Climbing
PEAK SEASON PERMITS ARE $22.00
(April 1 through October 31)
All climbers must register and obtain a climbing permit. Climbing permits between November 1st, 2012 - March 31, 2013 must be registered for in person and picked up at Lone Fir Resort, telephone number (360) 238-5210. If you are climbing April 1st - October 31st you must purchase your permits by clicking the “BUY NOW,” button listed above.
Consider joining us for a guided climb!
The total fee of $22 includes a $7 service charge- $5 of which goes toward the MSHI Mountain Stewards volunteer program to maintain and protect the climb route, and a $2 cart fee.
EQUIPMENT
Mount St. Helens is not merely a mountain—it is an active volcano. You need to be prepared for extreme weather, possible ash fall, and other hazards. Read about how to prepare for your climb.
CURRENT CONDITIONS ON MOUNT ST HELENS
Please be prepared; expect fall/winter conditions with snow levels gradually increasing throughout the winter. The road to Climber’s Bivouac is currently closed. The winter climbing route leaves from Marble Mountain Snow Park.
See the U.S. Forest Service Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument website for more information and the most current climbing condition updates. Visit the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center for the most up to date avalanche forecast information.
CLIMBING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO
At 8,328 feet high (as measured by USGS in 2009), Mount St. Helens offers climbers a breathtaking view from the crater rim. Although it is not a technical climb, it is strenuous and hazardous due to ice, large boulders, loose pumice, fast-changing weather and volcanism. Climbers should be in very good physical condition, well equipped, informed about volcanic hazards, and have plenty of water and food.
The Mount St. Helens Institute has partnered with the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to help protect the volcano’s fragile features and to ensure climbers have a safe, low-impact experience on the volcano.
Before climbing Mount St. Helens, please read climbing rules, road and trail conditions, and other important information from the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
GUIDED CLIMBS
The Mount St. Helens Institute offers guided climbs led by qualified leaders or by geologists who enlighten climbers to the volcano’s dramatic past, recent eruptions, and ongoing volcanism. Read more about the Institute’s guided climbs. For those who desire a geology-focused climb, read more about the “Geology on High” climbs with a geologist.
Questions? Email the Institute at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call us at (360) 449-7883.
