Science and Learning Center at Coldwater
This facility is located at milepost 43 on State Highway 504, approximately 10 miles west of Johnston Ridge Observatory. Overlook the beautiful Coldwater Lake and spectacular views of the valley below, both shaped by the 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens. Walk the short Winds of Change trail (Trail #232), with interpretive displays illustrating the effects of the 1980 lateral blast on plant and animal life. Stop in to get information about exploring the monument, learn about education programs offered, or shop at the bookstore.
Mount St Helens Institute operates under a special use permit in the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater, Visit Mount St Helens Institute for more information.
General Information
Please note: State Route 504 is gated at mile marker 45.2 just passed the Coldwater Lake area and Hummocks trail parking lot due to the May 2023 landslide. Johnston Ridge Observatory and Loowit viewpoint remain closed. For more information on the landslide: South Coldwater Landslide Information
Areas that remain open are: Mount St Helens Science and Learning Center, Coldwater Lake Area, and Hummocks trail parking lot.
2025 Winter Hours: (Approx. November to Mid-December). Open Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
2025 Summer Hours: Open 7 days a week 10 am to 4 pm June 15- Labor Day.
*The gate to the parking lot will be locked daily at 4pm to accommodate overnight field trips that were previously scheduled for the season.
Recreation Passes honored: Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes. Get a Recreation Pass.
Restrictions:
After open hours, Mount St Helens Science and Learning Center at Coldwater building and parking area are not accessible to public. Please visit area like Coldwater Lake Area or Hummocks trail areas which remain open from sunrise to sunset.
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
Day use fee payment options: Cash, Check, Automated Fee Machine, or a valid Recreation Pass.
We love our Bark Rangers as much as anyone but while visiting Mount St Helens here are some tips to how to keep your pets safe while visiting a volcano:
- Pets are allowed on 6ft max leash in surrounding area.
- Pets not allowed inside the Mount St Helens Science and Learning Center. Service animals welcome.
Please be Advised: To keep your pet safe while visiting a volcano, the parking lot at Mount St Helens Science and Learning Center has little to no shade available. Hot temperatures = hot cars in summer months. Please arrange alternative plans for pets when planning on spending time at the Science and Learning Center.
Where to bring your pet while visiting Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument:
A few areas that are better for pets include Coldwater Lake Area (Birth of a lake and Lakes trails) and Hummocks trail. These areas provide more shade and less ash exposure.
Address: 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd. Amboy, WA 98601
Phone: (360) 449-7800
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am - 4:00pm. (Closed Daily: 12:00 - 1pm). Closed: Tuesday and Thursday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.297527
Longitude: -122.265405
Elevation
3100'
Directions
From Castle Rock, WA take State Route 504 east for 42 miles to the Science and Learning Center, just 10 miles west of Johnston Ridge Observatory.
Parking
There is a large Parking busy parking lot with RV parking spots available. (No Hookups available.)
Summer Heat Advisory: To keep your pet safe while visiting a volcano the parking lot at the Mount St Helens Science and Learning center at Coldwater has little to no shade available. Hot temperatures = hot cars during summer months. Please arrange alternative plans for your pet when planning on spending time at the Science and Learning Center.
No parking for Mount Margaret Backcountry: Please do not park at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater for Mount Margaret Back Country access due to gate closure at 4pm. Please park at Coldwater Lake Picnic and Boating Area or Hummocks Trail Parking lot. For more information visit: Mount Margaret Back Country
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Restrooms available to public during open hours 10am-4pm.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Potable water available when Science and Learning during open hours 10am-4pm.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Small number of picnic tables are available during open hours 10am-4pm.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
No horse/pack animals allowed in closure area. View closure area map.
For information on Horse camping and trails view Horse Trail and Camping Information
Find information on nearby Washington State Park Lewis and Clark State Park at:
https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/lewis-clark-state-park.
