Mount St. Helens Institute's

                     2008 Field Seminars

Guided Climbs

July 3, July 11, July 17, July 25,

August 1, August 7, August 15

Guided climbs to the crater rim are offered on Thursdays and Friday through July and August.  Guides are trained in recreation and geology and will provide your permit.  Trips begin at Climber's Bivouac at 6:00 am.  Limited to 10 guests and must be over 14 years old. 

June 7, 2008

Spring Birding with the Vancouver Audubon Society, Led by Arden Hagen

Mount St. Helens in home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.  Join us for a hike on the Hummocks Trail to explore springtime bird activity.  Guided by Arden Hagen, President of the Vancouver Audubon Society, participants can expect to witness generous birding activity. 

June 28, 2008

Mount St. Helens Geology from on High

A Geologist-Guided Climb to the Crater Rim

Dr. Larry Mastin SOLD OUT!

Mount St. Helens, the most active volcano in the continental US, is a stratovolcano built of a multitude of various structural layers composed of lava flows, pyroclastic rock debris, and ash, with a variavble cover of snow and ice. On this climb, guided by geologist, Dr. Larry Mastin, we will examine volcanic rocks and deposits of various types, and have a close up view into the crater, which exposes the inner core of the volcano. 

July 20, 2008

Mount St. Helens:  Life Returns to the Heart of the Blast Zone

A Biologist Guided Exploration of the Pumice Plains and the Developing Ecosystem North of the Crater

Dr. John Bishop

Hike from Windy Ridge to the Pumice Plains for a look at ecosystem development on Mount St. Helens' most devastated landscape.  The Pumice Plain is where all life was buried by the massive landslide/debris avalanche and then sterilized by fiery pyroclastic flows.  This seminar will examine rapidly changing geological and biological features from a scientific viewpoint.  Combine this with the photography workshop on July 19 for a full weekend event.  Camping is available.

August 2-3

Mount St. Helens:  Stargazing Spectacular

Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers SOLD OUT!

This informal field seminar will offer a great camp-out opportunity on the northeast side of Mount St. Helens where light polution is minimal.  On this new moon night, we expect to be awed by the heavens above Mount St. Helens.  This event is open to families, kids under 8 are free.  MSHI will provide evening campfire activties including stories and s'mores. Volunteers with the Conservation Corps project on August 2 will be admitted at no cost.

August 9

Mount Hood's Growing and Shrinking Glaciers

Dr. Andrew Fountain

Mt. Hood is home to some of our area's most interesting glaciers and Dr. Andrew Fountain is the perfect person to lead you on a tour of these fascinating geologic features.  Join us for a hike to Elliot Glacier where Dr. Fountain will explain glacier growth and behavior.  Stop at the Elliot Brewhaus to get a great view and a little refreshment as well.

August 23 SOLD OUT!

Mount St. Helens: Geology from on High

A Geologist-Guided Climb to the Crater Rim

Dr. Tom Pierson

Mount St. Helens, the most active volcano in the contintental US is a stratovolcano built of a multitude of various structural layers composed of lava flows, pyroclastic rock debris and ash with a variable cover of snow and ice.  On this climb, guided by geologist Dr. Tom Pierson, you will examine volcanic rocks and deposits of various types and get a close-up view into the crater, which exposes the inner core of the volcano.

September 6

Photographing Mount St. Helens

A Photographer-Guided Climb to the Crater Rim

Tom Iraci SOLD OUT!

Mount St. Helens offers amazing opportunities for landscape photographers.  This guided climb will allow you to view the mountain through a talented landscape photographer, Tom Iraci's eyes.  You'll stop and set up photographs along the way to the crater rim.  This trip includes an alternate day of September 13 in the event of rain on September 6.