SCIENCE AND LEARNING CENTER
The Science and Learning Center at Coldwater is a hands-on education center located seven miles from the crater of Mount St. Helens. The Science and Learning Center at Coldwater offers spectacular views and immersion into the volcanic landscape and world just outside in the heart of the blast zone.
The Science and Learning Center is located at milepost 43 on State Highway 504, approximately 10 miles west of Johnston Ridge Observatory. Near the Science and Learning Center is:
- The Winds of Change Trail with a 1/4 mile paved loop offering views of the Toutle Valley.
- The Elk Bench Trail connecting with the Lakes Trail, providing stunning views of Coldwater Lake and frequent elk sightings along the way.
- A campground with stunning views of Mount St. Helens and Coldwater Lake that is available for group rentals.
Click HERE to view a map of the Science and Learning Center and vicinity.
The Science and Learning Center is the base for Mount St. Helens Institute's Volcano Outdoor School program!
Rent the Science and Learning Center
The building has multiple conference rooms available for day use, numerous educational opportunities and programs as well as overnight accommodations. All of the spaces pictured below are available to groups renting the Science and Learning Center, including access to kitchen appliances and other reusable foodservice supplies.
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Overnight Rental
- Rental Cost: $1600/night
- Meal add-on Cost: $10/person/meal. Review a sample menu of meals provided.
- Education add-on Cost: $12/person/hour (1 teacher/group leader free) More information about Volcano Outdoor School
- Hours: 4 PM - 10 AM next day
- Education Programs: Schools in Washington State bringing 5th and 6th grade students may be eligible for rental and meal reimbursement through Washington State Funding for Overnight Outdoor School. Volcano Outdoor School program fees may also be eligible for reimbursement through this program.
- Day rental use: Overnight rental groups are responsible for paying the day rental fee for times that they wish to use the facility outside of the overnight rental hours listed above.
- Indoor air quality: Our group sleeping areas and restrooms in the Science and Learning Center are equipped with air purifiers that (at their maximum settings) will filter the air every 12.5 minutes. These air purifiers are on wheels and can be easily moved around to meet program needs.
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Day Rental
- Rental Cost: $600/day
- Meal add-on Cost: $10/person/meal. Review a sample menu of meals provided.
- Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
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Building exterior and mountain
The Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center sits less than 10 miles from the volcano with fantastic views and access to network of hiking trails
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Main entry & pavilion
Pavilion and entry space in view of Mount St. Helens provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for gathering and special events
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Pavilion
Atrium space with floor to ceiling glass windows in view of Mount St. Helens provides a one-of-a-king backdrop for gatherings and special events
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Pavilion event
Indoor gathering space for up to 100 people for lectures, music, and other events in view of Mount St. Helens
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Indoor dining area
Five round tables and 10 square tables provide plenty of seating for up to 60 people. Additional tables and chairs upon request.
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Indoor dining area
Buffet line for meal service including warming trays, warming oven, and buffet cooler. Full commercial kitchen with service utensils available.
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Outdoor dining area
The original restaurant seating offers places for 72 outside on the deck overlooking Coldwater Lake
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Kitchen cooking space
The kitchen features a large griddle, 2 burner stove, commercial refrigerator, chest freezer, and a food warmer
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Preparation and washing space
Stainless steel counters and prep sink and 3 basin sink are located in the rear of the kitchen
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Bunk room
Private room includes four quad bunk bed units and sleeps sixteen people.
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Large conference room
A large wall-mounted projector screen, windows with views of Mount St. Helens, and plenty of space make this an ideal place to host an event
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Large sleeping room
Large conference room converts to sleeping area with 11 beds and room for cots and air mattresses. Wake up to views of Mount St. Helens.
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Large conference room
Built-in projector and foldable chairs and tables of different sizes makes a versatile space used for trainings, meetings and other gatherings
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Theater
The theater with 24 seats and audio visual is ideal for lectures or for showing films. The projector is connected to a DVD player and speakers
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View from deck
Large wrap-around deck around the entire building provides amazing views of Coldwater Lake, Mount St. Helens, and the Toutle Valley
Rent Coldwater Camp
- The nearby Coldwater Camp is a five-minute walk from the Center. Field camp offers spectacular views of Mount St. Helens, Coldwater Lake, and the Mount Margaret back-country.
- Coldwater Camp includes ~30 campsites/tent pads.
- There are several picnic tables at the site and vault toilets in the parking lot.
- The site has NO running water.
- Cars are not permitted in this area and groups will need to carry their supplies in about 1/4 mile.
- Camping gear is not provided.
- Camp stoves and other cookware are NOT provided. Propane and white gas stoves are acceptable for guests to bring and use in the campground.
- Camp fires are NOT permitted.
- A vault restroom and/or a Port-a-Potty will be available.
- Rental Cost: $600/night
- Hours: 4 PM - 10 AM next day

Rental Host
A host will be either on the premises or nearby & on-call during your rental period to answer any questions you may have. Upon your arrival, your host will check you in and take you on a tour of the facility, which will include information about safety gear and protocols, instruction on how to use the equipment in the facility, cleaning protocols and more.
Registration
Registration for 2022 Science and Learning Center and Coldwater Camp rentals will open late January 2022. You may complete this non-binding INQUIRY FORM at any time. After you complete the form, Mount St. Helens Institute staff will reach out to you with more information and to answer questions.
A calendar of available dates is HERE. Please note that these dates are subject to group size and staff availability.
Policies
- Groups are responsible for cleaning the areas that they use. Cleaning supplies will be provided.
- You can review all other policies HERE.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please email learn@mshinstitute.org