The center first opened its doors a few years after the volcano erupted in 1980. The site from the center offers a view of the western slope. The building itself is very unique and has building features that have expansive windows that provide a glimpse of a towering second-growth forest. It also features some interesting displays of local history, geology, and regrowth.
Those that want to stay in the beautiful outdoors of the park there is a 0.6-mile trail along the Silver Lake. The boardwalk includes a walk over the wetland, a variety of aquatic plants, and migratory waterfowl.
The park is open different hours depending on the time of year. March 1 - May 15, open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 - Sept. 15, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 - Oct. 31, open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 1 - Feb. 28, open Thursday through Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed during most major holidays including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the Friday after, and Christmas. The center is located in Castle Rock, Washington. The price of admission depends on people's age and there is also a family admission for those that want to come with the whole family.
