Newly Renovated the Mt St Helens Visitor Center is a world-class facility located on the western shore of Silver Lake. With its high ceilings and massive windows, the outdoors becomes a part of the architecture. Your senses will come alive as you enjoy the interactive exhibits, a step-in model of the volcano and theater programs that are offered twice an hour. Outside, a mile-long trail takes you into marshy plains surrounding Silver Lake where you can see waterfowl and a picture-perfect view of the mountain.
Make sure to take in one of the comprehensive presentations on the historical and cultural significance of the area. View exhibits showing the chronology of events leading up to the eruption and see the working seismograph. On your trip to Mount St. Helens, Silver Lake Visitor Center is the closest to I-5.
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.
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.
Hours of Operation
Summer: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Winter: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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: $200 per bus
Castle Rock, WA 98611
Mile Marker 5
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.
Toutle, WA 98649
Mile Marker 43
Toutle Motorsports Park has both MX tracks and a drag strip.
MX - Toutle Motorsports Park 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.
Practice starts at 9 am and ends at 4 pm. The cost is $40 per rider/River Track, and $20 per rider/Peewee Track. Camping fee is $10 and Gate fee for races is usually $10 per person.
Toutle, WA 98649