Programs
Education
Journey Up the Toutle: a Day of History and Nature at Mount St. Helens
Instructors: Christine Colasurdo
July 15
Join Christine Colasurdo, author of Return to Spirit Lake, on a horizon-widening day trip up the Toutle River. We’ll explore three visitor centers, hike easy trails, and gain an understanding of how the Toutle River valley was shaped by the volcano. In 1980, a tremendous mudflow surged down from Mount St. Helens and wiped out every bridge and road—including the Spirit Lake Highway—in its path. We’ll travel up the new highway, which is now 19 years old. We’ll also learn about the valley’s human history and end the day with the amazing view of the crater from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. We’ll meet at the Silver Lake Visitor center- from there, transportation will provided up to Johnston Ridge Observatory and back to Silver Lake at the end of the day, with a stop for dinner at the 19 Mile House (participants purchase their own food and berverage).
Make-or-Break Date: July 1
Meeting Time: 9:30 am
Meeting Place: Mount St. Helens Vistor Center at Silver Lake, just a few miles east of Castle Rock, WA on SR 504.
Hike Level: Easy
Requirements:Participants should be in decent shape and able to hike a couple miles on trail. Gear Requirements
Fee: $50 (of which $20 is a tax-deductible contribution to the Institute)
Limit: 20
Details will be e-mailed to participants on the “make-or-break” date.
