Park rangers lead Mount St. Helens programs

State park rangers are leading a series of programs, including some that focus on the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, at two adjacent sites just east of Interstate 5 near Castle Rock.

The summer programs are at Seaquest State Park and the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, 3029 Spirit Lake Highway, about 6 miles east of Castle Rock.

Programs include ranger talks about the history of the area and the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens; guided hikes in the nearby wetlands; and Junior Ranger evening activities. The sites are part of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

• Mount St. Helens-focused presentations:

Meet at the lower viewing area beside the visitor center. These programs last approximately 15 to 20 minutes and introduce visitors to the ecology, history, Native American culture and 1980 eruption sequence of the most active volcano in the Cascade Mountain Range (all ages).

Spring schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., May 27, 28 and 29.

Summer schedule (June July and August): Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.; Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

• Guided wetland hikes:

Meet in front of the visitor center. These hikes last approximately 45 minutes and introduce visitors to the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake, created from a Mount St. Helens eruption thousands of years ago. Join rangers to discover the flora and fauna of this unique habitat. Expect to spot birds and view Mount St. Helens. This walk is on a flat boardwalk and gravel trail, with an easy pace.

Spring schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 2 p.m., May 27, 28 and 29.

Summer schedule (June, July and August): Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 2 p.m.

• Junior Ranger evening programs:

Junior Ranger programs take place at 7 p.m. at the Seaquest State Park amphitheater on Friday and Saturdays throughout June, July and August. These family-friendly evening programs are geared toward all ages and last about 45 minutes. Rangers will offer a brief educational lesson on the flora and fauna of the Mount St. Helens area and provide an interactive accompanying craft or activity. Topics will vary throughout the summer.

All programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, staffing availability and attendance levels. Program information is advertised daily on the visitor center front bulletin.

Programs are included in visitor center admission. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2.50 for ages 7 to 17; $5 for ages 18 and older; $15 for families (two adults plus accompanying children) and free for children age 6 or younger. Donations are welcome.

For more information about the ranger programs, contact Alysa Adams, parks interpretive specialist, 360-274-0962 or alysa.adams@parks.wa.gov. Learn more about the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center: http://parks.state.wa.us/245/Mount-St-Helens