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PREPARING FOR YOUR CLIMB

Mount St. Helens is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Though Mount St. Helens is accessible to climbing year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,328 feet elevation. Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling on steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in eight to twelve hours. While climbing to the crater rim is permitted, entry into the crater is strictly prohibited.

  • Wind, snow, rain, or sun - Mount St. Helens experiences all kinds of conditions and can vary widely week to week, find out the latest on the climbing route by visiting our Current Conditions page.

  • Climbing permits are required for all climbs, and numbers are limited between April 1 - October 31. Permits are sold through recreation.gov.

  • Who needs a permit and when? What parking pass do I need? How do I change my climbing permit? Are dogs allowed? Can I fly a drone? Get answers to these questions and more by visiting our FAQ page!

  • Familiarize yourself with the winter route, Worm Flows, out of Marble Mountain Sno-Park and the summer route, Monitor Ridge, out of Climber's Bivouac before you head out on your climb.

  • See our curated list of clothing and equipment recommended by MSHI guides, volunteers, and past participants.

  • Climbing Mount St. Helens requires physical and mental stamina. Train your body and your brain as you approach your climb.

Know before you go

Climbing an active volcano has associated risks. These include, but are not limited to; volcanic activity, weather hazards, avalanches, terrain traps, equipment failure, and human error. Before heading into the backcountry for any reason or any length of time, make sure to take the precautions necessary to ensure a safe return.

  • Obtain a climbing permit for your entire group. Make sure each member has a copy, printed or digital.
  • Train appropriately. This will look different for each person, but do several hikes in the weeks ahead to prepare you for the 10-12 mi, 4,500-5,500 ft climb.
  • Leave your itinerary, driving route, and estimated return time with someone you trust. Make sure they know what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Carry the Ten Essentials
    • Navigation
    • Headlamp, extra batteries
    • Sun Protection
    • First Aid
    • Repair Kit and Tools
    • Fire Kit
    • Shelter
    • Extra Food
    • Extra Water (3-4 L per person)
    • Layers
  • Check the conditions. Never attempt to climb a mountain in hazardous conditions, i.e. thunderclouds, lightening storms, avalanche danger, etc. Remember that conditions can change on the mountain rapidly and sometimes unpredictably.
  • Pack equipment that matches the conditions. This may include avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, ice axe, snowshoes, and/or crampons. For a detailed sample equipment list, click HERE. Know how to utilize and safely carry this equipment before you head into the backcountry.
  • Sign in to the register at the trailhead before you start your climb.
  • Be prepared in case of an emergency. There is limited to no cell phone service on the roads leading to the climbing route or on the climbing route itself. Do not rely on your phone, and carry an alternative for emergency communication. Have enough supplies to last at least one night on the mountain.
  • Notify your emergency person once you are off the mountain.