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Weather
Weather
Weather can be variable up on the mountain and not all groups get to see the mountain while visiting Mount St. Helens. Temperatures can be much cooler than in the lowlands. Please dress in layers and bring rain gear. Check the weather forecast here!
What amenities are there?
What amenities are there?
Our facility, the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center at Coldwater, is a repurposed Forest Service visitors center. Some of our amenities include:
Separate designated male and female restrooms
A single-stall gender neutral restroom
A small theater with seating for 24
Two designated sleeping areas
Multiple gathering areas
A commercial kitchen with a large dining room
A fully stocked area for groups to make art or play board games
There are NO SHOWERS at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater.
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.
Main Pavilion
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
The southeast facing deck seating offers fantastic views of Mount St. Helens and Coldwater Lake.
The seating capacity is for up to 40 people outdoors.
Indoor Dining Area
The indoor dining area has full length floor to ceiling window views of Mount St. Helens.
Seating capacity for up to 60 people indoors, with additional tables and chairs available by request.
Buffet Style Meals
We serve buffet style meals at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater. We strive to accommodate dietary needs while providing healthy options for all to enjoy.
Indoor Sleeping Areas
We have 2 indoor sleeping areas. One with 16 bunk beds and another with 10 regular beds, plus 15 portable cots.
Sleeping gear may be set up in other areas in the building and on the deck upon request.
Theater
The theater contains 24 seats, a built-in projector and hookup to a DVD player. 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.
Trails
There is access to many different trails including a 1/4 mile paved ADA accessible loop trail with views of Mount St. Helens and the Toutle Valley.
The Elk Bench trail leads to Coldwater Lake and connects with trails to Coldwater Peak, Johnston Ridge and the Mount Margaret Backcountry.
Is there cell phone reception and access to Wi-Fi?
Is there cell phone reception and access to Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available for groups to use at the Science & Learning Center building. The password is provided to groups upon arrival.
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 I-5. Please plan accordingly by reviewing and downloading driving directions in advance of your trip. There is a landline at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater which is available for emergencies.
What will we eat ?
What will we eat ?
We provide healthy meals with a variety of options to accommodate dietary restrictions and picky eaters. Review a sample menu of meals provided at the Science & Learning Center. If there are complicated dietary restrictions, please email us at learn@mshinstitute.org.
How do you manage risk in remote locations?
How do you manage risk in remote locations?
Our programs take place in places that are several hours from a hospital and definitive medical care. Each field site has an emergency response plan and each day 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 Wi-Fi at the Science & Learning Center and landline phones that are used to call for emergency help. In areas outside of Wi-Fi signal or cell phone coverage, MSHI staff will carry a radio to connect with the U.S. Forest Service Dispatch. We have first aid equipment available on site, and our educators carry first aid kits when we are in the field.
What is the role of Institute staff during an education program?
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 of your overnight trip. Groups & chaperones are responsible for supervision and direction 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.
Footprint of the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater
How is it sharing the space with the Forest Service ?
How is it sharing the space with the Forest Service ?
With Johnston Ridge being closed due to a landslide, we are sharing the Science and Learning Center with the Forest Service. The building will be open to the public 10AM - 4PM daily starting in mid May, with public having access to the main pavilion, entry way, restrooms, store, deck and theater only. A locked gate secures the area from 4PM - 10AM daily.
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