Climbing
Guided Climbs
The Mount St. Helens Institute offers two types of climbs to help visitors get the most from their experience atop the volcano.
Geology on High Climbs
Led by trained geologists, you will delve into the fascinating and complex geology of Mount St. Helens. Your adventure will start on Friday evening as you sit around the campfire and learn about the eruptive history of Mount St. Helens. On the climb, the next morning, the geologist will explain all facets of the geology of Mount St. Helens and answer all your questions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for geology-enthusiasts! These climbs cost $200/ person, maximum of 10 participants per climb.
2012 Geology on High Dates:
July 13-14
July 27-28
August 3-4
August 17-18
September 7-8
Guided Climbs
Led by the Institute’s guide staff, you will climb Mount St. Helens and marvel at the beauty surrounding you. Guides help keep climbers safe on established routes, teach some basic mountaineering skills and share stories and facts about the volcano as they lead climbers up Monitor Ridge to the crater rim. These climbs cost $150/person, maximum of 10 participants per climb.
2012 Guided Climb Dates:
MSHI Guided Climbs are offered on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.
July: 13th, 20th, 21st, 27th
August: 3rd, 10th, 11th, 17th, 24th, 25th, 31st
September: 1st, 7th
GENERAL GUIDED CLIMB DETAILS
Price: $150 per person includes permits, guides and MSHI t-shirt
Policies and Procedures: Click here to see our Guided Climb policies
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 display your climbing permit on your dashboard in order to camp.
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
Registered for a Guided Climb? Click here for Guided_Climb_Participant_Information.pdf.
Questions? .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (360)449-7883
