Foundations In Genesis of Idaho-Oregon
Summer Field Trip
MT. SAINT HELENS
August 12-17, 2002

PURPOSE: Observe and study the onsite volcanic deposits, erosion features, and effects of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in south central Washington. We will focus on the catastrophic happenings of the Mt. being rearranged in 9 hours, canyons formed in 5 months, Badlands formed in 5 days, layered strata formed in 3 hours, Spirit Lake log debris and coal formation, and rapid recovery of the Biological communities. Participants will be able to view from observation locations and hike to site-specific exposures.

WEATHER and ELEVATIONS: Mostly mild, with day time temperatures in the 70's and night temperatures in the high 50's and low 60's. Should be very nice. BUT weather can change in a blink of the eye around mountains. Bring both warm weather gear and light coats and shells for storming times of rain and winds. And of course, hiking boots, caps, daypacks, water containers, etc. Camping will be at elevation 500'. The viewing and hiking will be between elevations of 2,000 to 4,000'. The top of Mt. Saint Helens is at 8,363'.

CAMPING and LODGING:
Outdoor camping will be at campgrounds on Yale Lake, owned by PacifiCorp. We understand these accommodations are much like Idaho Power camping facilities in Hells Canyon, with hot showers, quality restrooms, lawns, potable water, etc. Buoyed areas for swimming in the lake are located adjacent to the camping areas.

The camping coordinator with PacifiCorp indicated two camping facilities would probably meet our needs – they are Beaver Bay & Cougar. Beaver Bay is a “first come-first serve” camping area and Cougar Campground (the nicer of the two) does take reservations. For reservations at Cougar call the PacifiCorp Camping Coordinator at (503) 813-6666.

Inside Lodging: There is a good selection of motels in the town of Woodland on I-5, located to the west of Yale Lake. The Information Center can be reached at (360) 225-9552. The distance from Woodland to Cougar, via State Highway 503, is 23 miles or about 1/2 hr drive. PacifiCorp indicated that the Yale Lake area does not have indoor lodging facilities.