Admission is always FREE!

Plan a 60-90 minute visit to the Forest Learning Center at Mount St. Helens.
The Forest Learning Center showcases remarkable volcano and forestry exhibits (updated in 2020!), a new playground, picnic tables, a gift shop, wildlife viewing and rest area facilities. It is located inside the blast zone on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, 19 miles before Johnston Ridge Observatory.
Experience the story of Mount St. Helens and the recovery of forests, fish and wildlife following the eruption. Walk through the forest, hearing the sounds of the birds and animals on the mountain prior to May 18, 1980. Enter the “eruption chamber” to view an astounding video of what the forest looked like immediately after the eruption. Hear a first-hand report from a local newscaster who barely escaped. Breathtaking photographs and life-size models of loggers working in the blast zone bring the experience to life. The Forest Learning Center tells the story from nature’s perspective and gives a hands-on approach to learning in the Discovery Room where families can touch lava rocks, learn about the animals of the Pacific Northwest, and discover how trees grow.
Groups larger than 25 people are kindly asked to make reservations at least two weeks in advance by calling the Exhibit Reservation Message Number below. School field trip information is available on the website link.
The Forest Learning Center is a partnership of Weyerhaeuser, Washington State Department of Transportation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Location: 33.5 miles from I-5, approximately a 40 minute drive east of Castle Rock, Washington.
Directions:
From Interstate 5 in Western Washington, take Exit 49 and continue east on Highway 504 to Milepost 33. The Forest Learning Center is located at 17000 Spirit Lake Highway, Toutle, WA. Please watch for wildlife on roadways.

Exhibits & Gift Shop - Re-Opening Spring 2023

Exhibit Reservation Message Number 360.414.3439
(Please leave a voicemail for groups larger than 25 people;
calls will be returned within 1-2 business days during regular operating season)

Located at the end of State Highway 504 (52 miles east of Castle Rock), in the heart of the blast zone. The observatory hosts interpretive displays that tell the biological, geological, and human story of Mount St. Helens. Visitors to Johnston Ridge Observatory can enjoy multiple award-winning films, listen to ranger talks, observe the landscape, purchase souvenirs, set off on a hike, or get a light lunch from the food cart.

Check out the annual summer Music on the Mountain series held throughout summer at the Johnston Ridge Observatory outdoor amphitheater (in partnership with Mount St. Helens Institute).

Exhibits - Re-Opening Spring 2023

Riverdale Raceway has both MX tracks and a drag strip.

MX - Riverdale Raceway has six outdoor motocross tracks that run year-round. On the west end there is a modern main track, a vintage track, an arena style track, a sand track, and a 50's track. On the east end across from the drag strip is a big track that is vintage, beginner, and junior friendly.

All levels of riders from kids on 50cc bikes to experienced riders will find our tracks both fun and challenging! We run an open practice without classes so you can get as much ride time as you want.

Since we are a year-round track, we are open every weekend except for extreme weather conditions or if there is an event which uses the whole property. We will post any changes on our Facebook page or website news. We also send out emails. If you would like to receive emails, see our sign-up link.

Practice starts at 9 am and ends at 4 pm.  The cost is $30 per rider. Camping is free if you ride, and there is no cost to spectators during practice. Gate fee for races is usually $10 per person. We are CASH ONLY.

If you would like to practice during the week, please call Dan at 360-749-1170.