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 Reporter |
Summary: Climbing Mount St. Helens is a rugged, off trail scramble. It is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable on steep irregular terrain. Prior to mid summer, climbers can expect to encounter snow. At 8,365 feet elevation, Mount St. Helens provides outstanding views of the crater, lava dome, blast area and surrounding volcanic peaks. The Monitor Ridge route, begins at Climbers Bivouac, at the end of Forest Road 830. This narrow gravel road is suitable for standard passenger vehicles. Start on the Ptarmigan Trail #216A; this trail climbs forested slopes for 2 miles to timberline. Above timberline, scramble over steep, blocky lava flows on the lower slopes and loose, sandy volcanic ash on the upper slopes. Take great care at the crater rim, it is extremely precipitous and portions may be unstable. Most climbers complete the round trip in 7 to 12 hours. The route climbs 4,500 feet from trailhead to rim in 4.5 miles. What a workout! Trailhead: Driving Directions From Interstate 5 -- take Exit 21 (Woodland Exit) Travel east on Highway 503 and then USFS Road 90, approximately 35.7 miles to junction of USFS Roads 83 and 90. Turn north (left) onto USFS Road 83 and proceed another 3.2 miles to the junction of USFS Roads 83 and 81. Turn on to USFS Road 81. Proceed 1.8 miles to intersection of USFS Roads 81 and 830. Turn on to USFS Road 830 to Ptarmigan Trail and Climber's Bivouac (Lat:46.14766 Lon:-122.18353) Trail Guides for Mount St. Helens summit, WA: 100 Hikes in Washingtons South Cascades and Olympics by Ira Spring and Harvey Manning (The Mountaineers books) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Climbing/Permit Information - (360) 449-7861 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by darchey* on 8/4/2009 August 3 2009 The weather was very good and there were lots of hikers. Start at 7:15 AM from Climber's Bivouac (58*F) Took me 4.5 hours up, 3.25 hours down. Scenery is spectacular. Great view. Very strenuous. Advice: Start early, before 7 AM Bring gaiters 
Reviewed by Liz on 6/24/2009 Went up there today. The weather was very good and there were lots of hikers. Left Couger at 5:40AM, got to Climber's Bivouac around 6AM. Took 1 hr to reach the timber line, then about another 1.5 hr before the hike turns into more of a climb. Rested a few times along the way, and finally made it up there at 10:30AM. The scenery is spectacular, you could see Mt.Adams, Mt.Hood and Mt.Margaret, and of course, the crater and Spirit Lake. There's still lots of snow, so ice axe can be helpful, but trekking poles should suffice.
Reviewed by mga on 7/25/2008 Did it 7/14 via winter route from Marble mountain. Initial trail is well marked, go straight and avoid any obvious side trails. Just above treeline, at the waterfall, cross over above the fall and go to the left side of the creek (looking up). Trail continues then ascend up the ridges that curve gradually to the left, wooden poles mark the route for much of the way. Links up w/ monitor ridge just above the GPS station on monitor ridge. There was a very steep snow field just before the two paths join. Bring at least poles, better yet ice ax and crampons. Took 6 hours up, 5 hours down. Very strenous hike on the lines of Camp Muir.
Reviewed by PT on 11/5/2007 Going the weekend of November 9th, 2007 with a group of 5. If your interested in seeing a little snow, and sleeping on the rim; email us! philliptrost(at)gmail.com
Reviewed by Anne on 9/5/2007 Very hard but very popular 7-10 hour hike. One-third is in the forest, the middle third takes you over large sharp boulders, and the final third is an endless slog up steep, slippery ash. Bring gloves, trekking poles, boots w/grippy soles, a camelback plus an extra water bottle, sport sunglasses, sunblock and layers for the variable weather. Going down the boulders can be tricky. Incredibly rewarding view of the crater, Rainier and Adams. 
Reviewed by Bruce on 8/23/2007 My first climb - not as easy as I thought - typical rookie mistake. Climbed Aug 20 - so we all thought maybe a bit chilly, right? At 7000 ft, it was 40 deg F, and 30 mph sustained winds, and sideways rain. Unfortunately we missed the beautiful views due to fog, but I will definately go again. Bring extra clothing and extra rain gear! Be prepared to scramble up some boulders.
Reviewed by ED on 8/16/2007 Three of us summitted 15/08/2007; My wife & I took our 1yr old up for her B-Day (great photo opportunity). Camped out the night before and left at 6am. Recommend trekking poles, definitely helped through the loose stuff. Some opportunity for bouldering should the hiker have a eye for it. Otherwise your basic up and down... total time 5.0 hours to summit, 4.25 back down... An early start is the key for a successful summit.
Reviewed by Thom on 6/26/2007 Two of us completed hike to rim June 9th. Storm front moved in, we hiked up into it as we got above west ridge. Sustained 40mph winds, sideways rain turning to sleet then snow. Zero visibility. Moral of the story? Either A) reserve permits later in summer to reduce risk of storms wrecking your fun; or B) if you are as lucky as we were you will never forget your experience. I was wearing biking gloves that got soaked and my frostbit fingertips are still peeling! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Cowlitz County Hiking, Cowlitz County Trails, Cowlitz County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||