Trail #216A Ptarmigan

Area Status: Open

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: (06/25/24): The cornice is showing signs of cracks and separation from the crater rim. Failure is imminent. Stay back behind the flag markers or visible cracks. 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:	07/16/24: ALERT! The cornice has fallen off, but has taken some of the rim with it. The rim is now considered unstable due to constant rockfall. Stay back behind the flag markers or visible cracks. FR 830 to Climbers Bivouac and the parking lot is clear and snow free. For more information, contact Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters at (360) 449-7800, and press option 0 to reach the front desk.
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.