Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling on steep, rugged terrain.
Most climbers complete the round trip in eight to twelve hours
. While climbing to the crater rim is permitted, entry into the crater is strictly prohibited.
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.
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.
Can you hike Mt St Helens in a day?
I always hike it counterclockwise, starting over at the Climber’s Bivouac, where you go through the old growth first. You will hit a 10-mile stretch in the blast zone between Windy Pass and the Toutle River’s South Fork on the north side of the mountain where
you’ll have to push through in one day
.
Do you need permits to hike Mt St Helens?
Helens Climbing Permits.
Everyone must have a climbing permit to be above the Loowit Trail on Mount St. Helens
.
Can you hike inside Mt St Helens?
The Mount St. Helens Institute leads year-round summit climbs, crater hikes, and glacier overview hikes
. When to Visit: June through September is the best time to go. Permits: A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at most trailheads.
What is the best time of year to climb Mt St Helens?
Mt Saint Helens can be climbed anytime of the year but the most popular and best time to climb it is
late spring through early fall
.
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.
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 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
.
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 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.
Do you need a parking pass for Mt St Helens?
A valid permit is required year round to climb Mount St. Helens
. Entry into the crater of the volcano is strictly prohibited.
How much does it cost to visit Mt St Helens?
Ages 6 and younger: Free
.
Ages 7 to 17: $2.50
.
Ages 18 and older: $5
. Family: $15 (two adults plus accompanying children)
What caused the bulge on Mt St Helens?
The bulge was caused by
an intrusion of magma below the surface
, and authorities began evacuating hundreds of people from the sparsely settled area near the mountain. A few people refused to leave. On the morning of May 18, Mount St.
Was there lava when Mt St Helens erupted?
Lava flows from Mount St. Helens typically affect areas within 6 mi (10 km) of the vent. However,
two basalt flows erupted about 1,700 years ago extended about 10 mi (16 km) from the summit
; one of them contains the Ape Cave lava tube.
Which side of Mt St Helens exploded?
Hundreds of square miles were reduced to wasteland, causing over $1 billion in damage (equivalent to $3.5 billion in 2020), thousands of animals were killed, and Mount St. Helens was left with a crater on its
north side
.
How long does it take to summit Mount Saint Helens?
St. Helens climbs can take
between 6 – 12 hours round trip
, depending on your schedule. Most climbers want to be done in a day and that means leaving in the early morning and returning in the early afternoon. Typically climbers leave the Climber’s Bivouac parking area between 6am and 7am.
Is Mt St Helens still active?
Mount St. Helens remains the most active volcano in the Cascade Range
. Of the volcanoes in the contiguous U.S., it is the most likely to erupt in the future and even in “our lifetimes,” according to USGS.
