OLYMPIA – May 19, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces the summer 2016 lineup of ranger programs taking place at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and Seaquest State Park near 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 for kids of all ages. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is located across the highway from Seaquest State Park at 3029 Spirit Lake Hwy, Castle Rock. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/UPzqMcquzPo)
The summer schedule is as follows:
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 Mount St. Helens; the most active volcano in the Cascade Mountain Range. Visitors of all ages are welcome to join.Spring schedule:
Fridays through Sundays: 10 and 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m. | May 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
Summer schedule:
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 10 and 11 a.m.; noon; 1 p.m. | June, July and Aug.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. | June, July and August
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 views of Mount St. Helens. This walk takes place along a flat boardwalk and gravel trail, and visitors meander at an easy pace.
Spring schedule:
Fridays through Sundays: 2 p.m. | May 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
Summer schedule:
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 2 p.m. | June, July and Aug.
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 Aug. These family-friendly evening programs are geared towards kids of all ages and last approximately 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
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Alysa Adams, (360) 274-0962
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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