Visitor Centers at Mount St. Helens

The Visitor Center at Silver Lake, located five miles from the I-5 exit at Castle Rock, shows a powerful and moving 16-minute film detailing the events around the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Exhibits provide information about volcanoes, comparing the Mount St. Helens eruption to other's of historic significance. Adjacent to the center is the half-mile Silver Lake Wetlands Trail, where you can learn about the formation of Silver Lake and the plants and animals that live there. On clear days, Mount St. Helens can be seen in the distance. The center also offers a fine book and map shop, and the staff are available to answer your questions.