FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Science & Learning Center Facility Rental
What programs and services are available from the Mount St. Helens Institute?
The Mount St. Helens Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides educational services and rental opportunities at Mount St. Helens. We operate in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service but offer different services and are not the same as the U.S. Forest Service though we are located in the same area. Read more about our rental opportunities and view our prices on our rental website page. An overview of services that we provide include:
- Rent the Science & Learning Center facility :
- Day and overnight rental options - flat fee rate for both options, see our website for current rates
- Availability: May - October
- Hours: Check in at 4PM on arrival day and checkout at 10 AM on departure day
- Overnight rentals that last multiple days are required to pay the day rental fee for days within the rental period. Example: a program from Friday - Sunday would pay 2 overnight fees and 1 day rental fee.
- Meal add-on: Meal add ons are available. Fees are listed on our website. We charge a flat fee per person per meal.
- Notes about our facility amenities are in sections below
- Rent the Coldwater Campground
- Day and overnight rental options- flat fee rate for both options, see our website for current rates
- Overnight rentals that last multiple days are required to pay the day rental fee for days within the rental period. Example: a program from Friday - Sunday would pay 2 overnight fees and 1 day rental fee.
- Availability: May - October
- Hours: check in at 4PM on arrival day and checkout at 10 AM on departure day
- Meal add-on: Meal add ons are available. Fees are listed on our website. We charge a flat fee per person per meal.
- Notes about our campground amenities are in sections below
- Combination rental and Outdoor school program
- Rental groups have the option of paying for our education staff to lead educational activities for a period of time (such as 2 hours) . We charge a fee per person per hour for education time. There is a minimum for small groups.
Are you an education or school group? Consider our Volcano Outdoor School program which may include lodging and meals at the Science & Learning Center.
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.
Watch this video for a tour of the Science & Learning Center facility and campground!
What makes 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.
Below, a photo of the atrium space with our welcome and orientation and schedule board and meeting space.
How do you currently share the Science & Learning Center with the U.S. Forest Service?
Between 10 AM and 4 PM daily (7 days a week) the gate to the parking lot, facility grounds and indoor atrium of the Science & Learning Center is open to the public as a visitor portal run by the U.S. Forest Service Ranger staff. The wings of the facility will be 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. The dining area, kitchen and campground remain completely separate from the public and are only for our programs.
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.
What does renting the Science & Learning Center include?
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.
Building exterior & volcano | The Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center is located on a ridge less than 10 miles from the crater of the volcano with fantastic views and access to a network of hiking trails in the area. The facility is behind a locked gate and is not open to the public. | |
Main pavilion & atrium | The main entry and pavilion space contains floor to ceiling glass walls and on clear days offers spectacular views of Mount St. Helens. This provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for gathering and special events. Indoor gathering space for up to 100 people for lectures, music, and other events. | |
Outdoor dining area | Southeast facing deck seating offers fantastic views of Mount St. Helens and Coldwater Lake. Seating capacity for up to 40 people indoors. Additional tables and chairs are available (~8 folding tables, ~ 50 chairs). | |
Indoor dining area | Indoor dining area with fantastic full length floor to ceiling window view of Mount St. Helens. Seating capacity for up to 60 people indoors. Additional tables and chairs are available (~8 folding tables, ~ 50 chairs). Groups are responsible for resetting the facility to the state in which it was when they arrived at the end of their stay. | |
Buffet line | Buffet line for meal service including warming trays, warming oven, sneeze guards, and buffet cooler. Full commercial kitchen with service utensils, plates, bowls and cups for service of up to 100 people available. | |
Commercial kitchen | Full commercial kitchen including: 6 burner stove top, 2 ovens including one convection oven, a walk in refrigerator, large coffee maker, commercial dishwasher, stainless steel counters, 3 basin sinks, griddle, and food warmer. Kitchen rentals include full access to appliances and kitchen tools. | |
Large conference room | Conference room with 75% window lined walls offering fantastic views of Mount St. Helens. Contains modular chairs & tables, seating for 40, and a built in projector screen. MSHI staff can provide a projector upon request and associated cables (including USBC>HDMI). Built-in projector and foldable chairs and tables of different sizes makes a versatile space used for trainings, meetings and other gatherings. Tables and folding chairs for seating of up to 60 people are available for groups to use. For questions about details of AV setup, please contact staff in advance of your program. | |
Theater | Theater contains 24 seats, a built-in projector and hookup to DVD player and is ideal for lectures or for showing films. The 20 minute long visitors center film “This Place in Time” about the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is available for groups as well as a collection of DVDs including Planet Earth. | |
Indoor sleeping areas: bunk room | Bunk room contains 16 bunk beds. Indoor overnight accommodations include 26 beds + 15 cots in two separate sleeping areas. Sleeping gear may be set up in other areas in the building and on the deck upon request. | |
Indoor sleeping area: conference room | Large conference room with 75% window lined walls offering fantastic views of Mount St. Helens. During the outdoor school season, this room is converted to a sleeping area with 11 beds and ~15 modular cots and air mattresses that can be arranged based on group needs. | |
View from deck | Large south facing wrap-around deck around the entire building provides amazing views of Coldwater Lake, Mount St. Helens, and the Toutle Valley. Deck includes tables and chairs that seat ~ 40 people and interpretive panels that speak about how the eruption shaped the landscape. | |
Trail access | A 1/4 mile paved loop ADA accessible trail leads from the parking lot with views of Mount St. Helens and the Toutle Valley. From the Coldwater campground area, the Elk Bench trail leads to Coldwater Lake and connects with trails to Coldwater Peak, Johnston Ridge and the Mount Margaret Backcountry. | |
Coldwater campground | The campground is available for groups to stay separate from the indoor lodging or in combination. The campground contains 33 tent pads, average 10’x10’ in size. Campground is located on a ridge above Coldwater Lake and offers stunning views of Mount St. Helens and Coldwater Lake. Wildflowers abound in June and July. |
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
- ~ 44 mile loop from Johnston Ridge around the Loowit trail and back
- ~ 24 mile loop from Johnston Ridge through the Mount Margaret backcountry
Aerial view at sunrise of the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center. Photo credit: Backcountry Rise 2021.
What is the capacity of your facility?
- Indoor capacity is 100 people for day use.
- Overnight capacity is 40 people sleeping indoors.
- Coldwater campground has 40 tent pad sites.
- With additional space in the campground and parking lot the facility can host groups of up to 300 people.
What type of resources do you have for educational groups or others to use independently of MSHI staff?
- Large whiteboards: The 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 costume supplies in >5 large bins.
- 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 type of indoor lodging is available for overnight rentals?
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.
The Science & Learning Center is a large facility with a total of 26 beds and 15 additional cots that can sleep people indoors. Sleeping areas are located within the exhibit halls and rooms of the repurposed visitors center.
There are two separate sleeping areas: one room with bunk beds that sleeps 12 and a separate room with 12 beds. Cots are available and can be set up in the sleeping areas or other spaces around the building to accommodate up to 15 more people sleeping indoors.
Groups are welcome to move beds and cots within the facility as long as the facility is returned to the way it was found.
Below: a diagram of the Science & Learning Center facility footprint, annotated to show sleeping areas.
What is the difference between renting the facility and renting the campground?
There is a different pricing structure for renting the Science & Education Center facility and the Coldwater Campground. Groups can choose to combine renting both areas or one or the other. Coldwater Campground rentals do not include access to the indoor commercial kitchen or dining area.
Is there wifi available?
Yes, Wifi is available for groups to use at the Science & Learning Center. The password is provided to groups upon arrival. It is up to group leaders whether they want to share Wifi information with all group participants. Note that there is NOT cell phone reception or internet outside of the Science & Learning Center building, on our campus nor roads or trailheads in the area.
Is there cell phone reception?
There is NOT 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.
What are the driving conditions to access the facility?
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.
Rental of the Science & Learning Center for Backcountry Rise running group, 2021. Photograph credit: Jeremy Long.
What is the length of your season for facility rentals?
Our season for rental is late April - late October.
What are cancellation & other program policies?
Review our cancellation and other program policies on our website at this link HERE.
What cleaning am I expected to do during my rental?
As a rental group your group is responsible for all cleaning during the program. A cleaning checklist is provided at the start of your rental and cleaning supplies and instructions provided by staff. A staff member will check out the group at the end of the rental to ensure the facility is cleaned to the stated requirements. Groups are responsible for taking out their recycling. There is a recycling facility in Toutle WA, 30 miles towards I5 that takes cardboard, tin and aluminum. Plastic and glass recycling is not available in Toutle and must be taken to larger municipalities.
Who is responsible for setup and breakdown after a program?
MSHI staff are not responsible for setup or breakdown after a program to alter the facility in any way that is needed for a group to rent. Groups can schedule MSHI staff at least 2 weeks in advance of their program (charged at a flat fee per hour) for specific tasks such as setting up table and chairs, and other tasks.
What supplies are available for my rental to use?
Supplies such as office supplies, kitchen supplies are NOT included in rentals. All utensils and appliances in the commercial kitchen are available for groups to use (see list in this document of available items) for any group that is renting the kitchen facility. Supplies that are available at the facility but are not available for rental groups to use include:
- office supplies
- printer & copier
Are there areas of the facility and grounds that are not open to my group during my rental of the facility?
There are areas in our facility that are off-limits to rental groups including the offices, basement and possibly more areas depending on the season of the rental.
Am I responsible for removing trash, compost and recycling?
YES. Groups are responsible for removing all trash, compost and recycling from the facility at the end of their rental. We operate in a remote area and these amenities are not available onsite at our facility.
- Trash: Please bag all trash and place it in the area directed by staff during rental orientation (likely the loading dock behind the kitchen).
- Recycling: We encourage groups to recycle following the guidelines posted in our facility. Groups are responsible for taking recycling with them. A public recycling facility is available for cardboard, tin and aluminum recycling in Toutle Washington.
- Compost: We encourage groups to compost. Groups are responsible to take compost with them.
What is the role of Institute staff during a rental?
A host will be either on the premises or nearby & on-call during your rental period to answer any questions you may have. Upon your arrival, your host will check you in and take you on a tour of the facility, which will include information about safety gear and protocols, instruction on how to use the equipment in the facility, cleaning protocols and more.
The Science & Learning Center facility with a view of Mount St. Helens in background. Photo by Jared Stewart, Mount St. Helens Institute staff, 2021.
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? 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 in the campground area and parking lot for overnight groups.
Photo by Monika Leopold, Brunton USA, 2022.
What amenities are available in the 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:
- 33 campsites/tent pads (average size 10’ x 10’ flattened pad area)
- Campsites are simple, rustic (gravel/dirt) flat areas that are 10' x 10'.
- 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.
Photo by Gina Roberti, May 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.
Can we pay for meals during our rental?
Depending on availability our kitchen staff may be able to provide meals for rental groups. Details about meal prices are in the quote & invoice documents. Availability is based upon request. Inquire during the registration process whether our kitchen staff can provide meals to your group.
Starting in 2025:
- We charge an additional fee for any group using the commercial kitchen.
- We have a set of commercial kitchen use requirements for groups.
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. Review a sample menu of meals provided at the Science & Learning Center. If there are complicated dietary restrictions, often our cook staff will call the group leader to discuss and plan the menu.
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.
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.
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. Our dining hall serves meals in a buffet style where multiple options are presented. Our kitchen cannot guarantee that any food we serve is allergen free and we encourage participants with severe allergies to bring their own food. We do our best to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. We have microwaves and refrigerator space available for any participants that want to bring their own food.
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.
Do you have showers? How are the restroom facilities?
There are NO showers at the Science & Learning Center. The facility has two 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 may use indoor restrooms based on availability of the facility.
Are drones allowed? Are permits required to professionally film footage during my trip?
The Mount St. Helens Institute does not require any permits for filming. There are regulations for drones in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Our facility is located in the boundaries of the National Volcanic Monument.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Drone Regulations
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Passes & Permits for commercial filming and photography
What else can I do before or after my trip to Mount St. Helens?
There is so much to explore and learn in the landscape around Mount St. Helens. Explore our interactive Google map of Attractions & Amenities around Mount St. Helens to plan your trip.
Are there educational resources to support my trip to Mount St. Helens?
Yes! Rental groups may pay for education programming add-ons at the cost listed on our Science & Learning Center rentals page. Education programming for rental groups is customized based on request and availability of staff. Inquire with staff for more information.
For education groups, consider our Volcano Outdoor School package which includes lodging and meals at the Science & Learning Center. Schools in Washington State bringing 5th and 6th grade students may be eligible for education and meal reimbursement through Washington State Funding for Overnight Outdoor School.
Is financial assistance available for rental groups?
Financial assistance is NOT currently available for rental groups. Financial assistance is available for education groups such as school groups and youth serving organizations. Some education groups may choose to do a combination rental and education program. Contact our staff with questions about whether your group may qualify. Visit our Financial Assistance page to apply and for more information about our financial assistance policies.
What public visitors centers are available to visit 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 Institute Science & Learning Center at Coldwater - Register through the Mount St. Helens Institute
- School groups can visit the Science & Learning Center Coldwater Ridge Visitors Center which is open 10AM - 4PM 7 days a week from June - November and on weekends November - June. Please contact the U.S. Forest Service staff with questions.
- 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.
Is the U.S. Forest Service Johnston Ridge Observatory Visitors Center open?
Yes! 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. Please contact the U.S. Forest Service with questions.
Can I serve alcohol during my rental?
Yes, banquet permits are REQUIRED for our programs which operate on Federal public lands. Apply for a banquet permit.
Are special use permits required for activities in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument?
Yes! Obtain Special Use Permits for restricted activities within Gifford Pinchot National Forest and/or Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, such as off-trail travel, drone use, collection of natural materials, or any and all commercial activities. The majority of our programs operate within a No Drone Zone.
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.