WA Parks Mt Saint Helens Interpretive Center — Attraction in Kelso

My partner and I visited this visitor center on our way back from a trip, on Sunday Oct 5th at around 1:00 PM. The exhibits and timeline showcasing the events up to and beyond the eruption were educational and formatted in an engaging way. I thought the showcase section was done very well.

However, we had a very rude interaction with one of the front desk staff that hindered our enjoyment of this trip. The exhibit requires admission, but I had some confusion as to what the posted signs were referring to, not sure if admission was referring to the state park, the exhibit hall, or for something else.

As I was reading the signs I noticed one of the young women at the desk watching me but not saying anything. An older couple then walked past into the exhibit hall without paying, and the woman told them they could go ahead. I assumed that meant the admission was for the park and not for the exhibits, so my partner and I also walked in behind the older couple. The woman at the desk, the one who watched me the entire time I was trying to figure out the sign, then said in a catty tone, "HELLO," loudly. My partner and I were confused and turned back to her to see her just staring at us again and not saying anything. I told her I was confused as she had let another group pass by, but she said they were on a tour group and that we had to pay. I apologized and explained I was having trouble understanding the signs, that we weren't trying to sneak past, and that I felt bad. She just responded, "I get it."

We wanted to enjoy the exhibits and the park after but this experience rubbed us the wrong way. I think the park was lovely and well maintained, and the exhibit hall was put together nicely, but I urge you to please train your staff in customer service, or hold them accountable for their responsibility. Instead of just staring at me as I am visibly confused about what the signage is referring to, ask "Do you have any questions about _?". Instead of calling "HELLO" at us to get our attention and just staring at us again, something like "I can take your admission here" would have sufficed.

I know front desk jobs can be tough, but we had no ill intent whatsoever. I am disappointed that one small interaction had such an impact...

What a waste of money. Upon arrival, we had to interrupt 2 employees who were busily chatting together and ignoring us completely. If you're paid to greet people, you should at the very least make eye contact with your guests. Then we paid our entrance fee, but had to argue with the cashier over the adult ticket price status for our 12 year old. She was EAGER to get us to pay full price. For WHAT?! Almost all of the exhibits were broken.

I've lived in Washington State my entire life. I witnessed with my own eyes the eruption of Mount St Helens. I went to this visitor center on opening day back in 87. You'd think this center would have gotten better with time. Not so. It was much more impressive back when it was first built. The best thing I can say is that there's a lovely view and the gift shop had some cute stuff.

My suggestions are to have those chatting employees pick up a dusting cloth and spend their time a bit more wisely. Maybe take a little of that hard-earned entry fee income to hire a decent trainee electrician to fix the loose wires preventing the exhibits from working. Stick an air freshener down in the volcano pit because good lord. Lastly, for goodness sakes, update that ancient documentary. It would be a fantastic contest for young filmmakers...

This is a very informative place, where you learn much of the history of the water bodies in the area. The lake, rivers and wetlands have all been drastically changed over eruptions from Helens. There is a single, day use parking lot right as you exit the highway, for Discovery Pass users who simply want to enjoy the wetland trail and not visit the visitors center. There are two larger lots, further in for those looking to partake of the center as well. We were lucky enough to enjoy the wetland trail for about forty minutes, before two busloads of visitors arrived...shortly after 1pm. There are multiple, beautiful spots to pause and take in the bounty and breadth of wetland flora and fauna. I learned about a plant that eats water dwelling beetles through traps in it's root system. On a clear day, you can enjoy distant views of Mt St Helens from the wetland boardwalk. Dogs who are respectful and on leash are welcome. Our little ten pound putz enjoyed herself. There are volunteers randomly walking around who will ask if you have any questions. The guy we ran into was knowledgable, quiet spoken and friendly. The visitors center has bathrooms but none are accessible for only the trail. I highly recommend people check out this...