Today's Paper Donate
Newsletters Subscribe
Sunday,  May 18 , 2025
To search stories before 2011, click here to access our archives.

Linkedin Pinterest
News / Life / Clark County Life

Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver observatory will rock you

Hear from experts, try hands-on activities at observatory open house

By Scott Hewitt, Columbian staff reporter
Published: May 8, 2025, 6:04am
2 Photos
Volcanic geochemist Allan Lerner, left, shows a group of international students a device that detects volcanic gas July 18, 2023, at the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver. The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes puts on the eight-week training course every summer.
Volcanic geochemist Allan Lerner, left, shows a group of international students a device that detects volcanic gas July 18, 2023, at the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver. The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes puts on the eight-week training course every summer. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian files) Photo Gallery

You know that very special rock you couldn’t resist picking up and taking home? The one with the uncanny shape, the surprising colors, the strange veins?

On Saturday, you can take that rock to a professional rock expert for detailed analysis and identification. While you’re at it, you can learn how scientists are studying local volcanoes, and pick up some pointers about staying safe in the event of a big eruption.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver will host an open house 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

Volcano scientists will be on hand to describe their ongoing research, volcano-monitoring technology, volcano hazards and preparedness. Visitors will be able to participate in hands-on activities and see a “trashcano” and other demonstrations.

Expect your visit to take two hours or more. No pets or large backpacks are allowed inside the building. A large crowd is expected.

The USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory is in an office park in east Vancouver, off Southeast 15th Street, at 1300 S.E. Cardinal Court, Building 10, Suite 100. Learn more at https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/cvo/news/cvo-having-open-house.

Loading...