• 1980 Eruption
  • 2004 - 2008 Eruption
  • Crater Glacier
  • Past Eruptions
  • Facts and Research
  • Eruption Impacts and Return of Life
  • Changing Landscape
  • Facts and Research
  • Guided Hikes and Programs
  • Youth Volcano Camps
  • Field Trips
  • Community Events
  • Teacher Workshops
  • Volunteer
  • Overview
  • Indoor Facilities
  • Field Camp
  • Reservations
  • Activities
  • Volunteer at SLC
  • Geology Lessons
  • Biology Lessons
  • Plan Your Field Trip
  • Classroom Programs
  • Teacher Workshops
  • Useful Links

    • Cauldrons of Life

    Following the eruption, nutrient-rich hot springs supported a fascinating microbial world. Studies of thermal springs at Mount St. Helens have provided insight into some of our planet’s most primitive lifeforms.

    Back to Return to Life
    University of Washington / John Baross University of New Mexico / Cliff Dahm University of Washington / John Baross US Army Corps Engineers / Doug Larson US Army Corps Engineers / Doug Larson Tim Delano University of New Mexico / Cliff Dahm Tim Delano Tim Delano University of New Mexico / Cliff Dahm Tim Delano US Army Corps Engineers / Doug Larson University of New Mexico / Cliff Dahm Tim Delano Tim Delano
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    Thanks to Our Sponsor

    Become a Sponsor

    The Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center is a collaborative effort of the Mount St. Helens Institute and the U.S. Forest Service, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Our mission is to connect people with nature through science, the arts and adventure recreation.

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