Climbing
CLIMBING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO
At 2,549 meters (8,364 feet) high, Mount St. Helens offers climbers a breathtaking view from the crater rim. On certain days the volcano may also let off a little steam! Although it is not a technical climb requiring special equipment or expertise, it is strenuous and hazardous due to ice, large boulders, loose pumice and fast-changing, extreme weather and volcanism. Climbers should be in very good physical condition, well equipped, informed about volcanic hazards, and have plenty of water and food. All climbers must register and obtain a climbing permit. 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.
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. The Institute’s goal is to help climbers have the best adventure they can at Mount St. Helens while staying safe and keeping the volcano intact and litter-free.
GUIDED CLIMBS
You don’t have to summit alone. 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. These popular field seminars fill up quickly. Read more about the Institute’s guided climbs.
REGISTRATION
You must register and have a permit to climb Mount St. Helens. Find out how to register.
PERMITS
Climbing permits are required year-round above 4,800 feet on Mount St. Helens, and fees vary depending on the season. Permits for 2010 will be available February 1, 2010 at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Find out how to obtain a permit.
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.
CLIMBER’S BIVOUAC
Climbers usually start their ascent in summer by camping the night before at Climber’s Bivouac. Read more about Climber’s Bivouac and its free Fireside Chats.
Questions? Email the Institute at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call us at (360) 891-5107.
