Climbing Mount St. Helens Volcano in 2009
Located in Washington State, this Volcano Blew its Top in 1980
Jan 27, 2009
Mount St. Helens, which can be seen from Portland, Oregon and many spots in Southwest Washington, amazed the world during the massive 1980 explosion and eruption, which devastated 230 square miles of forest, created new lakes and killed several people.
But the still-active volcano - a low-level eruption from 2004 to 2008 created a huge lava dome in the massive crater - is now a popular climb for those in good condition. Climbers should visit the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument website for updates on mountain conditions, weather and what equipment is needed.
Summer and Fall Climbing is Most Popular
The Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac rises 4,500 feet in five miles of trail to the crater rim at 8,365 feet. This climb is non-technical - there is no need for special equipment, such as ropes or ice axes - during the summer months. However, climbers should be in good shape and comfortable scrambling on steep terrain.
Most climbers complete the round trip in seven to 12 hours. The most popular climbing season is late spring through early fall.
Newbie climbers should sign up for a guided climb through the non-profit Mount St. Helens Institute. This is the best option for many people.
The Mount St. Helens Permit System
Climbers must have a permit to climb beyond 4,800 feet on Mount St. Helens. During the most popular climbing time - May 15 through Oct. 31 - there is a limit of 100 permits a day. Each climber must pay $22 for a permit between April 1 and Oct. 31. Starting on Feb. 2, 2009, permits are sold online at www.mshinstitute.org.
Permits are free from Nov. 1 through March 31 climbs, and they are available at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park near the small town of Cougar on Washington state Route 503. Off-season permits are also available at the Climber's Register at the Lone Fir Resort in Cougar.
Mount St. Helens Climb Details
The climb begins with a hike through forest. Above timberline - the 4,800 foot climbing permit deadline - the trail ends and wooden poles mark the route to Monitor Ridge. Bouldery spots sometimes requires climbers to use hands as well as feet. The terrain turns into smooth, soft volcanic ash as climbers near the crater rim.
Climbing Hazards at Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is in the Cascade Mountain range, and winter climbing is very, very difficult and dangerous. Cascades weather can also change suddenly, so climbers should carry warm clothing and rain gear even on the warmest days of summer.
Mount St. Helens is also an active volcano. Although the low-level eruption that created the massive lava dome in the crater from 2004 through 2008 has ended, the volcano could rumble to life at any time.
The crater rim is unstable in many places, and climbers should stay well back from the edge. Climbers are not allowed to descend into the crater, which remains very hot in places.
Mount St. Helens Sights
Climbers reaching the top of the crater enjoy spectacular views of the crater, a glacier and the often-steaming lava dome.
Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and Mount Hood are easy to spot on a clear day. Climbers can also see the huge landslide created when Mount St. Helens blew in May 1980. The top of the volcano exploded and one side slid down into the Toutle River valley.
The landscape nearest the volcano is still almost barren, but the forest is rapidly growing back in the huge blast zone.
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