Mount St. Helens Summit
Mount St. Helens is an active volcano and the central feature of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The mountain is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although people are able to climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac. A climbing permit is required year-round.
This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. 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. While climbing to the crater rim is permitted, entry into the crater is strictly prohibited.
Stay back from the crater edge, it is potentially hazardous at any time of year (especially during the period of elevated avalanche danger and rockfall during the spring thaw).
A dangerous cornice, an overhanging mass of snow formed by wind, grows through the winter on the leeward side of the wind exposed edge of the summit and crater. As it grows, the cornice can hang quite a distance over the edge, making it fragile and extremely dangerous to walk upon to get a view into the crater. Stay back at least 30 ft (9 m) from the visible edge. There may not be any flagging stakes or markers indicating the danger zone, so use extreme caution. The high summit drift may prevent you from having any view over the rim to the North.
Reservations
Climbing permits are required year-round. April 1 to October 31 permits must be obtained online at recreation.gov. November 1 to March 31 permits are free of charge and self-issued at the trailhead.
General Information
Winter/early Spring Climbing Tips
Climbing Preparation and Safety Information (climbing safety & essentials, active volcano hazards & hypothermia/altitude sickness information)
Conditions:
- Current climbing conditions from Mount St. Helens Institute.
- Avalanche Forecasts (West Slopes South)
- Avalance Observations Map (West Slopes South)
Mount St Helens Climbing Overview Video
Year-round
Climbing Permits are required year-round for each person and each day they will be traveling above 4800 ft elevation, on the slopes of Mount St. Helens.
- April 1st - October 31st: Climbing permits are sold online, in-advance, on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov. Permits are released in one month increments on the first day of the preceding month throughout the permit quota season, ending November 1. For example, April permits are released on March 1. All releases occur at 7:00 AM Pacific Time.
- April 1 - May 14: Daily limit of 350 climbers.
- May 15 - October 31: Daily limit of 110 climbers.
- November 1 - March 31: No limit on number of climbers. Permits are free of charge. Climbers must register at the trailhead. A Washington State Parks Sno-Park pass is required to park at Marble Mountain Sno-Park December 1 - March 31.
$5/day/vehicle or a valid Recreation Pass required at Climber's Bivouac. (No fee/pass required if valid climbing permit is displayed for correct date.)
- Climbing permits are required and limited to daily quotas April 1 to October 31, to protect the volcano’s physical and biological features and processes, and to reduce crowding.
- November 1 to March 31, climbers must self-register at the trailhead.
- Each climber must carry valid photo ID matching the name on their permit or registration.
- Permits are valid for 24 hours starting at midnight for the date of climb and are nontransferable.
- Maximum party size is 12 climbers.
- Entry into the crater is strictly prohibited.
- Snowmobile use is not permitted along the Monitor Ridge and Worm Flows winter climbing routes.
- During the limited use season, permits will be available for advance purchase only, online, first come, first served, until the daily use limit is reached.
Address: 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd. Amboy, WA 98601
Phone: (360) 449-7800
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am - 4:00pm. (Closed Daily: 12:00 - 1pm). Closed: Tuesday and Thursday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Elevation
8,366'
Directions
Climbing Routes:
- Summer: Monitor Ridge Climbing Route
- Access: Climbers Bivouac Trailhead
- Winter: The Worm Flows, Winter Climbing Route
- Access: Sno-Park: Marble Mountain
Travel Considerations
Forest Road 83 is paved but rough. Use caution.
Parking
Marble Mountain Sno-Park in winter requires a Washington State Parks Sno-Park permit.
Climber's Bivouac Trailhead does not require a fee or pass if a valid climbing permit is displayed for the same date the vehicle is parked.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Climbers must pack out all human waste and toilet paper. Bring a "blue bag" or obtain one at the trailhead, if available.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
