Trail #216A Ptarmigan

Area Status: Unreachable

This trail climbs steadily, passing through forest and small meadows. Views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Yale Reservoir present themselves along the southern horizon. Provides main access to Monitor Ridge Climbing Route and Loowit Trail #216.

The junction with Loowit Trail #216 is reached in 2 miles. A basin below Monitor Ridge marks the end of the Ptarmigan Trail and a good lunch spot with views to the south. Beyond this point is the Monitor Ridge Climbing route, which requires a climbing permit.

⚠️ Important Alert: 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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	11/26/2024: Due to heavy snow accumulation, and snow depths ranging from a few inches to at least two feet. Climber's Bivouac on Forest Road 81-830 is now closed, and the road is impassable. All climbers must now use the Worm Flows Winter Route from Marble Mountain Sno*Park on Forest Road 83.
Operational Hours:	Climber's Bivouac Trailhead normally accessible June through November.
Fees:	$5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass required at Climber's Bivouac Trailhead. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.
Permit Info:	Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit required for each person, for each day, year round traveling above 4800 feet on the slopes of Mount St. Helens: April 1 through Oct. 31: Permits purchased in advance at Recreation.gov. On sale in March. Nov. 1 to March 31: Permits available at Marble Mountain Sno-Park Trailhead and are free.
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	Summer-Fall
Busiest Season:	Summer
Closest Towns:	Cougar, WA
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers

General Information

Directions:

Climbers Bivouac Trailhead

Activities

Mountain Biking

Day Hiking

Backpacking

The junction with Loowit Trail #216 is reached in 2 miles. A composting toilet is located on a short, marked side trail, just beyond the junction. A basin below Monitor Ridge marks the end of the Ptarmigan Trail and a good lunch spot with views to the south. Beyond this point is the Monitor Ridge Climbing route, which requires a climbing permit.