field trips?

Groups are required to provide chaperone support at a ratio of 1:5 chaperones per students for overnight trips and 1:8 chaperones per students for day trips. This is REQUIRED, please contact us if you have trouble meeting this requirement. This requirement is listed on our website.

Outdoor dining on the deck of the Science & Learning Center. Photograph by Karen Schaan, MSHI staff, 2023.

Below, foodservice in the Science & Learning Center dining hall by outdoor school group. Photo by Gina Roberti, MSHI staff, 2024.

What are the expectations for chaperones at field trips?

Review this document with description of chaperone roles, in Spanish and English.

Watch this video to learn more about what we expect from chaperones during our trips!

What are the amenities of the Science & Learning Center?

Our facility, the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center is a repurposed visitors center. Rental groups are welcome to use all amenities of the facility. Groups are responsible for setup for their own use and for resetting the facility and amenities to the way it was before their use. 

What access to hiking trails & recreation are available from the Science & Learning Center facility?

• View our guide to hiking trails near the Science & Learning Center which include accessibility notes (elevation gain/loss, distance, amenities including restrooms, shade and more), natural history and geology notes and photographs.
• From the Science & Learning Center hikers can access Coldwater Lakes Trail via the Elk Bench Trail. This connects to a large network of trails around Coldwater Lake, Coldwater Peak and into the Mount Margaret Backcountry (Note: permits are required for backcountry camping).
• Access to popular trail hiking and trail running loops:

• ~ 14 mile loop from the Science & Learning Center around Coldwater Lake
• ~ 14 mile loop from the Science & Learning Center to Coldwater Peak

Is there wifi available for groups to use?

Yes, Wifi is available for groups to use at the Science & Learning Center building. The password is provided to groups upon arrival.

Aerial view at sunrise of the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center. Photo credit: Backcountry Rise 2021.

Is there cell phone reception?

There is NO cell phone reception at the Science & Learning Center and the surrounding area nor roads or trailheads in the area. Most service providers lose reception upon leaving I5. Please plan accordingly by reviewing and downloading driving directions in advance of your trip.

Do you have showers? How are the restroom facilities?

• We do NOT have showers at our facility.
• We have large indoor restrooms each with 4-8 stalls, sinks with running water and toilets with flushing water. Our facility includes a single stall gender neutral restroom.
• Groups that are camping or staying indoors in our indoor lodging have 24 hour access to  our indoor restrooms.

What type of resources do you have for educational groups or others to use independently of MSHI staff?

• Large whiteboards: The mini atrium area contains 2-4 large (4’ x 5’) whiteboards on wheels with information about the area including a regional map and map of our facility as well as information about volcanoes. These materials can be moved and the whiteboards can be used for various purposes.
• Costume bins: We have an excellent supply of costumes with choices from hats, wigs, props, spare materials, and of course costumes. .
• Art supplies: We provide a large variety of art supplies for groups including watercolors.
• Library cart: Our library contains excellent resources about Mount St. Helens and general natural history as well as children’s books.
• Geology cart: Our rock cart contains many rock samples from Mount St. Helens and other volcanic rocks including hand lenses for close up observation.
• Binoculars: We have ~15 sets of binoculars available for groups to use. Spotting scopes may be provided upon request.

Science and Learning Center atrium in use. On a clear day, Mount St. Helens is in view. Photo by Gina Roberti, 2023.

What cleaning am I expected to do during my stay?

Day Groups

• eating lunch or paying for meals: Maintaining tidy dining hall area, busing all dishes, wiping down tables, wiping and cleaning all spills

Overnight groups are responsible the following general facility cleaning at the end of the program including and not limited to:

• Cleaning all sleeping areas (wiping cots, picking up trash, vacuuming)
• Cleaning all common areas including front hall & atrium (vacuuming, picking up trash, resetting furniture, wiping fingerprints off glass doors)
• Cleaning dining area (busing all dishes, wiping down surfaces, cleaning spills)
• Cleaning bathroom counters and mirrors, picking up trash in bathroom

A cleaning checklist is provided at the start of your program and cleaning supplies and instructions provided by staff. A staff member will check out the group at the end of your program to ensure the facility is cleaned to the stated requirements.

What type of staff lead education programs?

Our staff are carefully selected for their experience and passion for working with youth and families. All staff receive a criminal background check before they are hired and references are thoroughly examined.

All staff are trained in educational content, safety and risk procedures and policies, CPR and First Aid, defensive driving, food safety, and managing group dynamics.

How large of a group can I bring on my field trip? Do you have a maximum limit? Do you have a minimum limit?

• Minimum fee: We currently charge a minimum fee for our Volcano Outdoor School programs and rental of the Science & Learning Center. Details are outlined on the quote and/or invoice generated by our registration staff for your group. Minimum fees may change annually.
• Maximum number of students: For Volcano Outdoor School education programs we work to maintain a ratio of 1 Mount St. Helens Institute staff per 15-20 students. For groups bringing more than 30 students, we work to establish a rotation with staff and rely on teachers and/or chaperones to lead groups of students independently while our staff and volunteers lead activities. It is possible for us to have up to four Mount St. Helens Institute education staff working a program at one time.
• Support for larger groups: Educational groups larger than 30 please require special scheduling and may rely on teachers and chaperones to lead part of the group at various times during the field trip.
• For groups that are renting the facility or not paying for educational services, we do not have a limit on the number of people in the building for day trips.
• Common schedule rotation for breaking large groups (more than 30 students): For groups of more than 30 students, a common rotation is as follows:

• A portion of the group visits the Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boardwalk area and/or hikes the Hummocks trail.
• A portion of the group is led by education staff at the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center or other field location, such as the Hummocks trail.

• Cost for large groups: We do not charge a separate fee for groups larger than 30 students. We charge a flat fee per student/per hour for education time.

• For large groups that break into smaller groups we charge for the number of students with which our education team is working. For example, a group of 90 students may break into 3 groups and only 30 students at a time would do activities led by our education staff, the other 60 students would visit Coldwater Lake and do other activities, hikes or exploration led by teachers and chaperons. In this case we bill for 30 people per hour because we are only working with 30 people at a time.

How do you manage risk in remote locations?

Our programs take place several hours from a hospital and definitive medical care. In advance of each program, staff review the risks and preventative measures inherent in the day’s activities.

• Because risks are part of any experience in the field, we ask that participants take small risks to develop their confidence and to learn to trust their judgment during designated activities.
• There is WIFI at the Science & Learning Center and landline phones that are used to call for emergency help.
• In areas outside of wifi signal or cell phone coverage, MSHI staff will carry a radio to connect with the U.S. Forest Service Dispatch.

Photo by Monika Leopold, Brunton USA, 2022.

How are the driving conditions to the Science & Learning Center?

The Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center is easily accessible via paved roads. From I5, take WA 504 west from Castle Rock. The road has a wide shoulder and was rebuilt after the May 18, 1980 eruption. The road is built high above the river valley and affords great views of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape.

There is NO CELL PHONE RECEPTION along this drive so please plan accordingly with our provided driving directions.

Do you have separate lodging for bus drivers for overnight field trips?

We do NOT have separate lodging with a private room and bathroom for bus drivers. Bus drivers need to find their own lodging in the neighboring cities of Castle Rock, Longview or Kelso.

There is one private room in our facility with a bed but this may or may not be available for groups to use depending on availability and use of the facility. Inquire with staff in advance of your program for more details. This room does NOT include a private bathroom. Bedding is NOT provided.

Mount St. Helens Institute staff do not provide recommendations of lodging in the area. We have developed an interactive map of attractions and amenities around Mount St. Helens which includes places to stay, visitors centers, restaurants, hiking trails and more. Places featured may be open or closed depending on the season.

Do you have a campfire area?

• Is there a campfire area? Yes. We have two propane fire pits and provide propane for groups to use. This site is in a designated area permitted by the Forest Service. Propane fire pits and other campfires are NOT permitted at other sites on our facility grounds. Our campfire area is on the same ridge as the Science & Learning Center facility and affords fantastic views of Mount St. Helens.
• Are s’mores supplies provided? MSHI provides s’mores sticks but not s’mores supplies to groups unless groups are paying for MSHI to provide food and weather permits outdoor fire pit use.
• How far is the fire pit from the building? Our fire pit area is ADA accessible and a short walk (less than 5 minutes) from our building.
• Is there seating in the fire pit area? The fire pit area contains 2 picnic tables. We encourage groups to bring their own chairs. We do not provide camp chairs.
• Can we move the fire pits? No, the fire pits are NOT permitted in other areas of the Science & Learning Center campus.
• Are wood fires permitted? Wood fires are NOT permitted.
• Are camping stoves permitted? Propane stoves are permitted.

Photo by Monika Leopold, Brunton USA, 2022.

How do you prioritize groups for registration?

We currently register groups based on a first - come, first serve basis.

We prioritize groups using a multi-point system that factors in whether a group is an educational group and/or youth serving nonprofit, financial need, geographic proximity of the group to Mount St. Helens, date preferences and seasonality of visit and whether groups are returning or new groups.

We prioritize groups that are from communities closest to Mount St. Helens and that serve groups of people with the least opportunity to visit the volcano.

If you are interested in a program with us, please complete our non-binding inquiry form and we will reach out to you in the order that we receive inquiries. Sometimes additional dates may be available due to cancellations.

Do you provide a pre-field trip checklist for organizing administrative tasks?

Yes! Check out this fabulous checklist from WA Outdoor schools with advice on how to get organized for your field trip.  

Do you offer a discount for school groups during any time of the year?

Yes! Starting fall 2025 we offer 10% for any school group registering from September - November.

What do you do to manage indoor air quality?

Group sleeping areas and restrooms in the Science and Learning Center are equipped with air purifiers that (at their maximum settings) will filter the air every 12.5 minutes. These air purifiers are on wheels and can be easily moved around to meet program needs.

What are cancellation & other program policies?

Review our cancellation and other program policies on our website at this link HERE.

What kind of meals are provided?

Our kitchen staff plan meals based on dietary restrictions that are submitted via our online Participant Information Form required for participants of overnight field trips to complete two weeks before your program.

For overnight field trips, it is the responsibility of the Group Coordinator to make sure all participants complete the roster at least 2 weeks in advance of the program to provide adequate time for our kitchen staff to accommodate dietary needs. IF for any reason a group is not completing digital waivers and completing paper waivers for overnight trips, it is the responsibility of the group leader to summarize all dietary needs and provide to our admin team by emailing learn@mshinstitute.org 2 weeks in advance of your program or we cannot guarantee all dietary needs will be met by MSHI staff .

Review a sample menu of meals provided at the Science & Learning Center.

Our dining hall serves meals in a buffet style where multiple options are presented. Ingredients lists for meal items are provided by kitchen staff upon request.

A meal on the deck of the Science & Learning Center with a view of Mount St. Helens in the background. Photograph credit Ben Vanderkin, 2022.

Photo by Gina Roberti, GeoGirls 2023.

If we pay for meals, how does your kitchen staff accommodate dietary restrictions?

Our kitchen staff plan meals based on dietary restrictions that are submitted via our online Participant Information Form required for participants of overnight field trips to complete two weeks before your program. If we do not receive this information we CANNOT meet dietary needs. Our dining hall serves meals in a buffet style where multiple options are presented. Ingredients lists for meal items are provided by kitchen staff upon request.

Review our kitchen protocols for meeting allergies & dietary requests.

Our kitchen cannot guarantee that any food we serve is allergen free. We cook in a remote environment over 1 hour from the nearest grocery store. We STRONGLY encourage participants with severe allergies and dietary restrictions to bring their own food. Our kitchen staff cannot accommodate all of the dietary restrictions that we receive nor guarantee our kitchen is allergen free or food is free from cross contamination.

We have microwaves and refrigerator space available for any participants that want to bring their own food.

Volcano Outdoor School overnight prices include 3 meals per overnight (dinner on the arrival day, breakfast & lunch on the departure day). We do not provide refunds for any program participants with severe allergies or dietary restrictions that our kitchen staff cannot accommodate. We operate in a remote environment (>1 hour from the nearest grocery store). Thank you for your understanding! Please reach out to our admin team (learn@mshintitute.org ) with any questions or concerns.

What is the role of Institute staff during an education program?

For day education programs: A staff member will be with your group the entire length of your program. MSHI provides a staff: participant ratio of 1:15.

For overnight education programs:

• MSHI staff will lead 8 hours of educational activities per night for overnight education programs. Groups & chaperones are responsible for supervision in the evening time and in the morning before breakfast.
• Overnight groups will be provided with the contact information of a staff member who will be on call for safety but who will NOT sleep in the same facility as participants.

The Science & Learning Center facility with a view of Mount St. Helens in background. Photo by Jared Stewart, Mount St. Helens Institute staff, 2021.

Are there classroom resources to support my field trip to Mount St. Helens?

Yes! Check out our Virtual Field Trips which are a fantastic supplement to in-person field trips. You can also visit our Educator Resources Page.

Is financial assistance available for field trips?

Yes! Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information. You are welcome to use this informational slide deck to share with school administrators about our programs.

What public visitors centers are available to visit as a school group at Mount St. Helens?

In order of closest to I5 highway corridor moving closest to the volcano:

• Mount St. Helens Visitors Center at Seaquest State Park - WA State Parks, free for school groups. 
• Weyerhaeuser Forest Learning Center - Private, school groups inquire with park staff
• Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center at Coldwater - operated by the U.S. Forest Service, open to the public from 10AM - 4PM 7 days a week from June - November and on weekends November - June. Please contact the U.S. Forest Service staff with questions.
• Mount St. Helens Institute Education Programs- Register through the Mount St. Helens Institute
• Ape Cave on the south side of Mount St. Helens is open for school groups to visit between June - October. This site is managed by the U.S. Forest Service; please contact the U.S. Forest Service staff with questions.

• School groups can register online at Teachers Corner by choosing “south side”.

Is the U.S. Forest Service Johnston Ridge Observatory Visitors Center open?

No. The U.S. Forest Visitor's Center at Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed due to a landslide in spring 2023 and is not expected to be repaired until 2027 or later.

Please contact the U.S. Forest Service with questions by calling (360) 449-7800.

What other visitor centers do you recommend visiting?

The Mount St. Helens Visitors Center at Seaquest State Park is located just 5 miles from the I5 corridor and is a fantastic place to visit as part of your trip to Mount St. Helens. This visitors center is open for school groups and is a great place to stretch your legs, use the restroom and learn more about the volcano with the interpretive exhibits, ADA accessible boardwalk trail and free curriculum provided by State Parks staff to school groups.

**Please note: the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center will be undergoing construction and will be closed from Sept. 30, 2024 to mid-May 2025 for exhibit renovation. **

Contact State Park staff via phone at 360-274-0962 or by emailing Silver.Lake@parks.wa.gov.

What else can I do before or after my field trip to Mount St. Helens?

There is so much to explore and learn in the landscape around Mount St. Helens. View our interactive Google map of Attractions & Amenities around Mount St. Helens to explore and plan your trip.

Can I choose to sleep indoors or outdoors?

Groups may choose indoor lodging inside the Science & Learning Center or to sleep outdoors in the Coldwater Campground.

The campground, called Coldwater Campground, is a five-minute walk from the Science & Learning Center. Coldwater campground offers spectacular views of Mount St. Helens, Coldwater Lake, and the Mount Margaret back-country. Coldwater Campground includes:

• Roughly 30 campsites/tent pads (average size 10’ x 10’ flattened pad area)
• 2 picnic tables at a central location in the campground
• Seasonally (June - August) porta potties are located at the campground entrance
• Access to indoor restrooms in the Science & Learning Center based on availability
• There is NO running water at the campground. Water jugs for group use may be provided
• Area for temporary parking at campground entrance for unloading gear and ample parking ¼ mile from the campground
• Limited camping gear is available for groups to use upon request (tents, sleeping bags, headlamps, sleeping pads)
• Camp stoves and other cookware are NOT provided. Propane and white gas stoves are acceptable to use on the campground picnic tables or in the parking lot.
• Campfires are NOT permitted. A designated campfire area with 2 propane fire pits is located on the opposite side of the parking lot from the campground for groups to use.

Coldwater campground is a great place for learning due to its proximity to indoor restrooms and facilities of the Science & Learning Center. Staying in the campground provides a fantastic opportunity to teach people old and young alike how to camp and how to be comfortable camping outdoors in all seasons. For education groups that choose to sleep in the campground, MSHI staff may be available to help with camping 101 basics including tent setup, tips for sleeping outside warmly in the cold, tips for keeping gear dry.

High school group sets up in Coldwater Campground. Photograph by Katya Pallandina, 2021.

Can I combine education time with renting the Science & Learning Center and/or campground?

Yes. Combination rental and education programs are possible. Our overnight Volcano Outdoor School package includes 3 meals per night and 8 hours of education time per night. Some groups that prefer to cook their own meals or camp may decide to rent the facility and hire MSHI education staff to lead educational activities on an hourly basis.

Click here for more information about renting the facility including our rental rates. If you are interested in combining a rental and education program, please let our staff know during the registration process.

Do you offer field trips in winter?

YES the Mount St. Helens Institute does offer snowshoe day field trips to Ape Cave on the south side of Mount St. Helens in the months of February - March.

• We cap winter day trips at 20 participants.
• We do NOT offer any in person field trips at the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center between November and March due to the irregularity of the plowing schedule.
• Learn more about our winter trips on our website and in this slide deck.
• To register for winter trips, complete our non-binding inquiry form and indicate in the comments interest in winter trips.

Photo by Jared Stewart, 2022.

Are you certified as an Outdoor School site?

Yes :) We have received a Seal of Compliance from Outdoor Schools Washington!

This recognizes our continued efforts to support programs that put the safety and well being of our students and staff before all else. Check out our Letter of Assurance to learn more!

Mount St. Helens Institute operates under a special use permit from the US Forest Service and is honored to work on the Traditional Cultural Property, ancestral and present day lands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Mount St. Helens Institute is an equal opportunity provider.

Learn more about the Mount St. Helens Institute and our programs including summer camps, field seminars, and guided hikes at www.mshinstitute.org.