A variety of ways to explore Mount St. Helens in 2017

TACOMA — Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Mount St. Helens in a variety of ways throughout 2017, thanks to programs offered by the Mount St. Helens Institute.

Institute managers said registration has opened for the numerous educational guided adventures taking place on the most active volcano in the lower 48 states.

Some of the programs for the coming year include the chance to climb to the crater rim at 8,300 feet and discover Mount St. Helens’ geological story first-hand. On three occasions, a geologist will join the trek. There also will be multiple trips offering an up-close-and-personal glimpse of Crater Glacier from inside the crater.

Since 2000, the institute has offered summer and fall field seminars. Next year’s offerings include backpackers trekking around the volcano, across the heart of the blast zone and through ancient lava flows on the Loowit Trail. Another session will give participants the opportunity to learn from staff with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe about the cultural values of Lawetlat’la’s diverse landscapes.

Another trip through the volcanic landscape will give participants the chance to explore winter wonderlands, forage for wild edibles and learn from Steve Olson, the award-winning author of “Eruption.”

“There is an adventure for everyone,” said Ray Yurkewycz, executive director for the institute. “You can climb to the rim and discover Mount St. Helens’ geological story firsthand. Or catch an up-close-and-personal glimpse of Crater Glacier from inside the crater.”

Fees from the programs help support the more than 200 volunteers who serve visitors to Mount St. Helens, and fund the implementation and development of the institute’s youth education programs. Last year, more than 3,000 youths visited the volcano through those programs.