Mount St Helens
Press releases
For Immediate Release - January 25th 2012
Volunteers needed - Coldwater Lake Visitor Center
Taking the next big leap into a Science Education Center
Join us for a fun day removing carpets, displays and linoleum. Feb 29th 2012. 10am - 3pm
Potluck lunch provided - bring your own plate/cup/silverware.
RSVP to Kristi Cochrane, 360-274-2117
Official flyer in PDF format here.
For Immediate Release - December 7th 2011
Gifford Pinchot National Forest News
Forest Snow-Parks Offer Winter Recreation
VANCOUVER, WA – The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a winter recreation destination for people from all over the Northwest. There are 17 Sno-Parks on the Forest , each offering its own attractions and activities. For the 2011-12 winter season, visitors should be aware of the latest conditions and access changes.
Mt. Adams Ranger District
Skamania County is contracting out the plowing of the Wind River Highway (Forest Road 30) to provide access north of Carson , WA . Plowing will provide access up the Wind River Highway to Koshko Sno-Park for as long as funding allows.
Koshko Sno-Park is designated for motorized winter recreation access to popular areas on the south end of the Forest via the unplowed Forest Road 30 beyond Koshko. This Sno-Park will be designated for motorized use, but that does not exclude non-motorized recreationists from parking here.
Old Man Pass Sno-Park will remain designated for non-motorized use only. These trails will remain open only to non-motorized use and the parking here will be only for these users. The snow-play area will also be plowed providing access to the sledding hill.
On the east side of the Mt. Adams Ranger District Forest officials report “business as usual.” All Sno-Parks (including Flat Top, Snow King, Pine Side and Atkisson) will remain open and accessible with no changes to use designation or parking.
Mount St. Helens Management Area
Plowing in the Mount St. Helens area will also continue as long as funding allows. Forest Road 90 will be plowed to the Skamania County Fire Prevention District Six building at Northwoods. There will be no parking provided in this area and Curley Creek cut-off road will be closed by snow. This popular Forest driving loop will not be accessible for the 2011-12 winter season
Forest Road 83 accessing Marble Mountain , Cougar and Trail of Two Forests sno-parks will be plowed for the season maintaining access to these popular destinations on the Mount St. Helens area east of the town of Cougar , WA. The Marble Mountain Snow-Shelter was lost to fire and has not yet been replaced (call the Mount St. Helens Headquarters to learn how to donate for a new shelter).Trail of Two Forests parking will continue to be plowed for non-motorized access up FR 8303 to Ape Cave.
Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
Forest Road 25 to Wakepish will be closed beyond the Benham Creek Crossing as of Feb. 1 to all traffic for bridge replacement. This project is slated to be completed in July, 2012. Until that date, and in regards to all other Sno-Parks on the Cowlitz Valley District (Skate Creek, Johnson and Orr Creek), the winter recreation season will be business as usual as soon as sufficient snowfall arrives.
Please Keep in Mind
- Gifford Pinchot Recreation staff reminds Forest users of winter recreation road-closures in effect as of Dec. 1. These closures remain in place even when snow does not hinder automobile access. Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map for details on these and other closures.
- A Washington State (or reciprocal states’) Sno-Park parking pass is required at all Sno-Parks.
- Washington State Sno-Park passes are honored in both Oregon and Idaho , as are those states’ passes in Washington.
- An avalanche preparedness seminar is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 14 in Trout Lake , WA during the Cabin Fever Festival (call the Mt. Adams RD for more information).
- While the popular driving loop over Curley Creek will not be accessible this year, there are still many opportunities for out-and-back drives to beautiful winter scenic areas including the Flattop and Snow King sno-parks north of Trout Lake , up FR 90 to Pine Creek and South from Randle , WA on FR 25 to the Benham Creek Bridge.
The most up-to-date information available on road and Sno-Park conditions is found on the Forest website on the recreation page below the map in our Current Conditions Table
For Immediate Release - October 14th 2011
CASTLE ROCK ALL-HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND BAKE SALE
Shop Early for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Castle Rock, WA- The Castle Rock All-Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale will be held at the Castle Rock Exhibit Hall from 9am to 2pm, Friday October 21st and from 9am to noon on Saturday October 22nd. Admission to the bazaar is free.
Over 20 vendors will offer a great assortment of gift items including scented soaps, quilted items, candles, hand-knit socks, specialty gift baskets, jewelry, Native American art, duct tape wallets, fabric purses, fabric arts and crafts, and much more. In addition to the sale, the Hall will host a bake sale both days. Stop by for a wonderful selection of delicious home-baked treats. Table rental proceeds benefit the Exhibit Hall.
The full press release in PDF format is available here.
For Immediate Release - Sept 21st 2011
Gifford Pinchot National Forest News
Mount St. Helens Welcomes Fall Visitors
VANCOUVER, WA – Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) will close for the winter season at 6:00 p.m., Oct. 30, 2011. However, there is still time to enjoy fine fall weather and colors while experiencing Ranger-led activities, along with everything new and exciting at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Two new movies are the center of a wide array of updates and upgrades to the experience at Mount St. Helens. Johnston Ridge Observatory plays these two new movies regularly throughout the day, enthralling visitors on new dual-projector and surround-sound systems in the auditorium. New interactive displays tell the story of the 1980 eruption and recovery of devastated ecosystems in engaging and exciting ways.
New signs throughout the monument share the story and foster interest in new and repeat visitors alike. Ranger-led interpretive talks entertain and educate visitors at JRO and along the south and east sides at places like Ape Cave and Windy Ridge.
Time is limited, though, to take advantage of these unique and enlightening opportunities this year. Lead Ranger, Cory Wall said this weekend, Sept. 23-25, will be the last opportunity to take part in regular Ranger talks on the south and east sides of the Monument.
“Fall is one of the best times to visit Mount St. Helens. Although Ranger programs and services are limited this time of year, it is an excellent time for the local and returning visitors to take in the extremely dynamic landscape,” said Wall.
The full press release in PDF format is available here.
For Immediate Release - Sept 19th 2011
Tourism Summit and Luncheon 2011
The Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau is hosting a Tourism Summit and Luncheon on Thursday October 20th at the Cowlitz County Regional Conference Center in Longview, WA. All businesses, chambers, cities, ports and tourism stakeholders in Cowlitz County are invited to this event. The schedule will be divided into four parts: starting with networking and tabletop displays from 11am to 12pm, lunch and guest speakers from noon to 1pm, networking and tabletop displays from 1pm to 2pm followed by a strategic planning session from 2pm to 4pm. Guest speaker George Sharp will be talking about the current climate of tourism and how to re-invent you and your business in this market. Mark Plotkin, the Director of the Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau, will be speaking as well about the current and future goals for the Bureau and tourism in our area. The afternoon Strategic Planning session will provide a forum to discuss the strategic vision for tourism in Cowlitz County.
The full press release in PDF format is available here.
For Immediate Release - Sept 19th 2011
Public Lands Day
Join us in celebrating the grandeur of out public lands by volunteering to preserve the trails and facilities that ensure Mount St. Helens is enjoyed by all our citizens! We will clear overgrown vegetation, remove invasive weeds, maintain trails as well as construct construct and maintain facilities on the north side of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Saturday, September 24th, 9.30am. Meet at Coldwater Lake Visitors Center. Continental breakfast and coffee provided.
Barbeque, raffle and awards follow the work at 3.30pm
The full press release in PDF format is available here.
For Immediate Release - July 17th 2011
2011 Adventure Passport - Find Your Adventurous Side at Mount St. Helens
Kelso, WA- The second edition of the Adventure Passport is now available for visitors and locals to learn about places to explore and things to do in the Mount St. Helens region.
In the summer of 2010 the Passport was a new project for the Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau to tie businesses and destinations in the county together. Postcards were sent in from across the nation, nine states overall. The 2011 Adventure Passport has the same overall look as last year. New sections have been added including one on events and festivals and hiking. The pages that cover Castle Rock, Kelso, Longview, Kalama and Woodland have been expanded to include more information on things to do in each city. The challenge is the same, visitors are asked to get a minimum of seven stamps, one from each of the five incorporated cities of Cowlitz County, one from the SR-503/Lewis River Road side and one from the SR-504/Spirit Lake Highway side. At each location visitors will receive a stamp on the flap just inside the back of the passport where they can also fill out their contact information.
The full press release in PDF format is available here.
For Immediate Release - June 7th 2011
Mount St. Helens Institute - Summer 2011 Programs/Field Trips
Buds are blossoming and the sun is beginning to linger a little longer in the sky, which can only mean that summer is around the corner. Do not let rising gas prices cause you to miss the natural wonders of Mount St. Helens. With every rock and tree there is something surprising to learn in this educational paradise. Come explore one of the volcanoes in your backyard with the Mount St. Helens Institute this summer. We are offering a wide variety of hands-on, interactive classes that will take you to new heights and unfamiliar places. Whether you want to climb the mountain with a geologist or go on a botany-backpacking excursion, we have a class for you!
A program of events in PDF format is available here.
For Immediate Release - June 5th 2011
The 7 Wonders Museum welcomes you to its 2011 Tourist Season:
This season the 7 Wonders Museum will call upon experts from local creation organizations, as well as some located at a distance, to show how creation is supported by mathematics, the fossil record, the Missoula Flood geology, cell biology and atmospheric science as well as our emphasis on the geology of Mount St.Helens. Although for the past twelve years all our services have been free, we may need to charge for these events when they require us to provide travel expenses for some of our speakers. To somewhat compensate we will offer appropriate discounts on books or DVD’s related to our subject of the day.
A full newsletter in PDF format is available here.
For Immediate Release - May 25th 2011
Woodland Hot Summer Nights
Woodland Hot Summer Nights. Whether you like to tap your foot or get up and dance to a good beat, find your rhythm during Hot Summer Nights at the Plaza in downtown, sponsored by the Downtown Woodland Revitalization association. Over six Friday nights from early July through August, a live band fills the summer air with music from Latin-inspired beats to rock-n-roll jams.
A poster in PDF format is available here.
For Immediate Release - May 2nd 2011
2011 SEASON KICK-OFF TOUR ON MAY 18TH
The Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau leads a caravan up to Johnston Ridge
Kelso, WA- The Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau will lead a caravan up Spirit Lake Highway/SR-504 on Wednesday May 18th to kick-off the 2011 tourism season and introduce stakeholders, partners, members of the media and locals to the people behind the scenes that make Mount St. Helens a world class destination.
Everyone is invited to join the Tourism Bureau on this half-day trip. Nine scheduled stops are planned along the way starting at the Castle Rock Exhibit Hall followed by the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake, the Seven Wonders Creation Museum, Harry Gardner Park, 19 Mile House, Eco Park Resort, Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center, the Forest Learning Center ending at Johnston Ridge Observatory. Each venue will be hosting a special event or activity including presentations, cobbler and appetizer tastings and new touch-screen exhibits at Johnston Ridge for their first free day of the season.
“The Tourism Bureau wanted to provide the public and its stakeholders with a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the scenes,” said Mark Plotkin, Director of the Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau.
“This tour is the perfect way for people to businesses and business owners who they might otherwise pass by on their way up to Johnston Ridge.”
You may join the caravan at any point in time or travel with the Tourism Bureau from beginning to end. The caravan will stop at each location for about half an hour to enjoy the planned special activity. Most of the locations will extend their special activity or offer throughout the day, call for details.
If you have any questions about the event or have an interest in attending, please contact Megan Wells of the Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau at megan@visitmtsthelens.com or call 360.577.3137.
A full copy of this press release in PDF format is available for download by clicking here
For Immediate Release - March 11th 2011
Woodland Tulip Festival - 1st Annual Tulip Mania 80’s Prom
1st Annual Tulip Mania 80’s Prom event is set to happen at The Oak Tree Restaurant in Woodland, WA
on Saturday April 16th, 2011. Proceeds from the event will go toward an annual Woodland High
School Senior Scholarship and an additional local youth program, which will be based upon an annual
application process. The prom will be a rockin’ revisiting of the awesome 1980’s!
A copy of this press release in PDF format is available for download by clicking here
For Immediate Release - March 9th 2011
9th Annual Woodland Tulip Festival Set for the Month of April
The 9th Annual Woodland Tulip Festival at Holland America Bulb Farms, Inc. in
Woodland, Washington is quickly approaching! The Woodland Tulip Festival is a family
friendly event that occurs the entire month of April. Admission is FREE for all. Special
weekend activities will be April 9th and 10th, 16th and 17th, and 23rd and 24th, in which a
$3.00 per car parking fee applies. The festival and gift shop are open daily during the
month of April 9 to 6. For more information, visit us online at www.habf.net or call us at
(360) 225-4512.
A copy of this press release in PDF format is available for download by clicking here
For Immediate Release - January 20th 2011
Mount St. Helens Institute Seeks Volunteers for All Programs
The Mount St. Helens Institute offers a variety of volunteer opportunities from environmental education to recreation support to trail maintenance and repair and is currently recruiting volunteers for all programs. Are you interested in sharing your knowledge of Mount St. Helens with the community? Contributing your time and skills to a local organization while experiencing the geologic wonders of Mount St Helens? The Mount St. Helens Institute is a wonderful place to broaden your résumé and life experiences while enjoying outdoor adventures with others who share your love of nature.
Since 2000, the Mount St. Helens Institute has organized hundreds of volunteers and events to help keep our public lands safe, clean, and enjoyable for all. Volunteers at Mount St. Helens are part of a world class team of people who may help by educating the public, climbing the volcano, visiting local schools, maintaining trails and facilities, monitoring camp grounds, and so much more. There are opportunities for people of all ability levels and ages to help for a day, a weekend, or a season.
A copy of the full press release is available in word format by clicking here
For Immediate Release - October 6th 2010
Cowlitz County Regional Business Expo 2011
First Annual County-Wide Business to Business Event
Kelso, WA- The Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau and the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce are partnering to produce the first annual Cowlitz County Regional Business Expo on February 25, 2011 at the Cowlitz County Regional Conference Center in Longview, WA.
All businesses, chambers, cities and ports in Cowlitz County are invited to this one day business-to-business event. During the day, attendees will have the opportunity to network with other businesses and share information about their products and services. Following the Business Expo will be an afterhours reception for attendees and their guests. A committee of professionals has formed for monthly meetings to plan and create the Business Expo. One of the goals for the committee is to energize the business community of Cowlitz County to form sustainable partnerships and encourage this event as an annual networking opportunity. The mission of the Regional Expo is to bring together the businesses, chambers, cities and ports of Cowlitz County to provide a business to business networking event that will reach across city lines and create a unified future for local commerce.
“I believe that this is a very positive event and will give the smaller businesses in town a chance to market to a larger audience. This is the first time something like this has been available and I’m excited about the opportunities this event will provide,” commented Brad Whittaker, President of the Kalama Chamber of Commerce.
Packages for booths and tables will be available for businesses to purchase along with varying levels of sponsorships starting on Monday November 1, 2010. Stakeholders and Chamber members from all five incorporated cities will receive a member discount; an additional discount will be given to those who sign up during the month of November. A Business Expo website will also be available at that time for businesses to purchase packages online, download important documents and receive any updates.
If you have any questions about the event or have an interest in attending, please contact Megan Wells of the Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau at megan@visitmtsthelens.com or call 360.577.3137.
A copy of this press release in PDF format is available for download by clicking here
For Immediate Release - October 6th 2010
Early Years of Computing in Cowlitz County…
The People and Their Computers
This Thursday, October 7th – 7:00 PM. Cowlitz County Historical Museum
Retired L.C.C. professor Alan Howard leads a panel of early local computer professionals, which include Bob Andrew (Port Longview), Darlene Wall deVida (Cowlitz County & LCC), Don Tikka (Cowlitz County), and Jim Elliott (Longview Publishing) in an open discussion to:
- Reveal the scope of early computing in the County (roughly the 1950s through the 1970s).
- Experience what working in a computer shop was like during that era.
- Document the people involved and the equipment they used.
Several other local early computer “pioneers” are expected to be in attendance and join in the discussions.
A very special treat - Dennis Weber will present excerpts from his father John Weber’s accounts of his early years with IBM installing and servicing local computing equipment. John is considered the patriarch of local computer tech support professionals.
During certain times in the late 1960’s and early 70’s, Cowlitz County enjoyed the reputation of having the most computers per capita in the U.S. We hope you can attend this unique event and get a glimpse of what it was like working with these physically huge, horribly expensive, and often mysterious machines.
A copy of this press release in PDF format is available for download by clicking here