Mount St. Helens Visitor Center

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center opened its doors to the public a few years after the monumental eruption of Mount St. Helens. Functioning as a gateway to the mountain, over 30 miles away, our goal is to educate visitors on the historical significance of the landscape before and during the eruption. We also focus on the resulting impact on nearby ecosystems. Our vantage point offers a view of the Western slope of the mountain, visible from both our center and walking trail.

This unique building features expansive windows providing a glimpse of towering second-growth forest all around. A high archway and elaborately carved wooden columns contribute to the feeling of magnificence. Inside, visitors can enjoy a variety of interpretive displays that include comprehensive information on local history, geology, and re-growth and recovery of the land in the years immediately after the eruption.

Displays include:

  • Large, step-in model of the volcano
  • Life-size mannequins
  • functioning seismograph and live feed of current Mount St. Helens volcano seismicity
  • Chronological timeline of events leading up to the volcanic blast on May 18, 1980
  • Theater program offered twice an hour; at :05 and :35 after.

Outdoors, visitors can explore Silver Lake along the 0.6 mile-long trail, including boardwalks over the wetland where a variety of aquatic plants and migratory waterfowl can be viewed at different times of the year.

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Hours

March 1 - May 15, open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 16 - Sept. 15, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sept. 16 - Oct. 31, open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28, open Thursday through Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The center is closed in observance of the following holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents' Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving and the Friday after
  • Christmas

Admission>

Admission prices for the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake are:

  • Ages 6 and younger: Free
  • Ages 7 to 17: $2.50
  • Ages 18 and older: $5
  • Family: $15 (two adults plus accompanying children)
  • Tour groups: $165 per bus

The following State Parks passes are honored at the Silver Lake Visitor Center:

  • Senior limited-income: Half price
  • Disabled pass: Half price
  • Disabled veterans' pass: Free admission

Educational groups

There is no admission charge for educational groups kindergarten through university, if pre-registered, and if completing an assignment during their visit related to the science and history of the area.

To register a school group for a visit, teachers need to complete the group registration form (PDF) and return it via email to the park staff. Upon approval, a confirmation email will be sent. Teachers may schedule park ranger guided programs and talks at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center or in the classroom. For more information, call 360-274-0962.

For sample curriculum, ideas and activities in preparation for your visit refer to the links below:

Nearby visitor centers

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake is one of several Interpretive Centers located on the Spirit Lake Highway with information about the volcano. The Forest Learning Center, operated by Weyerhaeuser is located at milepost 37. The Science Learning Center, operated by the Mount St. Helens Institute is at milepost 43. The Johnston Ridge Observatory, operated by the U.S. Forest Service is at milepost 52, for more information about their facility please visit the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument site. For field trip planning, visit their Teacher's Corner page.