Mount St. Helens Summit

Area Status: Open

USGS and FS scientists at the crater rim of Mount St Helens

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 c limbing 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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	11/21/2023: Forest Road 83 is clear to Marble Mountain Sno-Park. Ice is present on the climbing route past the treeline. Ice axes and crampons are strongly recommended. Permits are currently self issue at the trailhead. Know Before You Go: Check the Climbing Conditions Report via Mount St Helens Institute. Follow @MtStHelensNVM on Twitter. Check Mountain Weather Forecast. Safety Alert: A cornice (giant, overhanging mass of snow) forms every year at the summit and can release at any time, plunging into the crater. Stay well back from the edge and do not trust tracks already present! The actual rim edge is not where it appears to be. Walking to the edge is dangerous. Glissading is the number one source of serious injuries. Take crampons off & glissade only when the snow is soft. Beware of glissade trails that end in rocks, ice or cliffs. Watch out for glissade trails that put you in the woods far from the climbing route.
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. April 1st - October 31st: Climbing permits are sold online, in-advance, on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov. Permits are released in one month increments on the first day of the preceding month throughout the permit quota season, ending November 1. For example, April permits are released on March 1. All releases occur at 7:00 AM Pacific Time. April 1 - May 14: Daily limit of 350 climbers. May 15 - October 31: Daily limit of 110 climbers. November 1 - March 31: No limit on number of climbers. Permits are free of charge and self issued at the trailhead.
Open Season:	Year-round
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Busiest Season:	Late spring through early fall
Restrictions:	Climbing permits are required year-round. Each climber must display their own hang-tag climbing permit. Permits are valid for 24 hours starting at midnight for the date of climb and are nontransferable. Maximum party size is 12 climbers. Access is limited to protect the volcano’s physical and biological features and processes, and to reduce crowding. Entry into the crater is strictly prohibited. Snowmobile use is prohibited along the Monitor Ridge and Worm Flows winter climbing routes. During the limited use season, permits will be available for advance purchase only, online, first come, first served, until the daily use limit is reached.
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:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers

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:

USFS Photo - South/ Monitor Ridge Climbing Route-- June 2006

General Notes:

Know Before You Go:

Some Cornices (overhanging snow) on the Crater Rim of Mount St. Helens 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: