Although strenuous, this
non-technical climb
is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling on steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in seven to twelve hours.
How do you prepare to climb Mt St Helens?
- Prepare by hiking 5 miles per week with 2000-4000 feet of elevation gain.
- A good gauge is being able to carry a 15 lb pack on a 2000 ft elevation hike in about 3 hours.
- Sustained aerobic workout on stair-master or bike for 60 minutes.
- Run 7 miles per week.
Is it safe to climb Mt St Helens?
Mount St. Helens is
not a particularly dangerous climb
. Unfortunately, some accidents and injuries do occur. Most serious accidents happen when climbers slide or glissade down snowfields and are unable to stop or avoid hazards.
What gear do I need to climb Mt St Helens?
Boots:
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support (mid-high top)
are imperative. Running shoes are not appropriate for climbing Mount St. Helens. Socks: Polyester or wool hiking socks.
When should I climb Mt St Helens?
Though Mount St. Helens is accessible to climbing year-round,
late spring through early fall
is the most popular season. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,328 feet elevation.
Can you see lava at Mt St Helens?
Magma reached the crater and
could be seen glowing red through the cracks in the lava dome
. Mt St Helens is currently in another quiet phase, but occasionally visitors can still see steam venting from the dome.
How much does it cost to climb Mt St Helens?
Fee Policies
During the quota season, April 1-October 31, the recreation fee for a Mount St. Helens climbing permit is
$15.00/climber/day
.
Is Climbers Bivouac open?
11/05/2021: Climbers Bivouac is
closed for the winter and will reopen in summer of 2022
. Marble Mountain Sno-Park must be used to climb Mount St. Helens. Winter climbing permits are self-serve at the climbing register.
How steep is Mt St Helens?
Mt St Helens has
about 5000 feet of elevation gain (on the summer route)
and covers about 5 miles, so if you are working up to hikes that are approaching that over time, you’ll be just fine.
How many miles is it to the top of Mt St Helens?
- Trail Log: Trail Log.
- Hike Type: Out-and-back.
- Distance: 9.6 miles (round trip)
- High point: 8,280 feet.
- Elevation gain: 4665 feet.
- Difficulty: Difficult.
- Seasons: Late June into Fall.
- Family Friendly: No.
Is Mt St Helens dormant?
Mount St. Helens is the most active volcano in the contiguous United States
, which makes it a fascinating place to study and learn about.
When was the last time Mt St Helens erupted?
| Mount St. Helens | Last eruption 2004–2008 | Climbing | First ascent 1853 by Thomas J. Dryer | Easiest route Hike via south slope of volcano (closest area near eruption site) |
|---|
How much water should I bring to Mt St Helens?
The 10 Essentials, as always. For St. Helens, that should include plenty of extra clothing,
3 quarts of water per person
, extra food, a first-aid kit and a headlamp with fresh batteries.
How high was Mount St. Helens before it erupted?
Before May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens’ summit altitude of
9,677 feet
(2,950 meters) made it only the fifth highest peak in Washington State. It stood out handsomely, however, from surrounding hills because it rose thousands of feet above them and had a perennial cover of ice and snow.
What mountains can you see from Mt St Helens?
Helens. On a clear day you can see Spirit Lake, the crater,
Mount Rainer, Mount Adams and Mount Hood
.
Will Mt Rainier erupt soon?
Mount Rainier is behaving about as it has over the last half-million years, so
all evidence suggests that the volcano will continue to erupt, grow, and collapse
.
Does Mt St Helens still smoke?
Every few minutes, Mt. St. Helens sends up a plume of noxious smoke
, a reminder that this is no dormant volcano.
Will St Helens erupt again?
We know that Mount St. Helens is the volcano in the Cascades
most likely to erupt again in our lifetimes
. It is likely that the types, frequencies, and magnitudes of past activity will be repeated in the future.
Are there bears on Mt St Helens?
Several large mammals lived in the Mount St. Helens area before the 1980 eruption. These included large herds of majestic elk (Cervus elaphus), black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus),
American black bear (Ursus americanus)
, and cougar (Puma concolor).
Do you need a pass to go to Mt St Helens?
Passes are $8 per adult (youth 15 and younger are free).
Monument passes are required at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and adjacent trails and can be purchased at the Johnston Ridge Observatory
. On the Eastside and Southside of the monument, a National Forest Recreation Pass is required at designated sites.
Can you camp at Climbers Bivouac?
Overview. A 2.7 mile winding gravel road (Forest Road 830) leads you to Climber’s Bivouac and the trailhead for Ptarmigan Trail #216A, the start of the Monitor Ridge Climbing Route. Fourteen or so tent pads with fire pits are available, as well as
dispersed camping
.
Can you camp Marble Mountain Sno Park?
Trailhead parking/camping area for Mount Saint Helens Worm Flow climb. This is the standard camping spot for the Mount Saint Helens winter climbing route, the Worm Flow route. Many cross-contry skis trails also can be accessed from it.
There are two large parking lots suitable for cars, trailers and RVs
.
