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One of the best hikes (scrambles) in the world is
Mount St. Helens Monitor Ridge
USDA Climbing Mount St. Helens website 
Mount St. Helens climbing permits are sold by the Mount St. Helens Institute for climbing from April 1 through October 31.
Check the website (above) for details and to check current volcanic activity.
Hikes in this region also known as:
- Loowit Trail
- Ptarmigan Trail
Do you know this hike?
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MOUNT St. HELENS, Washington.
 AT A GLANCE
- volcano scramble close to Portland
- one day, very difficult ascent
- 11.6mi (18.7km) return
- 4565ft (1,392m) elevation gain
- summit at 8365ft (2,550m)
- 7-12 hours
- best months June through Sept
- strenuous hiking, or easy mountaineering
- getting a permit to climb is difficult as only 100 climbers a day are allowed May 15 through Oct 31
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
OK, it's not a hike. It's one of the few mountain climbs included on BestHike.com — but for those of us who lived through the cataclysmic eruption of May 1980, this is a pilgrimage. (Like Mt. Fuji in Japan.) It's the most interesting volcano in North America.
- the history is fascinating
- the ongoing volcanic activity
- the other-worldly harsh vistas
- views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams
- visiting nearby Ape Cave Trail through the longest lava loop in the lower 48
- ... add a comment here
The First Nations called Mount St. Helens Loowit (Lady of Fire), a name most appropriate. And the volcano is still very active. This huge new feature was evolving in the crater in 2005.
CONSIDERATIONS
- climbing was only reopened in 1987
- the route is closed if there is a danger of eruption
- Vielbig calls it a long, gruelling climb over uneven rough lava surfaces, loose rock and ash, and steep snow
- weather can deteriorate quickly
- don't be fooled if the weather is calm and clear in the morning. Carry survival gear.
- when we attempted the climb only 2 of the 100 permit holders made the summit. The rest of us were blown off the mountain.
- of 16,000 permit holders each year a surprisingly high percentage turn back
- sturdy footwear and gaiters recommended
- carry pole(s) or an ice axe for balance
- ski googles useful for keeping blown ash out of your eyes
- sage advice: don't pee off the cornice! It's often overhanging the rim of the crater.
- be cautious on all parts of the rim, even when not covered with snow
- the best views are to be had by walking West along the rim
- you are allowed to climb year round, though ascent is far less fun in winter. We do not recommend it. You need full mountaineering kit if you do: rope, crampons, ice axe, etc.
- descent by snow gullies is risky
- 57 people were killed when it exploded in 1980
- entry into the crater strictly prohibited
- there's no water. Carry what you need stashing a bottle in a conspicuous spot on the way up.
- a GPS or altimeter useful for telling you how far you have left
- ... add a comment here
The huge hassle with this specific adventure is getting a Climbing Permit. The demand is huge on summer weekends.
Permit required for climbing May 1 through Sept 30.
Climbing Permit Request page - USDA Forest Service
April 1 through October 31 a fee is charged, no cost the rest of the year
Monument Headquarters (360) 449-7800
Climbing phone line (360) 449-7861
Also check on which additional fees you need pay:
Passes and Permits - USDA Forest Service
ROUTES
There's no fixed route. Start from Climber's Bivouac, 2.1mi along the Ptarmigan Trail. Then head UP. Decide the best line as you go. If it is windy, staying as protected as possible will be your strategy.
LOGISTICS
Mount St. Helens is 96mi (154km) south of Seattle and 53mi (85km) northeast of Portland. There is no public transport so you will need to find a ride down FR 830 to Climber's Bivouac, also the Ptarmigan Trail #216A trailhead.
- all climbers are required to sign in before and after their climb at the Climber's Register located outside of Jack's Restaurant and Store
- tent at Climber's Bivouac the night before to get an early start
- most backtrack to a parked vehicle there
- ... add a comment here
INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
We are unaware of anyone who leads trips up Mount St. Helens.
LOCAL INFORMATION
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
BEST MAPS
On-line:
BEST WEB PAGES
After this page, the best links are
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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