Field Seminars

Since 2000, our field seminars have helped educate hundreds of people about the wild wonders of Mount St. Helens. We’ve taken people exploring on the Pumice Plain, led them to the volcano’s summit, showed them the stars, and shared with them the history of the eruption and how it changed the land. Our seminars are taught by highly experienced instructors who are passionate about their topic and eager to share their knowledge with the public. Seminars are open to all ages. Youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Individual fitness test

Difficulty rating

Program Policies

2019 SESSIONS

Awesome Hike - multiple dates

Distance:

10 miles

Elevation Gain: 2000 ft (loss 3700 ft)

Meeting Location: Johnston Ridge Observatory

Difficulty: Strenuous

Minimum Age: 12+ (minors must be accompanied by adult)

Tuition: $82

Perhaps the most spectacular trail system in the Mount St. Helens area, this challenging 10 mile hike from Johnston Ridge Observatory winds through the heart of the blast zone in the Mount Margaret Backcountry, past Coldwater Peak, and along south Coldwater Ridge. You’ll see spectacular wildflower displays, stunning views of St. Helens Lake and Spirit Lake, and twisted logging equipment: all reminders of the destructive and renewing powers of this great volcano. And at the end of the day, we’ll shuttle the group back to Johnston Ridge from Coldwater Lake. Guided by the Mount St. Helens Institute complete with geology and biology lessons, this will be a day you won’t soon forget!