Climbing and Caving
There are many places to explore climbing on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Mountain Climbing
Mount St. Helens and Mt. Adams are two popular mountains to climb in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Both mountains provide technical as well as non-technical climbing opportunities and can be extremely dangerous. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines. Each mountain has its own climbing permit system.
Climb Mt. Adams
Go to Mt. Adams Summit page
Climb Mount St. Helens
Go to Mount St Helens Summit page.
Mountain Climbing Areas
- Mount St. Helens Area
- Sno-Park: Marble Mountain
- Mount St. Helens Summit
- Monitor Ridge Climbing Route
- Trailhead: Climbers Bivouac, Summer Climbing Route
- Trailhead: Worm Flows, Winter Climbing Route
- Mt. Adams area
- Trail #10 High Camp
- Trail #113 Killen Creek
- Trailhead: Killen Creek
- Trail #114 High Line
- Trail #12 Stagman Ridge
- Trail #183 South Climb
- Trailhead: South Climb
- Wilderness: Mt. Adams
- Mt. Adams Summit
Search for Climbing and Caving Opportunities
Ape Cave Interpretive Site
Site Closed
During the winter from November 1 to May 17, the area is closed to the public, and there is no access allowed without prior authorization, as per 36 CFR 261.53 (b). Access to Ape Cave and Ape Cave…
Monitor Ridge Climbing Route
Site Closed
The Monitor Ridge Climbing Route is the primary route used by climbers during the summer to reach Mount St Helens Summit. It is a non-technical scramble, gaining 4,500 feet in 5 miles. Most climbers…
Mount St. Helens Summit
Site Open
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.…
Mt. Adams area
Mt. Adams area is administered by the Mt Adams Ranger District. This area is located in the eastern portions of Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington and comprises 367,000 acres.…
Mt. Adams Summit
At an elevation of 12,276 feet, Mt. Adams is the second highest peak in Washington; however, with an 18-mile wide diameter it is the largest volcano by bulk in the state. It supports over 10 active…
Site: Ice Cave Picnic Area
Site Closed
A group of forested picnic areas with tables and fire rings are located adjacent to the Ice Cave, a popular 650 foot long cave that has a beautiful display of ice stalactites and ice stalagmites…
Trailhead: Climbers Bivouac, Summer Climbing Route
Site Closed
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…
Trailhead: Worm Flows, Winter Climbing Route
Site Open
The Worm Flows Climbing Route is the primary route used by climbers during the winter and early spring to reach Mount St Helens Summit. Worm Flows is the most direct route to the summit of Mount St.…