Climbing
Guided Climbs
Summit with a Guide
The Mount St. Helens Institute offers guided climbs to help visitors get the most from their experience atop the volcano. The Institute’s guides are trained geologists and mountaineers who share geologic stories and facts about the volcano as they lead climbers up Monitor Ridge to the crater rim. Climbers learn what kind of rock their boots are touching, what kind of lava makes up the volcano’s new dome, and how it can be that a new glacier is forming deep in the crater’s heart. Guides also help keep climbers safe on established routes. Their intimate knowledge of the volcano and its history and anatomy make the climb a rich and memorable outdoor adventure.
The climb to the top of Mount St. Helens is physically and mentally rigorous. Climbers are responsible for determining if their physical condition is adequate for this strenous climb.
Upcoming Guided Climbs Dates:
August 20 (Friday)- Sold Out
August 27 (Friday)- Sold Out
August 28 (Saturday)- Still Space Available
September 3 (Friday)- Still Space Available
September 4 (Saturday)- Still Space Available
The climb to the top of Mount St. Helens is physically and mentally rigorous. Climbers are responsible for determining if their physical condition is adequate for this strenous climb.
Price
$150 per person includes MSHI t-shirt
Policies and Procedures
Click here to see our Guided Climb policies
CLIMB DETAILS
Registered for a Guided Climb? Click here for Guided_Climb_Participant_Information.pdf.
Meeting Time: 6:00am
Meeting Place: Climbers Bivouac
Gear List
Click here to see our Guided Climb gear list
Overnight Camping
Overnight camping for guided climbs is available at Climbers Bivouac (pit toilets and no water). The guided climb fee covers camping at Climber’s Bivouac for both the night before and the night after your climb. You must print out your guided climb confirmation email and display it on your dashboard overnight as proof of your purchase.
Directions to Climber’s Bivouac
Climber’s Bivouac is located at the end of Forest Road 81-830 (just east of the junction of Forest Roads 81 and 83) on the south side of the volcano.
1) From Interstate 5—take Exit 21 (Woodland Exit)
2) Travel east on Highway 503 and then USFS Road 90, approximately 35.7 miles to junction of USFS Roads 83 and 90.
3) Turn north (left) onto USFS Road 83 and proceed another 3.2 miles to the junction of USFS Roads 83 and 81.
4) Turn on to USFS Road 81.
5) Proceed 1.8 miles to intersection of USFS Roads 81 and 830.
6) Turn on to USFS Road 830 to Ptarmigan Trail and Climber’s Bivouac
Dogs are not allowed on MSHI guided climbs
