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Stubblefield, who retired eight years ago as the supervisor of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and now lives in the Ridgefield area, served as master of ceremonies for the grand opening on May 15, 1993. He's disappointed that the Forest Service, now strapped for cash, has chosen to permanently close the center after the last visitor leaves on Nov. 5.

"It's such an incredible spot," he said, gazing out toward the cloud-shrouded volcano. "I feel privileged and honored to have spent some time here."

Stubblefield laments the closure as another symptom of a throwaway society, arguing that the state's congressional delegation hasn't done enough to protect the public's investment. He contends that if it was important enough for Congress to establish the 110,000-acre national volcanic monument, as it did in 1982, it deserves a stable source of funding every year.

Once considered world-class, Coldwater is now showing signs of age.

Stubblefield noticed frost forming within several window panes, which were failing to withstand the cold, windy environment in the volcano's blast zone. Forest Service officials figure fixing the windows would cost up to $1 million, and that's not the only maintenance issue plaguing the center.

Yellow caution tape blocked one door, where a hydraulic door closer hangs loosely. Stubblefield noticed cracks in the concrete outside, along with technological problems inside. Visitors used to watch a 6½-minute overview of the eruption and landscape's recovery, but the Forest Service can't find replacements for the 32 videodisc projectors that are now wearing out.

"Where do you find projectors with trays anymore?" Stubblefield said. "It's all CDs."

Rather than pouring money into the center, the Forest Service has opted to shut it down.

Monument Manager Tom Mulder, who in April announced the Forest Service's decision to permanently close Coldwater Ridge, said the agency intends to focus on a lower-key approach rather than "wowing people with infrastructure and visitor centers."

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