A series of events will mark the 35-year anniversary of the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens and kick off the visitor season at the volcano.
“It’s A Blast,” the gathering that coincides with the opening day at Johnston Ridge Observatory, will offer a range of activities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Admission is $8 for adults, free for kids, and the proceeds benefit the nonprofit Mount St. Helens Institute.
On Sunday, May 17, a free event at the nearby Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center will feature talks by people who witnessed or were affected by the 1980 eruption. The event continues from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Monday, May 18, U.S. Forest Service officials will gather at 10:30 a.m. at the Science and Learning Center for a free ceremony commemorating the eruption. Starting at noon, presentations and hands-on activities will detail science and discoveries at Mount St. Helens since 1980.
Johnston Ridge Observatory is at the east end of state Highway 504, east of Castle Rock. The Science and Learning Center is located along the same highway near Coldwater Lake. Both facilities sit to the north of the volcano.
