Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
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.
- Winter/early spring climbing tips
- Climbing preparation, safety and route information.
- Avalanche Forecasts (West Slopes South)
- Avalance Observations Map (West Slopes South)
⚠️ Important Alert: (07/11/24): The cornice has cracked and fell into the rim on 4th of July weekend, in addition to taking part of the rim with it. This now leaves a very dangerous 15 foot section that allows for a tempting view into the crater. While very tempting, the structure of the rim is extremely unstable and is continually being undermined by constant rockfall. More of the rim will give way with this rockfall activity. Do not step out on this section of the rim to look into the crater. Treat it like an ice cornice and stay at least 30 feet back.
On March 30th, a climber fatality occurred due to a partial cornice failure after someone stepped out onto the cornice edge. 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. Always check current conditions before your climb.
Click here to read the most current climbing conditions from Mount St. Helens Institute.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 07/11/24: The cornice has cracked and fell into the rim on 4th of July weekend, in addition to taking part of the rim with it. This now leaves a very dangerous 15 foot section that allows for a tempting view into the crater. While very tempting, the structure of the rim is extremely unstable and is continually being undermined by constant rockfall. More of the rim will give way with this rockfall activity. Do not step out on this section of the rim to look into the crater. Treat it like an ice cornice and stay at least 30 feet back. Forest Road 83 is clear to Lahar Viewpoint and Lava Canyon. Be aware of the washout on Forest Road 83 before June Lake Trailhead. 4x4 and high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended as compact cars will get stuck due to the sand and mud mixture with active flowing water.
|
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Between April 1st & October 31st, permits are limited in number and can only be purchased online in advance through Recreation.gov. |
| Permit Info: | 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.
|
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | Late spring through early fall |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Cougar, Washington |
| Water: | No water at Climbers Bivouac |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilets at Climbers Bivouac & Marble Mtn Sno Park |
| Passes: | $5/day/vehicle or a valid Recreation Pass required at Climber's Bivouac. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: |
|
General Information
Directions:Climbing Routes:
- Summer: Monitor Ridge Climbing Route
- Access: Climbers Bivouac Trailhead
- Winter: The Worm Flows, Winter Climbing Route
- Access: Sno-Park: Marble Mountain
South Monitor Ridge Photo from the air:
General Notes:
Know Before You Go:
Cornices (overhanging snow) are unstable and prone to sudden failure. Extreme caution is advised! Do not approach the crater rim unless you can find a wind-scoured area where the surface of the rim is visible. The crater rim is unstable and is subject to frequent rockfall and collapse.
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).
Review Winter/early Spring Climbing Tips
Review all Climbing Preparation and Safety Information including:
- Climbing Safety
- Climbing Essentials
- Active Volcano Hazards
- Hypothermia/Altitude Sickness information.