The Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, located near Mt St Helens, is a hub for education and research focused on volcanic activity and ecological recovery. Established in collaboration with the US Forest Service and the Mt St Helens Institute (MSHI), the center sits within view of the volcano's dramatic crater, offering a unique vantage point for studying the aftermath of the 1980 eruption.

Originally built as the Coldwater Ridge Visitor center, it was repurposed into the Science and Learning Center to support filed based learning and scientific inquiry. It hosts school programs, workshops and research initiatives, serving students, educators, and scientists alike. The center provides hands-on opportunities to explore geology, ecology and resilience of nature systems in one of the most studied volcanic landscapes in the world.

Fall/Winter Hours
Now open Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm - Due to the government shutdown, the Science and Learning Center is temporarily closed.

Winter Hours:  2026 Schedule Hours: 10 am to 4 pm - Saturday & Sundays

• Open Saturday May 18th for the 46th Anniversary Weekend
• 2026 Summer Hours: Open on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) 10 am to 4 pm until June 14th
• From June 15 through Labor Day, the visitor center will be open 7 days a week 10 am to 4 pm.