What parking pass do I need? How do I change my climbing permit? Are dogs allowed? Can I fly a drone? Get answers to these questions and more by visiting our FAQ page! Wind, snow, rain, or sun - Mount St. Helens experiences all kinds of conditions and can vary widely week to week, find out the latest on the climbing route by visiting our Current Conditions page. See our curated list of clothing and equipment recommended by MSHI guides, volunteers, and past participants.
Climbing Mount St. Helens requires physical and mental stamina. Upon reaching the top and the edge of the horseshoe crater, an unbeatable perspective of the erupted volcano accompanies views of Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Hood, on the clearest of days. The return journey down the trail is just as difficult as heading up the mountain, and trekking poles are recommended to save knees from the brunt of the force. Permits are required to climb anywhere above 4, feet on Mount St.
Helens between April 1st and October 31st. Very few permits are available for walk-up status, making reservations nearly required for this bucket-list hike.
For more information on permits and current conditions, head on over to the Mount St. Helens Institute homepage. On the west side of the volcanic monument, on the way to Johnston Ridge Observatory, the Hummocks Trail is a popular family hike.
It exposes a variety of Mount St. Helens landscapes, including the trail's namesake features. Hummocks at Mount St. Helens are small knolls and earthen mounds and a direct result of the eruption. The sediment and debris that define these darkened slopes were at one time an actual part of the mountain.
The near 2. Helens itself. It is relatively flat and filled with interpretive information that describes in greater detail the events that led to their creation. At the terminus of Forest Road 99 on the northeast side of the monument, the drive alone to Windy Ridge is half the adventure. Paved with a few potholes and rough areas along the way motorcycles use caution , the road is lined with roadside attractions like the Miners Car Interpretive Site and other noteworthy trailheads, including Norway Pass.
The drive is well worth the effort, and at the base of Windy Ridge is one of the closest views of Mount St. Helens you can access with a vehicle.
From the parking area, a steep trail climbs to the Windy Ridge viewpoint where Mt. Saint Helens and the destruction is in full view. The Truman Trail can also be accessed from the Windy Ridge parking area and provides even closer views with considerably more effort. The view from Norway Pass. On the more remote northeast side of the park, Norway Pass provides a great look at the different environments that now define Mount St.
Climbing the 2. Saint Helens, Spirit Lake, and the massive blast zone can be easily seen in the near distance. Part of the popularity of this trail includes its gateway status for numerous other backcountry hikes, including the always inviting Mount Margaret backcountry. If plans don't include a backcountry itinerary, it's highly recommended to drive farther south on forest road 99 after hiking Norway Pass. At the far end of Forest Road 83 on the southeast edge of the monument, Lava Canyon highlights a timespan of geologic history that is quite a sight to see.
The landscape is the result of a volcanic mudslide scouring out a canyon once filled with loose sediment. As a result, the dramatic waterfalls that now define Lava Canyon were both revealed and heightened in a single event. Visitors to Lava Canyon choose their own level of adventure with three connecting trails that increase with difficulty the farther traveled from the trailhead.
From the parking area, a paved and easily graded path leads to an observation point, which serves as a good introduction to the landscape. A maintained hiking trail continues from here, eventually making a loop by crossing the water via a foot cable suspension bridge. For extra adventure, a third trail continues against the canyon wall beyond the suspension bridge, quickly descending and incorporating a foot steel ladder for the steepest section. Regardless of how far you travel, it's extremely important to stick only to the hiking trails of this steep canyon route.
Spirit Lake is on the northeast side of Mount St. It was once a popular recreation area filled with campgrounds, lodges, and a variety of hiking trails. It is one of many landscapes that dramatically changed after the eruption event. The massive avalanche debris that crashed into Spirit Lake dramatically raised its banks.
The sudden splash also sent a towering tidal wave beyond the banks to collect any downed trees in its way. The resulting log mat floating in Spirit Lake is still readily visible today. Spirit Lake is a living scientific study on how habitat recovers after a volcanic eruption, and the only public access point to this once-popular body of water can be found on the Harmony trail. The namesake Harmony Falls that once attracted visitors to the area is now below the waterline, and the roughly one-mile trail heading down to this altered environment is steep before hitting the shoreline.
On clear days, expect to see a great vantage point of Mount St. Helens from the water, as well as visual remains of the eruption event. The area surrounding Spirit Lake is still recovering, and sticking to the trails is a vital part of any visit.
Helens from the Loowit Trail. For an encompassing perspective on the eruption, the Loowit Trail circumnavigates Mount St. Helens, crossing through blast zones, mountain gullies, and a stark landscape full of unique beauty. Nearly 30 miles long, the Loowit Trail is nothing short of a challenging hike.
The summit hike is a mile round trip with long bolder fields and has over 4, feet of elevation gain. Be sure to prepare, plan ahead, train, pack appropriately, bring lots of water and get an early start.
The views alone are totally worth all the preparation. Bring at least 3 liters of water and please don't use plastic water bottles. Even in nice days the wind could be howling at the top and you can get cold really quick. And don't forget the sunscreen! Water Sports. Sea Fishing. Recreational Cycling. Rock Climbing. Wilderness Survival. Extreme Sports. Winter Sports.
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