Day Field Trips

Mount St. Helens Institute offers youth education for students grades 2-12. Curricula and activities are adapted for each grade level and the needs of each group attending.

We also offer facility rentals for groups that provide their own programming.

We serve public schools, private schools, home school groups, scouting groups, youth-serving nonprofit organizations and so much more! Reach out today to see how we can best meet your needs.

Most Volcano Outdoor School programs, including day field trips, are based at the Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center in the heart of the 1980 eruption blast zone. This facility is about 45 minutes from I-5 exit 49.

Field trips led by Mount St. Helens Institute may occur at other locations such as Ape Cave, Trail of Two Forests, Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Seaquest State Park, and more. These locations are available on a case-by-case basis.

Browse our Volcano Outdoor School Activity Guide including how each activity aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Yes, you can request certain activities during registration.

Students, chaperones, and teachers who participate in one day field trips with Mount St. Helens Institute are encouraged to bring:

• Clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather
• A small daypack with a notebook, writing utensil, and water bottle
• A curious attitude!

MSHI has a limited supply of equipment, water bottles, outerwear, and boots for participants to borrow if they cannot provide their own or forget to bring an item.

MSHI educators partner with teachers to provide the best possible experience for students. Teachers and chaperones are encouraged to support students in their learning. We expect that chaperones will:

• participate in activities and encourage participation
• follow, model, and enforce behavioral expectations and policies
• respond to and report safety incidents

For details, visit our Chaperone Roles page.

We have a comprehensive FAQ list for schools who are considering scheduling with us.

Our form asks you to submit 3 possible date options. Please note that available dates are subject to group size, staff availability, and facility availability.

Our busiest weeks are May 1 through June 15 and fill up quickly. Fall outdoor school is a great way to create bonds that last throughout the school year, is a beautiful time of year to visit the mountain, and has more flexibility.

Program Policies. Note that groups are required to provide chaperone support at a ratio of 1:5 chaperones per students for overnight trips and 1:8 chaperones per students for day trips.

You may still have questions about our field trips. Read our FAQs and email us with any additional questions.

The required inquiry form begins your registration. For qualifying groups, the financial assistance form starts the process to provide assistance.

On the inquiry form, please include your top three dates and any information about the limits of your flexibility (ex: any Thursday in June), and dates you cannot come. We do our best to accommodate your dates based on our availability and our priorities based on grant funding.

• We will notify you of the proposed date(s) and any financial support ~ 2 weeks after we receive your inquiry.
• Once we have agreed on a date, we will send you a Program Agreement for you to sign and return to us.
• Once we received a completed Program Agreement, we send you access to pre-field trip planning materials.