best time of year to visit mt st helens

best time of year to visit mt st helens

How to Visit Mt St Helens in One Day or Two

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Mount St Helens is a volcano in southern Washington State. The mountain is an awe-inspiring spectacle—a volcanic temple to the power of mother nature. Even 40 years on from its headline-making eruption, the evidence of its explosive is clear. This is a day trip or weekender not to be missed. Visit Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument with this itinerary and guide.

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  • Mount St Helens is not a National Park, it is a National Monument established by US Congress in 1982.
  • The volcano is known by the Native American names Loowit or Louwala-Clough , which translate to “smoking mountain”.
  • Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy dubbed the volcano Mt St Helens in 1792. It’s namesake is Alleyne Fitzherbert, the Baron St Helens who served as the British Ambassador to Spain.
  • Mount St Helens’ last major eruption was on Sunday May 18, 1980. It began with an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, followed by the collapse of the north face of the mountain. The collapse released pressurized gases in the volcano triggering a lateral explosion which decimated nearly 38,850 hectares (150 square miles) of the surrounding landscape.
  • The area around Mt St Helens had been mostly evacuated prior to the eruption, however 57 people were killed. Three of these people were within the “red zone”: a scientist, a photojournalist and a stubborn resident who wouldn’t leave.
  • Mt St Helens lost about 2.6 cubic kilometres (0.63 cubic mile) of its volume in the eruption and which reduced its height about 396m (1300ft).

Volcanic activity continued until 1986 until the mountain settled down again.

In a word, yes! If seeing an active volcano in person excites you, then you will get a kick out of visiting Mt St Helens.  It is incredible (and a little scary) to see the destruction wreaked by the 1980 eruption and that even after 40 years it is still so evident on the landscape. Plus, I think of it as a chance to preview what nearby Mt Rainier might look like in the future.

The main road accessing Mount St Helens is State Route 504 (aka Spirit Lake Memorial Highway). The upper part of this road is generally open May to October, making summer and early autumn the best times to visit Mt St Helens. Check with the Forest Service for specific conditions. Summer brings beautiful wildflower blooms, however, note that Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument has no shade. Early autumn is a little cooler for those who don’t like to be out in the intense summer heat.

The two closest airports to Mount St Helens are Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) and Portland International (PDX).

From there, the best way to get to the volcano is by car. Here are some rough distances and drive times from the major metro areas to Johnston Observatory:

From Seattle, WA – Approximately 260km (160mi)/ 3.5 hours drive

From Tacoma, WA – Approximately 210km (130mi)/ 2.5 hours drive

From Olympia, WA – Approximately 155km (95mi)/ 1.75 hours drive

From Portland, OR – Approximately 180km (110mi)/ 2.25 hours drive

Silver Lake with clouds shrouding Mt St Helens in the distance

To visit Mt St Helens in a day trip, you really don’t want to be starting out further away than Olympia, WA or Portland, OR. 

It is possible to day trip from Tacoma or Seattle, WA but it would be an awfully long day with a huge proportion spent in the car. If you plan to day trip from Seattle, it would be best to invite some friends that you trust to share the driving duties.

With two days, Mt St Helens is a more comfortable trip from Seattle and you can see both the north/west and south/east side of the mountain.

If you can afford three days or a long weekend, you can see Mt St Helens from all sides and tie in a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park as well!

Entry fees and passes for Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument are stupidly complicated, so I’ll try to break it down for you the best I can.

The U.S. Forest Service manages the Monument. They charge per-person entry fees to access the Coldwater or Johnson Ridge areas on the west side of the volcano. The cost is $8 per person for adults (kids under 16 are free).

If you also intend to visit the eastern and southern sides of Mt St Helens, you will need to pay $5 per vehicle, per day for a National Forest Day Pass (or $30 for an annual pass) .  Passes are available for purchase at Forest Service offices and self-serve kiosks around the Monument. The Volcanic Monument also honours the America the Beautiful pass and Senior passes for the named pass owner and 3 additional adults. If you have a Northwest Forest Pass (Oregon and Washington), this will allow one person to enter.

Mount St Helens and Toutle River viewed from the Forest Learning Center

Mount St Helens one and two day itinerary

Start early, especially if you are driving 2-3 hours to get to the Park rather than overnighting nearby. We drove to Castle Rock on a Friday night after work, to get a head start on the following day. Castle Rock is the closest town with descent amenities including hotels, restaurants and supermarket where you can pick up supplies.

Take State Route 504 off the I-5. Your first stop will be about 10 mins away from the exit, at the Mt St Helens Visitor Center. Though the Visitor Center has been closed during the pandemic, it is still worth a brief stop to stretch your legs on the short interpretative trail which includes a boardwalk along Silver Lake.

About 15-20 minutes further along State Route 504, look for the Bigfoot statue that marks the North Fork Survivors Gift Shop. There you will find an A-frame home that was partially buried by the mudslides resulting from the eruption.

Back on the road, your next stop is Bridge View Point. This spot overlooks Hoffstadt Bridge, the longest and tallest of the fourteen bridges along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (SR-504). Here, you’ll also begin to comprehend the extent of the area affected by the 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens, as you stand on the edge of the Blast Zone.

Next stop on our itinerary is the Mount St Helens Forest Learning Center. Even if you don’t intend to visit the Center, make a quick stop here for some photos. The Learning Center overlooks the valley through which the deadly mud and debris slide tore moments after the eruption.

A smidgen further up the road at the Mile 37 marker, you will find Elk Rock Viewpoint. This marks the western entrance to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument with views to the crater, the Toutle River Valley and on clear days, the snowy peak of Mount Adams.

Finally, we arrive at Johnston Ridge Observatory. The Ridge and Observatory are named for USGS volcanologist David A. Johnston , who was monitoring Mt St Helens at a nearby observation post on the morning of the eruption and who died in the blast. Here you’ll have direct views into the horseshoe-shaped crater of the volcano which is partially filled by a lava dome and glacier. While you are here, take a short hike on the paved Eruption Trail (approx. 800m/0.5mi) for more astounding views and gorgeous, summer, wildflower blooms.

Return to your place of origin or go drive to your accommodation for the night and continue with day two. Again, Castle Rock is a good place to spend the evening.

View of Mt St Helens crater from Johnson Ridge

Make your way to the east side of the volcano via WA-503 and stop the Trial of Two Forests trailhead. Wander along the boardwalks of this easy and accessible 0.4km (0.25mi) loop trail. Here, two forests meet. The old-growth forest is composed of Douglas firs and western red cedars. The younger forest, which was destroyed by lava flows from Mt St Helens 2000 years ago, is made up of fir and hemlock. There are imprints of trees in lava beds and a lava cast you can climb into (again, have your flashlight at the ready).

Next stop: Ape Cave. The cave is a lava tube formed over 2000 years ago! You’ll need a flashlight to explore either of the two routes departing from the visitors’ center near the main entrance. The lower trail is about 2.5km/1.5mi return on this easy, out-and-back hike.

The upper trail is about double the distance with half the hike taking you through the cave and a return trail above ground. Among other obstacles, the upper trail requires you to scale a slippery 8ft lava wall with limited footholds. This is one for the adult adventurers!

After Ape Cave, get a contrasting view of Mt St Helens, by making your way to Lahar Viewpoint. Here you’ll see how different the recovery of the landscape has been compared to the crater side.

At this point, it’s time to turn homeward.

  • Start early, especially if you are driving 1-2 hours to get to the Monument.
  • Always check Park conditions and closures before setting out.
  • Make sure you have plenty of sun protection.
  • Pack lots of food and water. There are extremely few food outlets once you leave the I-5, so pack lunch, snacks and lots of water.

Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints as you enjoy your visit to Mount St Helens.

Peace, love & inspiring travel,

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Simple and Scenic Mount Rainier Day Trip Guide

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Perfect Mt St Helens day trip from Seattle or Portland

Last Updated on July 1, 2023

Are you a volcano lover? Nature lover? If so then you absolutely must do a Mt St Helens day trip if you are anywhere near Seattle or Portland. On May 18, 1980, Loowit (Mt St Helens) erupted with incredible force, enough to incinerate miles of forest, unleash an epic mudslide that took out part of Interstate 5 and send an ash cloud miles into the sky that blocked out the sun for much of the west and sent ash traveling around the entire globe multiple times.

June 2023 Note : State Route 504, the Spirit Lake Highway, experienced a landslide in the Spring 2023 and the road is closed to Johnston Ridge Observatory. I will update this once they announce when the road and Johnston Ridge will reopen.

Loowit (Mt St Helens) is a fascinating place to learn about the destruction of the 1980 volcanic eruption and how life returns. You can hike trails, explore epic views, and learn about the science of volcanoes and how ecosystems change and recover after such a disruptive event. It’s an incredible experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!

Loowit means “smoking mountain” and is the homeland of the Cowlitz People and the Klickitat People.

Passes Needed : Monument Pass (purchase at the Johnston Ridge Observatory) – $8 per adult (free if you have an annual federal lands pass)

Cell Service : None along the Spirit Lake Highway or in Mt St Helens National Monument.

Dog Friendly : Dogs are not allowed on trails in Mt St Helens National Monument. In addition there is no shade at the Johnston Ridge Observatory so it is not safe to leave your dog in the car either. I recommend NOT bringing your dog to Mt St Helens.

Accessibility : Johnston Ridge has a ADA accessible parking and an ADA accessible restroom as well as a short accessible hiking trail through the destruction of the blast zone. Seaquest State Park also has accessible restrooms, parking an an ADA accessible trail.

Services : Make sure you have a full take of gas and bring plenty of food and water with you. Once you leave I-5, there are no services.

When is the best time to visit Mt St Helens?

  • How do you get to Mt St Helens from Seattle?
  • How do you get to Mt St Helens from Portland?

Johnston Ridge Observatory

Coldwater lake, forest learning center.

  • Buried A-frame and Bigfoot statue

Silver Lake Visitor Center and Seaquest State Park

  • Hikes at Mt St Helens

Windy Ridge

  • Climbing Mt St Helens

The crater of Mt St Helens is visible across the valley and there are bright red wildflowers in the foreground

Summer is the best time to visit Mt St Helens, since it really isn’t accessible in the winter. The Spirit Lake Highway which takes you from I-5 to Johnston Ridge is only open in the summer, generally mid-May through October.

I recommend going in July because that gives you the best chance of clear weather, no lingering snow and not too much haze yet. June, August and September are also excellent times to go. If you are not a fan of hot weather, I recommend September because it is a bit cooler than July.

July has stunning wildflowers at Johnston Ridge.

Much of Mt St Helens National Monument has no trees and no shade so it can be VERY hot. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection!

How to get to Mt St Helens from Seattle

Mt St Helens is a long drive from Seattle and if you’re a camper, you might want to consider spending the weekend at Seaquest State Park. You can still do a Mt St Helens day trip from Seattle, no problem!

Head south on I-5 past Chehalis. South of Chehalis, take Exit 68 for US Highway 12. I recommend a short but worthwhile detour and leg stretch to Lewis and Clark State Park. This small state park has an impressive stand of old growth trees like the many that were leveled in the Mt St Helens 1980 eruption. When I did day trip tours to Mt St Helens from Seattle, we always stopped here so people could see the kinds of ancient forest that once existed in the volcanic landscape before the eruption.

The bottom of tall old growth trees with chunky bark in a forest with more trees and a forest floor covered in ferns

There’s a short nature trail that gives you a chance to stretch your legs and use the restroom a couple hours into your trip which is a good time for a break. A Washington Discover Pass is needed to park here.

Once you exit I-5 on to Highway 12, look for Jackson Highway on the right in 4.5 miles. This will take you straight to Lewis and Clark State Park in just a couple miles.

When you leave Lewis and Clark State Park, continue south on Jackson Highway for five miles and then turn left onto State Highway 505. In 14 miles, turn left on State Highway 504, the Spirit Lake Highway. If you want to check out Silver Lake or Seaquest State Park, take a right here to back track about 12 miles. You can also return this way back to the freeway, although it’s slightly longer.

The Spirit Lake Highway takes you straight to the Johnston Ridge Observatory

Driving time from Seattle to Johnston Ridge Observatory (without stops) takes about 3 hours .

How to get to Mt St Helens from Portland

Mt St Helens is a shorter drive from Portland. To get there, take I-5 north into Washington and take exit 49 in Castle Rock. Turn right on State Highway 504, the Spirit Lake Highway. The Spirit Lake Highway dead ends at the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Driving time from Portland to Johnston Ridge Observatory (without stops) takes about 2 hours .

Things to do on a Mt St Helens day trip

The crater of Mt St Helens with early summer snow still around the summit. In the foreground is the gray and brown landscape of volcanic destruction

Johnston Ridge Observatory is named for the late volcanologist David Johnston, who’s famous radio broadcast told alerted the scientific community that the expected eruption was happening, just moments before he died in the eruption. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why this was the perfect place to observe the volcano as it became more active in early 1980.

Today, the observatory has exhibits as well as an excellent movie about the eruption and the way the ecosystem is recovering from the eruption. Make sure to stay all the way through the credits because at the end the curtain pulls up to show a dramatic view straight into the crater of Mt St Helens that you don’t want to miss!

There are also restrooms here, a couple of short nature trails as well as longer trails if you wish to head out deeper into the blast zone.

A blue lake surrounded by forested hillsides and mountains

Stop at the Coldwater Lake recreation area and boat launch to see a gorgeous and huge lake that has only existed since 1980! Massive mud flows and landslides dammed up Coldwater Creek creating a new lake right before our eyes.

You can do a lovely hike along the lake here, or you can just head out to the boardwalk on the short Birth of a Lake trail to learn all about how the eruption created the lake.

It’s easy to overlook this stop, but don’t do that! This is a great opportunity to learn about forestry, see a great view and possibly even some elk from the Elk Viewpoint.

The Forest Learning Center is operated by Weyerhauser, Washington’s big logging company. Keep that in mind as you explore the exhibits, but don’t dismiss it for that reason either. This is a really great place to learn all about forestry! There’s also a short paved trail here with some amazing views and a definitely chance to see elk in the valley below.

Buried A-frame and Bigfoot Statue

This is an absolute must stop for anyone who likes weird roadside attractions! This is one of the best ones in Washington.

An A-frame is a type of cabin that is common in the Pacific Northwest, usually made of roof with a very steep roof. Several hours after the 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens, a massive mud flow came down the Toutle River, destroying plenty of roads, bridges, cars and buildings. The A-frame here is a great place to see some of that destruction! You can see how the mud filled the cabin up to the second floor and you can peak inside this cabin that is frozen in time.

There is also a Bigfoot statue (28 feet high!) and a Bigfoot giftshop here.

A view of a distant mountain across a wetland on a day trip to Mt st helens

If you’re coming from Portland, I highly recommend stopping here! If you’re coming from Seattle this is slightly out of your way, but still worth a stop. This is also the best camping situation near Mt St Helens and a great place to spend a weekend.

The visitor center has a seismograph showing the current volcanic activity on Mt St Helens as well as a step in volcano model which is pretty cool! Outside there is a boardwalk through a wetland with many birds and a view of Mt St Helens.

Seaquest State Park also offers swimming and hiking trails. They also have yurts you can reserve for a camping experience with no tent required!

Hiking at Mt St Helens

While the summit climb is awesome, it is also super hard and an all day adventure that takes plenty of preparation. There are many other wonderful hikes you can do on a Mt St Helens day trip that are much shorter and easier and give you plenty of opportunity to soak up big views, epic volcanic landscapes and scenes of nature recovering from the destruction of the 1980 eruption.

There is no cell service and no shade, so make sure to be prepared, especially with food, water and sun protection.

These are a few of my favorite hikes in Mt St Helens National Monument.

Lakes Trail

A lake surrounded by young trees with the crater and summit of Mt St Helens with some snow in the background

  • Location : Coldwater Lake
  • Distance : up to 9 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: up to 600 feet round trip
  • Special Features : Walk along the shore of a naturally created lake from the 1980 eruption! Epic views and cool breezes too.

Hummocks Trail

  • Distance : 2.5 mile loop
  • Elevation Gain : 300 feet
  • Special Features : a unique and weird landscape of piles of avalanche debris from the 1980 eruption, some of which are several hundred feet high.

Harry’s Ridge

  • Location : Johnston Ridge
  • Distance : Up to 8 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain : Up to 1000 feet
  • Special Features : This hike is harder than it looks on paper, because there is no shade whatsoever and it can be extremely dusty. It is still an incredible hike with astounding views the entire time. You’ll be in the heart of the blast zone with views of Mt St Helens and Spirit Lake. You do not need to go all the way to Harry’s Ridge to experience this awesome trail, you can turn around at any point.

Pumice Plain

Brown volcanic rocks with a bit of new green growth in the blast zone of the mt st helens eruption. The edge of spirit lake is also visible and covered in driftwood logs at one end

  • Location: Johnston Ridge
  • Distance : Up to 10.4 miles
  • Elevation Gain : Up to 1100 feet
  • Special Features : This is the best trail for those who really want to get as far as possible into the blast zone! You’ll start the same way as Harry’s Ridge and then divert down into the pumice plain and towards the crater. Like Harry’s Ridge, you don’t need to be destination oriented here, you can follow the trail even a short distance to get a feel for this spectacular volcanic landscape.

Other interesting things to do at Mt St Helens

The list of things to do on a Mt St Helens day trip above are all along the Spirit Lake Highway between I-5 and the Johnston Ridge Observatory. This is the best place for visitors to go on a day trip, but there are some other really cool things to see and do in Mt St Helens National Monument. I think they are worth including here in case you have more time.

The inside of a lava tub. It is dark and you can only see the rocky sides of the cave nearby

Located on the other side of Mt St Helens from the blast zone of the 1980 eruption, Ape Cave was created by Mt St Helens about 2000 years ago!

It is what’s known as a lava tube, where hardening lava creates a tube that provides some protection from colder air outside, allowing the lava to continue to flow liquid a longer distance. After everything cools, it creates a long, narrow cave.

You can go inside (make sure you have fresh headlamp batteries and a back up light!) and go up to a couple of miles inside the lava tube.

Ape Cave is on the south side of Mt St Helens near the town of Cougar. It’s a two and a half hour drive from Johnston Ridge, a three and a half hour drive from Seattle and an hour and a half drive from Portland.

Forested and shrub covered hillsides above a lake with the crater of Mt St Helens in the distance, partially covered by clouds

Windy Ridge is on the northeast side of Mt St Helens National Monument and is harder and longer to get to. This is the best place for visitors who don’t like crowds!

It’s only open during the summer months and involves a lot of driving on forest service roads. There are quite a few forest service campgrounds near by.

Windy Ridge provides the same epic views of Mt St Helens and many wonderful hiking trails.

Climb Mt St Helens

Climbing to the summit of Mt St Helens and looking into the crater is one of the top three experiences of my life! I’ve done it several times and it’s absolutely incredible. It is a challenging, long, steep and exposed all day adventure that requires preparation.

Read all about how to plan your own summit climb here .

The crater of Mt St Helens is visible across the valley and there are bright red wildflowers in the foreground. Text reads: perfect mt st helens day trip

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Almost Everything You Need to Know about Hiking Mt St. Helens

Location of Mt. St. Helens on a map using a pin.

With 17,000 miles of hiking and backpacking under his belt, wilderness guide and ultra-light backpacker Erik Soltan of Get Out Backpacking joined the Fit For Trips team to speak about hiking Mount St. Helens. He dove right into to tell us what he loves about it and provides insight on almost everything you need to know about summiting and hiking around Mt St. Helens.

This volcanic peak, located in southern Washington state in the Cascade Range, is a hiker’s playground. It is home to trails of varying distances, making it a destination for everyone from visiting families, to day hikers, to backcountry enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery typical to the Pacific Northwest, grand views of neighboring Cascade peaks, and the stripped landscape of the blast zone from the 1980 eruption.

If you do plan to head to Mount St. Helens for an epic hiking trip, know that the terrain can be tough on the body, so some training can help get you ready to tackle the trails. Check out Fit For Trips’ custom training programs or schedule a complimentary fitness consultation with Marcus Shapiro.

What are the Cascades?

The Cascade Range is part of the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire rims around the Pacific Ocean. So, Cascade Range stretches from northern California, through the Pacific Northwest, and up into Canada’s British Columbia.

Within the Cascade Range are the High Cascades, or the volcanic peaks. Mount Baker is the furthest north, and the furthest south is Mount Lassen in Northern California.

Of course, you have peaks and wilderness areas in between these volcanic mountains, such as the Dark Divide, the largest roadless area in western Washington, and Mt. Rainier, plus some of the other areas north of Mount St. Helens that are nice to explore.

What do you love about hiking Mt St. Helens?

The diversity you see there is just unbelievable between the old growth forests and the blast zone, which has very few trees left on it. Despite this, things are growing. To see the mountain coming back, it’s what I imagine hiking in the desert would look like. If you’re one of those people that likes to see the bleak beauty of things, with wildflowers coming up through the sand or pumice, it can be really inspiring.

Hiking along Mount St. Helens you see the bits of purple and red from the Indian Paintbrush, lots of mountain goats, and all the fresh springs have little bits of moss and green in them because it’s the northwest and it gets a lot of precipitation. The colors are outrageous against the background of a landscape where everything has been stripped away.

I’ve hiked all around  High Cascades with trails, and I feel like Mount St. Helens has more of a fiery history. You’ll see evidence of eruptions throughout time, not just from the 80s eruption, on all the sides of the mountains. As the mountain rebuilds it’s amazing to see the freshness of life coming back.

It’s interesting that a lot of animals like pika and marmot have such a history on this mountain. Obviously, the animals living there today haven’t lived through an eruption, but in 1980 a lot of animals sensed something coming and went underground when the landslides came through after the eruption. When it cooled down, a lot of those animals popped back out, which is also very interesting to think that, instinctively, in that area, they knew that something was going on.

Also interesting; in the 70s, the people of the Klickitat tribe were telling local scientists that there was a problem with the mountain. They noticed the northern face of the mountain was slumping and interpreted it to be upset and angry. In nearby Spirit Lake, ripples in the lake were noticable despite the absence of wind. In hindsight, it turns out the ripples were caused by earthquakes and underground volcanic activity.

The Klickitat had moved their tribe around different parts of Mt St. Helens based on where they could find food, stuff to trade with other tribes, and because of the unpredictable volcanic activity. There are Klickitat legends to keep other tribes and people away from the northern side of the mountain because of its fiery past.

What is your favorite Mount St. Helens Hike?

I’ve hiked all the ’round-the-mountain trails in the Cascades and each one is special to me.  I do love the Loowit Trail going around Mount St. Helens. I’ll go into more detail about the Loowit Trail later, but my reason for loving it is for all the diversity; the landscape variety, the flora, and the animals you see along the way. It’s wild.

I hike because I get what I call “exposure” from it. The longer I’m out in those more isolated areas, the more I come back feeling like a clean slate. I wish a lot of people could enjoy that. I think our world would be in a lot better place if people could get away from the pressures of society.

Let’s face it, the world is very complex right now. When all you’re doing is walking and eating and moving, getting yourself from point A to point B, it’s a lot easier to allow your brain to relax, and it can happen for days or weeks on end. It gives you a sense of relaxation.

The one thing I don’t like about climbing Mt St. Helens, as opposed to trekking around it, is that you’re surrounded by people the whole time. At the top, it’s like being in a mall, and then you slide down and then you’re done. I don’t like that about day hiking, in general.

I don’t day hike too often. By the time you get everything ready, get your pack ready, drive out there, you hike, and you come back, you’re just in traffic again. I feel like it counterbalances any relaxation that you would have gotten, exposure-wise, from being in nature.

Going around Mount St. Helens is great because there are only a few places you can enter the trail. A lot of other roads are really hard to get to or have been washed away, so you don’t see a lot of people on those other parts of the mountain because of the effort it takes to get there in the first place. It gives you a more personal experience with the mountain.

The Loowit Trail was named after Princess Loowit, of native legend. Loowit was the native name for this symmetrical, conical mountain, which eventually came to be known as Mt St. Helens. It’s the only Cascade peak which the Native Americans believe was of feminine origin. When you’re hiking on the Loowit Trail you can almost see the curvature of the conical shape the natives saw. It’s just really a beautiful mountain to see, especially from that shape perspective.

Lupine flowers on Loowit trail.

What’s the difference between hiking around and summiting Mount St. Helens?

They’re very different, but each has their merits. It really depends on the experience you want to have. Do you want to day-hike or backcountry camp? For views, do you want the view from the top, or do you want to experience all of the different parts of the mountain? Do you want the safety of other nearby hikers or the solitude of remote wilderness?

Summiting  Mount St. Helens

Alpenglow viewed on Mount Adams from Mount St. Helens.

When summiting Mt St. Helens, you usually start at a low trailhead. There’s a winter route (Worm Flows from Marble Mountain Sno-Park) and a summer route (Monitor Ridge from Climber’s Bivouac). When you climb up to the summit, which stands at 8,363ft, you’re able to see inside the caldera and the breach where the mountain blew out on the north side during the 1980 eruption. This isn’t a technical climb, but it still takes effort.

Mount St. Helens doesn’t have glaciers to trek over, so you don’t really see a lot until you get to the top. Of course, when you see inside the caldera from the summit it’s phenomenal, especially the rate it’s growing at. To see all the trees are stripped away in the blast zone is also amazing, too, because there used to be a lot of old growth on the north side before it blew out. To picture what that was like beforehand is really interesting and inspiring, for sure.

On the way back to the trailhead you can slide down through the snow, which is called glissading. You would typically use an ice axe to slow you down. So, it’s all effort on the way up and then sliding down is obviously fun, but it can get out of control sometimes with the speed, especially if it gets icy. But, for the most part, it’s pretty safe.

Mt. Hood viewed from Mount St. Helens with lake inversion effect.

Hiking Around Mount St. Helens

Trekking the Loowit Trail around Mount St. Helens is 34 miles, and it’s typically spread out over a few days. It’s hard to say exactly how long the trail is now. It has been rerouted several times due to the soft pumice that slowly gets destroyed by the rivers. So, it used to be 30 miles, but these days it’s probably more like 34 or 35 miles. I’d recommend at least four days for a novice hiker to enjoy the experience.

I think going around is better because you learn a lot more about the mountain. You’ll hike through old-growth forests, there’s a lake, you’ll hike through the blast zone, and you can see inside the caldera from a different vantage point. You get to see waterfalls pouring from the glacier inside of the mountain, too.

The glacier inside the caldera is the only one in North America that is growing, whereas all other glaciers on the continent are receding. This glacier is stuck inside that crater and shaded by rockfall and pumice, so it doesn’t get a lot of sun. Interestingly enough, because Mount St. Helens is an active volcano, the heat from underneath is causing the glacier to slowly melt and move outside of the breach area. You can actually see where it’s moving, it’s kind of cool.

As far as elevation gain and loss, hiking around Mount St. Helens easier than some of the other peaks in the Cascades. For example, Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail is 93 miles long and has 36,000ft elevation gain. In comparison, Mount St. Helens probably has something like 8,000-9,000ft of elevation gain over those 30-something miles. So, you’re hiking on flat terrain more than going in and out of ravines. The highest point on Loowit Trail is around 4,800ft.

View of Toutle River from Loowit Trail.

Difficulty Level

In some ways hiking around is easier than summiting, but in others it’s more difficult. Hiking in the soft pumice is hard because every step feels like you’re taking two. I always climbed in winter because it was easier for me to use snowshoes or traction devices to get a foothold rather than constantly digging into the sand. Imagine hiking across a sandy beach if it were all dunes. It would be really difficult because you’re sinking in constantly.

Backcountry Camping

Going around, you’ll have to camp. I always hike it counterclockwise, starting over at the Climber’s Bivouac, where you go through the old growth first. You will hit a 10-mile stretch in the blast zone between Windy Pass and the Toutle River’s South Fork on the north side of the mountain where you’ll have to push through in one day. It’s illegal to camp in there, and there is ongoing scientific research happening in that area. That adds an element of complexity when planning.

I recommend camping in the Pumice Butte area on the west side of the mountain, before the blast zone. It’s flat, you get a little protection from Pumice Butte, and there’s a shelf that you can camp underneath. You’ve got a glacial stream coming in there that is okay to get water from, but there’s a spring that’s a little further along that has really, really good water. Honestly, it’s some of the best on the mountain. You’ll want to load up before hiking through the blast zone.

Hiker leaning against Western Red Cedar tree on Lewis River Trail is example of old growth.

Exposure and Terrain

You’ll go through these lava fields that are really tough on your sneakers and sometimes even your body. Because it’s wide open, the sun exposure is inevitable. In those barren areas, since there are so few trees coming through the lava rock, there isn’t much shade. You’ve got to bring a lot of sunscreen.

The terrain around Mount St. Helens makes it difficult to get your footing. During eruptions, the mountain threw down these things called lava bombs. They are huge rocks that landed and burst apart, causing the shards to be at different angles. It takes a lot of physical and mental energy walking through the sandy pumice and sharp rocks.

Trail Conditions

To navigate, you follow these wooden poles placed along sections of the trail. Those markers get decimated due to wind, winter conditions, and volcanic activity. Since Mount St. Helens is still a national monument and doesn’t get a lot of funding in this day and age, repairs aren’t made every season. So, when you’re hiking through the lava fields, sometimes you can’t see where those wooden poles are around the protruding rocks and you have to do a little bit of route finding.

Top tips for Mt St. Helens hikers

Definitely have your gear on lock. You don’t want to be on Mount St. Helens, or any trail, unprepared.

One thing I’d recommend bringing are hiking poles . I don’t want to say they’re essential, but I think for long distance hiking, I think they are. In this terrain—with river crossings, going down those steep pumice slopes where everything is moving, the big rocks, the little rocks—the poles function as two extra feet, giving you more contact with the ground. Plus, when you get really tired at the end of a long day, you can use your arms a little bit more than your legs.

Also, from a mental perspective, everything moving underfoot all the time gets tiring. It may not seem like it’s much to be aware of, and it may not be a deadly situation, but it still takes a mental toll. By the end of the day, you’ll be a lot more relaxed using hiking poles. I’m a big, big lover of hiking poles, for sure. I recommend using the basket attachments for the lava fields.

I also recommend using the lightest gear you possibly can. Because of the effort and energy you will expend on the trail, being weighed down by heavy gear is going to make it feel even harder.

Be comfortable with route finding and tough footing. Some spots that are better marked, and some are tougher to follow. When hiking around rather than summiting, you’ll encounter many ravines. You’ll hear the river down below, and a lot of times, the trail on the very top portion of it will be missing. Maybe like, between 20 and 40 feet of it, because the river has carved its way through the soft pumice.

They put ropes in certain places so you can get down these things, but the rocks you’re walking on are moving because they’re sitting in unstable pumice. It’s hard because you need to watch what you’re doing all the time. As you’re approaching rivers in ravines, I recommend taking them a little bit slow. For safety, you just can’t go plowing down the hills.

Know where the water sources are and the condition of the water. For example, water sources coming off the glacier are very silty due to the pumice from volcanic eruptions. That soft powder will clog up and destroy your filter. I recommend using an internal filter that attaches right to your water bladder, or Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter system .

Also, you’ve got to be aware of the water sources that will be available to you, especially for camping, because you need cooking water at night and water to drink for the next day.

Make sure you bring a good map. I use Green Trails Maps —they’re the best I’ve found for the Pacific Northwest. They offer close-up angles of the routes so you can see all the details on the mountain and get an idea of what’s ahead.

Best time of year to hike Mount St. Helens

Early spring can be rough because it’s hard to know what the conditions will be on the northern slopes. It can be a sheet of ice, or it can be pretty clear.

In June and July you’re likely to encounter huge swarms of bugs thanks to the high level of moisture in the Pacific Northwest, but in August they start easing up.

I would say if it’s a light snow year, the end of June is ideal for hiking Mount St. Helens. Or, if snow is average that year, just be prepared for hellish river crossings and to hike through snow patches. You’ve got to be good at route finding in snow, for sure.

I’ve also done the Loowit Trail a few times in September and early October, but with climate changes year to year, going in fall can be a bit trickier. In recent years, the trail has been inaccessible in October with earlier and more snow storms hitting the area.

Parking to access Mt St. Helens

For climbing, you’re usually accessing the trails from approximately the same area, but the summer and winter trails have different parking lots and trailheads. The summer trail on Monitor Ridge has a lot near Climber’s Bivouac and starts a little higher up on the mountain. That access road gets closed in winter, so the winter trail starts slightly lower on the mountain at Marble Mountain Sno-Park, and it’s a longer hike in terms of distance and also time because you have to hike through the snow.

To access the Loowit Trail, I believe there are five different trailheads, which is cool because there are huge stretches where there aren’t any trailheads. It’s just going to be you hiking that area because there’s no really way to leap around between trailheads. This gives you a kind of personal experience with the mountain because you’re not going to be seeing as many people out there.

It’s important to note that roads can wash out. You should always check the Forest Service or Mount St. Helens Institute websites for updates on which roads and trailheads you can access during different times of year.

Hiking Mount St. Helens with dogs

Pets are not permitted at all recreation sites and trails within the Monument Backcountry area. Pets are permitted only in designated pet areas like the Dark Divide and other areas in the Gifford Pinchot and must be on a leash.

If your dog is hearty and you’ve already been hiking with them, I think they can do it. Just know that the volcanic ash and rocks in the lava fields might tear up the pads of their feet. It’s not a bad idea to bring durable paw protection for the lava fields. I know they’re expensive, but it’s better than injuring your dog.

I recommend buying two sets. Have one set for hiking and one for inside your tent. A lot of lightweight tent materials can’t handle a dog’s claws.

Do I need a park pass for Mount St. Helens?

You will need the Northwest Forest Pass to access the forest land where Mount St. Helens is located. The most up-to-date information can be found on the Forest Service website.

Additional information about pass types and winter passes can be found at WTA.org .

Permits to summit Mount St. Helens

You will need a climbing permit to summit Mt St. Helens year-round. April 1 to October 31 you get it from Recreation.gov and they are limited to a certain number of climbers per day to reduce traffic and protect the natural features and ecosystem. It’s best to check Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information about day-use and transaction fees.

November 1 to March 31 they’re self-issued at the trailhead, free of charge, and there is no limit to the number of hikers. Although, the trails are naturally less busy in the off season.

I also want to plug that the Mount St. Helens Institute leads guided hikes into the crater. I’ve never done it, but I’m sure that’s amazing going inside and seeing the huge walls and all the activity and the new caldera growing. They don’t go in there super deep, but it’ll go in there enough and you can go into areas that you wouldn’t ordinarily be allowed to go into. And obviously, with the scientists who accompany the group, they’ll give you a good perspective on what happened back in the 80s.

Easy Mount St. Helens hikes

There’s a lot of variety in the trails that people can enjoy in the area. These are a few of my favorite hikes that are on the easier side and offer spectacular views.

Planes of Abraham

This area is on the north side of the mountain with excellent views of the inside of the crater, the blast zone, and Loowit Falls, which is a waterfall coming off that new glacier that’s on the inside of the crater and the growing caldera.

This spot is accessible from the other side of the mountain, along the climbing route. Volcanic activity created that lake by rerouting the river into this basin of sorts, and there’s a waterfall going into it. It’s a nice camping spot, and it’s a good, easy hike without too much elevation gain. Just a good place to chill out, actually. From there you can walk up higher into a blast area and get good views of the mountain from that angle.

On the south-east side of Mount St. Helens, mudflow came through and carved a structure resembling a slot canyon. There’s also an attraction called Ape Caves, which are lava tunnels that people can walk into. To see what lava can do, carving its way around the earth, it’s awesome. It’s almost like you’re in prehistoric times.

Challenging Mount St. Helens hikes

The Mount Margaret backcountry is an area in the northern part of the park forest that has some excellent, tougher hikes. Water is in short supply, so go prepared. You can head up to Norway Pass and then up Bear Pass and drop down into the lakes basin on the other side. You will need a permit to be over there. It’s part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s a really good idea to hang your food in this area.

View of Mount St. Helens from Norway Pass Spirit Lake below.

Because it’s on the north side of the mountain, as all that hot ash and air from the 80s eruption blew over the Mount Margaret backcountry, it stripped the landscape of all the trees. Since the lakes are all in these different basins, the wind tunneled different ways and pushed the trees down in different directions. So, you’ll hike by one lake and all the trees will be pushed over one way, and then you go to another lake and they’re all pushed another way, kind of like a pattern. For an artsy person, to see those textures is just awesome.

Snow Lake in Mt. Margaret backcountry.

The Caldera

From the ridge on Mount Margaret there are two nearby camps where you can look into the caldera and see all the action that’s going on in there. A lot of times you can hear a rock fall. But just looking at the mountain from that angle is really cool. There you will see trees that almost look like a giant smashed them in the side of the cliff. They’re completely uprooted from the ground, and you can see bits of wood stuck in the rock and realize you’re witnessing the sheer power of nature.

Spirit Lake

In the Mount Margaret wilderness, you can look down into Spirit Lake, which is where a lot of that activity in the main flow went and was where the biggest landslide in history took place. It came through and pushed Spirit Lake out of its basin, all the way up to Norway Pass. It was an old growth lake, and as the landslide pushed all those really, really old Douglas firs and cedars up the side of that slope, it ended up dragging them back into the lake to settle. Now they’re floating in Spirit Lake in these clusters that look like islands.

Mount Rainier in background and Spirit Lake in foreground.

St. Helens Lake

St. Helens Lake is a little less blasted, but it still has the same islands of floating trees in it. You’ll see St. Helens Lake, which is a really beautiful, deep blue lake, and then Spirit Lake underneath and you can kind of see the line of fire where that volcanic stuff came through. The contrast between the volcanic damage and the surrounding, lush green is really interesting.

Generally, Mt St. Helens is all about the bleak beauty. As the mountain starts coming back and animals are returning it just gets more and more amazing. I’ve seen little bits of trees that look like people have planted them. These little saplings that are spaced just-so distance apart, they’re just rebuilding the forest, and just seeing it come back is really inspiring.

If you’re in a good frame of mind and you’re one of those people that looks at things positively, like the glass is half full, a place like Mount St. Helens is really inspiring because it will rejuvenate your spirits and make you feel good about this world. To see a place that’s coming alive after destruction and coming back so beautiful, it’s just awesome.

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Dave Hill October 3, 2022 at 5:51 pm Reply

Iam a 56 male who took a 800 ft tumble down St Helens back in the Mid 90s, before social media and I lived to tell about it so now Iam going back next July to finish what I started, after 12 major Surgerys, being Homeless for 4 years from 2016 to 2020 I hope to make it a pretty good comeback in life.

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The All You Need Mount St. Helens Visitor Guide

LAST UPDATED: 2/4/24 – Mount St. Helens Visitor Guide

When Mount Saint Helens in Washington erupted on May 18, 1980, the eruption killed 57 people and sent volcanic ash as far as the East Coast of the United States.  That eruption left a lasting impression on the mountain as it left a horseshoe-shaped crater when the eruption blasted away part of the mountain.  Today, the mountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Northwestern United States, drawing people from all over the world to see the mountain that once shook the United States.

Situated roughly 50 miles Northeast of Portland, Oregon, and roughly 96 miles South of Seattle, Washington as the crow flies, Mount Saint Helens is located in a beautiful part of America’s Pacific Northwest that has an abundance of tourist attractions.  Visitors to the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument can learn about the 1980 eruption that left such a lasting impact on the surrounding landscape, hike in some of the most beautiful and serene landscapes, and marvel at the power of Mother Nature.

Mount St Helens

An All You Need Mount St. Helens Guide

In this Mount St. Helens visitor guide, I am going to give you all of the information that you need to plan a successful trip to Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument.  I am going to let you know the best ways to get there, outline the best times to plan your visit, and then give you some recommendations on where to stay when you visit.  I will also give you some recommendations on where to get some of the best pictures of the mountain in the area, provide you with some recommended hiking paths, as well as provide you with some additional sightseeing ideas for your trip.

Mount St. Helens Guide Navigation Menu

How to get to mount st. helens.

Mount St Helens

Mount Saint Helens is located in the Southern part of the state of Washington in the United States, near the border with the state of Oregon.  In fact, Mount Saint Helens is actually closer to the city of Portland in Oregon than it is to Seattle, Washington.  To give you a general sense of where it is located, I have provided an area map for you to review in my Mount St. Helens visitor guide below.

Mount St. Helens is Close to Both Seattle and Portland

Situated between the cities of Seattle and Portland in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Saint Helens is close to many other popular tourist attractions in the area.  To give you a sense of how far Mount Saint Helens is from other attractions in the area, I have included a table below that outlines some of those distances and drive times.

There are three primary ways that you can approach Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument to view the mountain.  From the West, visitors can stop at Johnston Ridge to get some fantastic views of the mountain from the North, as well as make a stop in the interactive visitor center to learn about the mountain’s eruptions. 

In the East, visitors can stop at Windy Ridge viewpoint to get a different perspective of the mountain and hike on some of the area’s most scenic trails.  Finally, in the South of the mountain viewers can hike through Lava Canyon, visit the Ape Caves, or attempt a summit of the mountain.

Mount Saint Helens Map

View Larger Map

Best Time to Visit Mount St. Helens

Mount St Helens

To assist you in determining the best time for you to plan your trip, I have included some information on average temperature, average precipitation levels, and the average number of visitors for you to review below.

Temperature (°F)

Because Mount Saint Helens is at a relatively high elevation, the weather near the mountain can be rather unpredictable.  In the winter, temperatures near the mountain can be quite chilly and even fall well below freezing.  In the summer, the high elevation keeps the temperatures from getting too warm.  Even in the summer months, nighttime temperatures can be quite cool.

Precipitation (Inches)

If you would like to avoid freezing rain or snow, then I would recommend avoiding the winter months of November through March.  This is the wettest time of year around Mount Saint Helens, with the wettest month being December.  During the summer months of June through September, the area sees the lowest amount of precipitation of the year.

Average Visitors

According to Google Trends, the time of year when people are most interested in Mount Saint Helens is during the Spring months.  This makes sense as the spring and summer months have the best weather.  If you are looking to avoid crowds when you visit, your best bet would probably be early autumn.  You should still have decent weather, but the crowds will be much thinner.

NOTE:  The chart below is from Google Trends and shows the relative amount of Google searches for Mount Saint Helens by tourists throughout the year. The numbers are calculated relative to the peak month, which is mid-May. For instance, September 16th saw roughly 60% of the searches for “Mount Saint Helens” as May 13th, which was the peak day.

Mount St. Helens Google Trends

Where to Stay Near Mount St. Helens

Unless you are looking to camp out, there aren’t a lot of options for lodging right by Mount Saint Helens.  However, there are quite a few lodging options within an hour’s drive of the monument.  To assist you in locating a place to stay during your travels, I have included a list of recommended hotels at different price points in my Mount St. Helens visitor guide below.

Mount St. Helens Hotels Map

Campgrounds Nearby

If you would like to save some extra money, there are also several quality campgrounds and RV parks in the area that you can stay at.  To give you an idea of what is available, I have included a list of recommendations below for you to review.

  • Cougar RV Park & Campground
  • Beaver Bay Campground
  • Merrill Lake Campground
  • Kalama Horse Camp Campground
  • Quartz Creek Big Trees Campground
  • Iron Creek Campground
  • Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park
  • Blue Lake Creek Campground
  • Campground: Olallie Lake

Hiking Near Mount Saint Helens

Mount St Helens

Another thing that Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument has in abundance is great hiking trails.  There are a number of great trails in both the East, West, and South of the national monument.  If you are looking for a good hiking trail in the area, I have outlined a half dozen trails that I recommend below.

Popular Mount St. Helens Tours

Mount St Helens

If you are looking to add some extra adventure to your trip, several really great tours are available in the Mount Saint Helens area.  I have included a list of the highest-rated tours and activities below for you to review should you want to book something for your trip.

The Ape Caves

Ape Caves

If you are on the south side of the mountain, one of the most unique features that you can tour is the Ape Caves.  These lava tunnels are surreal and absolutely worthwhile to tour if you have the time.  There is no better way to get a first-hand look at how this volcano works than exploring the mountain’s lava tunnels.

Where to Photograph Mount St. Helens

Mount St Helens Photography Locations Johnston Ridge

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There are some absolutely fantastic pictures that you can get on the West side of the mountain.  Not only does the Johnston Ridge viewpoint have some good spots to take photos, but you can get some really good shots of the area where the eruption blast devastated as well.

Mount St Helens Photography Locations Windy Ridge

If you are up for doing some hiking then the East side of the mountain is my favorite side for getting shots.  The path takes you into the valley right in front of the mountain and you can get some absolutely gorgeous shots of Mount Saint Helens.

PRO TIP :   Doing research on a location is one of the best things you can do to increase the quality of your travel photographs.  For some tips on how to do some pre-trip scouting for photo opportunities, check out my article on The Art of Travel Photography – Planning Your Shots.  In this article, I review the process that I use to do pre-trip photography planning to give you photography location tips like the ones you see above.

Other Things to See in the Area

Olympic National Park

Because of its location, it is really easy to combine a visit to Mount Saint Helens with stops at some of the other popular tourist spots in the Northwest United States.  If you are looking for some additional places to add to your itinerary, I have included a list of the other top tourist spots in the area below.

Mount St Helens Nearby Attractions Map

Mount St. Helens Photo Gallery

Mount Saint Helens is a beautiful mountain in a beautiful landscape.  It is almost impossible not to take beautiful pictures when visiting.  Below is a gallery of just some of the pictures I was able to take during my visit.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

Mount St. Helens Visitor Guide

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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20 comments ›.

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I love all the information you provide! Thanks so much!

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Thank you so much for the kind words, and for reading! 😀

Visiting Mount Saint Helens is on my list to do this summer, since we are so close (Seattle area)!

You are close! Seattle is such a beautiful city. I love the Northwest 😀👍

There is no shortage of activities to get into up here, that’s for sure.

Indeed! Olympic NP is my favorite.

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Put this on my bucket list!

You will love it!! 😀

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There is so much to see and do in the Pacific NW. I have to get back there. Excellent post!

Thank you so much!!! It is one of my favorite areas. So beautiful.

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I totally agree with you on researching before visiting tour sites. Asides helping you find good camera angles, you could earn a lot of knowledge regarding the place and not appear so much as a “newbie”

Exactly!!! Thanks so much for reading!! 😀👍

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This is fantastic. We did the helicopter tour when I was a teenager, and it was so incredible that I still remember it now, 25 years after the fact.

Thanks Scott!! I really appreciate it! The helicopter ride must have been amazing!!

It was! It was worth whatever my parents paid for it, that’s for certain!

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Another great post! I made the mistake of visiting Ape Caves during a snowy November when there weren’t many people around the park. I checked it out by myself with a pretty weak flashlight and felt the darkness surround me. It was very eerie, but an excellent trip nonetheless!

Thank you for the kind words! That would be so spooky to visit during the winter.

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What an awesome Mount St. Helens visitor guide! I just blogged today about our trip (last fall) to the East side of the park. I somehow missed this post of yours until today, but it’s so good that I just added a link to it in my post. Also, after reading your guide I know that I must see the south and west sides of the park one day as well!

Awesome!! I am definitely going to check out your post! I appreciate the kind words 😀👍

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Thank you so much for the kind words!!

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Thanks so much! Great article, so helpful and thorough :)

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State of Washington Tourism

Home » Mount St. Helens Guide: Things to do & More

Mount St. Helens Guide: Things to do & More

Climb a volcano, take a hike, explore a cave system, and so much more.

Known for its eruption in 1980, which spewed massive clouds of ash, today Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument beckons visitors with a combination of history and stellar outdoor recreation.

Climb to the crater rim, hike subterranean lava tubes, kayak in clear mountain lakes, shred blast-zone mountain bike trails or take a guided hike with a geologist. Best of all, Mount St. Helens offers all-season recreation. While summer draws the most crowds, the other three seasons offer plentiful opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Read on for how to make the most of your visit.

Getting to Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is located in southwest Washington east of Interstate 5. The main entrance on the west side of the mountain is on State Route 504, which leads to the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater (open daily in the summer and weekends in the winter) and the Johnston Ridge Observatory (currently closed).

Important Closure Notice: State Route 504 is currently closed past the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater (milepost 45.2) due to a landslide. The Johnston Ridge Observatory, a popular visitor center at the end of highway, will remain closed through 2026. Check the Forest Service page for updates.

Although the end of the highway is closed, the drive along State Route 504 offers scenic viewpoints like Castle Lake and Loowit, as well as access to Coldwater Lake .

Other access points can be found in the south and east. Driving to Cougar, the southern gateway, takes about 3.5-4.5 hours from Seattle and an hour from Portland. On the east and south sides of the monument, a National Forest Recreation Pass ($5 day per vehicle, $30 annual) is required. You can pick one up at self-service pay stations and Forest Service offices.

When to Visit Mount St. Helens

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Summer is the busiest season, often drawing significant crowds. Amanda Bonney, a Mount St. Helens visitor services assistant, recommends visiting mid-week and arriving early in the morning to secure parking.

“Crowds are thinner the first and last week of summer break,” Bonney notes. In the fall, crowds thin out, leaving visitors to enjoy autumn colors, milder weather, and fewer insects. There are also stellar, low-crowd days in spring, but be prepared to run into snow.

Travel Tip: Be sure to secure reservations for popular areas. Both the Lewis River Recreation Area and the Ape Caves trail have implemented reservation systems with a fee of $2 per vehicle. Timed reservations are always required to visit Ape Cave during the open season, from May through October. For Lewis River , reservations are required June through September.

Things to Do at Mount St. Helens

Take a hike.

best time of year to visit mt st helens

For hikers, the Mount St. Helens area has a little of everything, from lava tubes to waterfalls. Far above ground is Coldwater Peak. The trail to the summit (12 miles roundtrip, 3,100 feet elevation gain) provides scenic mountain views. A landslide currently prevents hikers from starting at the Johnston Ridge Observatory, but the trail can still be accessed from South Coldwater Trailhead (adding a couple of miles).

Choose from a number of short, accessible trails such as the Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail and the Johnston Ridge Eruption Trail (currently closed due to a landslide), or head hit the Lewis River Falls trail , an 8.8-mile relatively flat tour de force of waterfalls. To circumnavigate Mount St. Helens and tour much of its varied terrain, advanced backpackers can take on the 32-mile Loowit Trail .

Visit Ape Caves

Due south of the mountain, the Ape Caves trail (2.8 miles, 350 feet of elevation gain) navigates the third-largest lava tube in North America. Hiking through the Upper Cave requires some dexterity, fitness, and willingness to scramble and duck among the fascinating features of the cavern. After 1.4 miles, hikers exit the cave and loop back on a trail. Alternatively, an easier shorter option (1.5 miles round trip) is the Lower Cave, which is more spacious and less technical.

Travel Tip: Open May through October, the Ape Caves trail requires a reservation to limit foot traffic and protect the delicate subterranean environment.

Climb the Mountain

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Mount St. Helensis one of the easiest volcano climbs in Washington thanks to limited avalanche danger and crevasse exposure and attracts both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although it’s climbable year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular time. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac. The non-technical nature of this route, which takes between seven and 13 hours, lends itself to beginners. However, climbers need to scramble up steep sections and be fit enough to climb 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation.

Travel Tip: Climbing permits are always required. For climbers who want support, the Mount St. Helens Institute guides trips to the summit. 

Go Mountain Biking

Intermediate and advanced riders can enjoy a number of iconic and popular mountain bike trails in the area. Mostly singletrack, the Ape Canyon to Plains of Abraham out-and-back ride (21 miles, 2,700 feet of elevation gain) entails a long, steady climb out of the heavily forested Ape Canyon to the moonscape of the blast zone, which becomes rife with wildflowers in the spring.

Southeast of Mount St. Helens, the forested Lewis River Trail (28 miles, 2,700 feet of elevation gain) skirts a river over rolling banks and chunky technical sections. For a guided trip, Trans Cascadia Excursions leads one-day rides on Strawberry Mountain through the blast zone.

Also See: Explore Washington’s Epic Mountain Biking Trails

Visit a Viewpoint

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, there are a number of spectacular viewpoints that don’t require hiking. Although currently closed due to a landslide, the Johnston Ridge Observatory is situated in the heart of the blast zone and enjoys expansive views of the volcano and crater. A mile from the observatory, Loowit Viewpoint has vistas across plains of pumice to the lava dome inside the crater.

Five miles north of Mount St. Helens, climb a 368-step sand ladder for magnificent views at the Windy Ridge Interpretive Site , which not only has close-up crater views, but also a panorama of Spirit Lake and now-greening pumice fields left in the wake of the eruption.

Learn Something New

best time of year to visit mt st helens

In 1996, the Mount St. Helens Institute (hosted at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater ) opened its doors with the goal of deepening the public’s understanding of the Pacific Northwest’s most active volcano. The institute hosts ecology programs for kids, family camps, and guided daylong or multi-day adventures , from mushroom hunting and photography hikes to snowshoeing and eruption walks with geologists. Drop into other learning centers along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway – including the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center , the Forest Learning Center , and Johnston Ridge Observatory (currently closed due to a landslide).

The lakes and rivers around Mount St. Helens are hallowed destinations for anglers. Just south of Mount St. Helens, Merrill Lake is a haven for fly fishing; this catch-and-release-only lake is heralded for its abundant trout. Spring through fall, the Lewis River is known for its robust salmon and steelhead runs. The river is dammed at three different points –  Yale Lake, Swift Reservoir, and Lake Merwin – where anglers can catch kokanee, tiger muskies, and rainbow trout. Columbia River Fishing Guides lead salmon and steelhead expeditions on the Lewis River.

Enjoy Kayaking and Paddleboarding

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Mountain lakes with easy launching options make for lovely kayaking and paddleboarding. With no motorized boats allowed, clear Coldwater Lake provides a serene paddle surrounded by forest and mountains. For those who want to hit the water but don’t have the gear, head to Silver Lake Resort where they rent canoes and kayaks as well as pedal boats and pontoons.

Enjoy Winter Recreation

When snow blankets the slopes of Mount St. Helens, the party is just getting started. At the Marble Mountain SnoPark , cross-country skiers and snowshoers will find around 36 miles of trails (some groomed) and snowmobilers have access to 25 groomed miles. The June Lake trail provides a mellow and incredibly scenic out-and-back snowshoe option (5 miles, 500 feet of elevation gain). Cougar SnoPark caters primarily to snowmobilers and features 25 miles of trail.

Travel Tip: SnoPark permits are required, and it’s advised to check the avalanche report before heading out. Call Mount St. Helens at 360-499-7800 for grooming status updates.

Where to Stay near Mount St. Helens                              

While there is no camping within the monument boundaries, there are several camping options surrounding the monument. Seaquest State Park near Silver Lake boasts a pedestrian tunnel that connects to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and the shoreline interpretive trail. In Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Lower Falls Campground on the Lewis River operates May through October, while northeast of the mountain you’ll find Tower Rock Campground .

Hotels and Resorts

Along the Interstate 5 corridor to the west, visitors can find a slew of traditional hotel options. About midway between the northern and southern Mount St. Helens access roads off Interstate 5, the Kalama Harbor Lodge , a river-view McMenamins property, has uniquely decorated guest rooms showcasing the local history and characters of Kalama.

In Cougar on Yale Lake, the Lone Fir Resort caters to the outdoor set, renting mountaineering gear and offering cozy cabin accommodations along with tent sites. Along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway to the north, Eco Park Resort is an 80-acre forested property that has 12 miles of private trails. Mostly powered by solar and propane, the resort has a cafe on site, and visitors can stay in cabins or camp out. Further west, Silver Lake Resort is open year-round and is all about fishing and lake life.

Mount St. Helens FAQ

best time of year to visit mt st helens

What are the entrance fees and operating hours?

On the east and south sides of the monument, a National Forest Recreation Pass ($5 day per vehicle, $30 annual) is required. Self-service pay stations and Forest Service offices sell the passes. On the west side, a Monument Pass ($8 per adult, 15 and younger free) is required at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and adjacent trailheads; purchase them at the observatory. America the Beautiful passes also work. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the summer and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). 

When did Mount St. Helens erupt?

On May 18, 1980, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered one of the world’s largest recorded landslides leading to the eruption of Mount St. Helens. The eruption was one of the most powerful volcanic blasts in American history. In its wake, scientists and visitors alike have been given the opportunity to witness biodiversity slowly reclaim an area of catastrophic devastation. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan set aside 110,000 acres around the volcano, creating the Mount St. Helens National Monument.

Is Mount St. Helens pet-friendly?

Because of the delicate nature of the ecology within Mount St. Helens National Monument, pets are prohibited in certain areas (see the Forest Service map ). Pets are allowed on paved roads, campgrounds, and picnic areas, and are required to be on leash at all times.

Can you climb to the top of Mount St. Helens? Do you need a permit?

Yes and yes. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac, a non-technical route that requires less gear. A permit is always required.

About the Author

Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks,  Alaska Airlines Magazine , and  Adventure Cyclist Magazine . When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands.

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Day Trip to Mount St Helens National Monument

Last modified on October 1st, 2020 at 10:05

Four decades ago, Mount St Helens unleashed the most destructive eruption in modern US history. The volcano’s explosion expelled 520 million tons of ash that darkened the skies above Washington State. The plumes of smoke traveled eastward nearly 2,000 miles across the country—leaving a blanket of ash in their wake.

The eruption of Mount St Helens created the largest debris avalanche in recorded history. It killed 57 people in its path, and wiped away much of the mountain’s northern face.

Today—forty years after the explosion forever changed the appearance of one of Washington State’s most iconic peaks—the national monument is a beloved Pacific Northwest attraction. It makes for a fantastic weekend getaway, and is a popular day trip destination for travelers from Portland and Seattle.

MOUNT ST HELENS DAY TRIP FROM SEATTLE OR PORTLAND

Mount St Helens National Monument lies approximately three hours southeast of Seattle and an hour and a half northeast of Portland. Its central location between the Pacific Northwest’s two largest cities, makes it a popular day trip from both Portland and Seattle.

Though Mount St Helens is certainly an ambitious place to visit in one day (especially if coming from Seattle) it is still worth exploring for those with limited time. The area offers a plethora of hiking trails, viewpoints, and educational resources for kids.

Mount Saint Helens Monument

When Dan and I chose to take a day trip from Seattle to Mount St Helens, we knew we would have to prioritize certain aspects of our visit. We researched the best hiking trails in Mount St Helens and mapped out the monument’s most scenic viewpoints.

In the end, our day trip to Mount St Helens consisted of a stop by the Johnston Ridge Observatory, and a breathtaking hike along Harry’s Ridge Trail.

JOHNSTON RIDGE OBSERVATORY

The Johnston Ridge Observatory was named for a volcanologist who lost his life during the Mount St Helens eruption. He was one of the 57 people who perished that day.

The observatory lies at the terminus of State Highway 504, in the heart of the volcano’s blast zone. Its viewing platform provides up-close access to the park’s geology. The viewpoint is wheelchair accessible and offers a direct look into the crater.

Access to the area requires an $8 per person Monument Pass.

Johnston Ridge Viewpoint Mount St Helens

The visitor’s center at the Johnston Ridge Observatory hosts interpretive displays that tell the story of Mount St. Helens and its eruption. The center’s interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn more about the area’s unique geology and history.

HARRY’S RIDGE TRAIL

Like the Johnston Ridge Observatory, Harry’s Ridge Trail was named after a victim of the volcano’s eruption. Even prior to his death, the victim—Harry R Truman—was a bit of a local legend. A prohibition bootlegger, petty criminal and collector of cats, he was a man who lived by his own rules. In the weeks leading up to the explosion, scientists and researcher were unsuccessful in convincing Truman to evacuate the area. Despite dire signs of an imminent eruption, Truman refused to leave his home at the edge of Spirit Lake. “If the mountain goes. I’m going with it,” he’d stated.

And on that fateful day in 1980, Harry became true to his word. He and his sixteen cats perished in the onslaught.

View from Harry's Ridge Trail Mt St Helens

Harry’s Ridge Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Mount St Helens. It begins at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and extends just over four miles in each direction. For travelers visiting the mountain as a day trip, it is a comprehensive hike that features many of the national monument’s most scenic views. Revealing birds-eye panoramas of the park’s altered landscape, Harry’s Ridge Trail showcases the splendor—and legacy— of the mountain that Harry Truman so dearly loved.

The 8.5 mile out and back trail follows a ridge line and rises at a gradual incline. It is well-maintained and doesn’t require any technical hiking skills.

Throughout the duration of the hike, the trail gives way to intimate views of the Mount St Helens crater and mudflow, before turning inward and climbing gradually up the back side of Harry’s Ridge.

Mt St Helens Hike

The end of Harry’s Ridge Trail rewards hikers with commanding views of Spirit Lake.

Beyond, its spectacular panoramic vista highlights Mount Adams to the east, Mount St Helens to the south, and Coldwater Peak to the north.

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Spirit Lake is the main body of water visible from the end of Harry’s Ridge Trail. The lake has an interesting history, as it has been shaped and altered by volcanic activity for its entire existence.

The lake originally formed when rock fragments dammed two creeks in the area. But then, in 1980, a debris avalanche from the Mount St Helens eruption temporarily displaced much of the lake from its bed. Spirit Lake’s surface area increased in size after the displacement, spreading out its waters to cover an additional 2,000 acres.

The blast deposited thousands of pyrolized trees into Spirit Lake. These shattered trees formed a floating log raft on the lake’s surface. Four decades after the event, the log raft still floats around the northern reaches of the lake.

HIKING MOUNT ST HELENS

Mount St. Helens is a popular climbing destination for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. All routes to the top of Mount St Helens include sections of steep, rugged terrain.

Mt St Helens Volcano

Though climbing Mount St Helens does not require technical skills, hikers must obtain a permit from Recreation.gov. Permits are mandatory year-round for anyone who desires to climb above an altitude of 4,800 ft.

I did not include a hike up Mount St Helens in my day trip itinerary due to limited time and lack of advanced planning, but I hope to summit its cratered peak at some point in the future.

Ape Cave is the longest lava tube in the United States and a popular Mount St Helens attraction. Similar to the Lava River Cave in Central Oregon’s   Newberry Crater , Washington’s Ape Cave is a subterranean passageway formed by molten lava.

Ape Cave lies at the opposite edge of the national monument from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Since roads do not connect the two destinations, it can be difficult to include Ape Cave into a Mount St Helens day trip itinerary.

Travelers interested in visiting the Ape Cave Lava Tube are better off touring the attraction as part of a separate trip, or as part of a multi-day Mount St Helens visit.

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is one of the most geologically fascinating destinations in the Pacific Northwest. The mountain is a living laboratory and an enduring reminder of nature’s power.

Mount St Helens lies in the Cascade Mountain Range, between Mount Rainier and Oregon’s Mount Hood. It is one of three national monuments in Washington State —along with Hanford Reach and the San Juan Islands,

Visiting the national monument as a day trip or weekend trip is a fantastic escape into one of Washington State’s premier attractions. It is an educational outing that provides insight into the geological forces at play in this active and ever-changing corner of the Pacific Northwest.

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Mt St Helens National Monument

madalyne loree

  • Aug 31, 2023

A Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Saint Helens

46.1914° N, 122.1956° W

Sunlight on Mount Saint Helens summit hiking trail

LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CLIMBING MOUNT ST. HELENS IN WASHINGTON - INCLUDING THE BEST TIME TO GO, WHAT THE BRING WITH YOU, AND WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE TRAIL.

While Mount Saint Helens was once thought of as the Mount Fuji of the USA due to its perfect conical shape, thanks to its famous eruption in 1980 the Cascade peak now has an almost equally well-known flat top that can viewed from dozens of miles away (on a clear day at least).

Today, Mount Saint Helens and the surrounding national volcanic monument is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, biking and backpacking. But maybe the most famous adventure is climbing up to the crater rim of the ubiquitous mountain itself.

Mount Saint Helens (or Loowit - the indigenous name given by the Klickitat tribe) is considered to be a non-technical mountain. And in truth, as long as you have the physical fitness, the ability to do a bit of rock scrambling and the gumption, you can make it to the top. There are two trails available depending on the time of year you plan to visit: the Ptarmigan Trail is more commonly used in the summer (this is the route I took), while the Worm Flows Trail is more commonly taken in the winter (though you can obviously take it in the summer too).

This adventure guide mostly covers the Ptarmigan and Monitor Ridge route - though most of the information, especially on what time of year to hike, what to bring with you on the trail and what to expect along the way - can easily be followed for either hike.

If you are thinking of climbing Mount St Helens but have a few lingering questions, then this in-depth guide is for you!

Mount Saint Helens climbing guide

\\ How to Get to the Mount Saint Helens Trailhead

When planning to summit Mount Saint Helens you will want to drive and park (and likely camp) at the Climbers Bivouac Trailhead , located on the boundary of Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument and near the town of Cougar, Washington.

For the most part the drive to the trailhead will be on a well-maintained paved road. Only the last couple of miles are dirt and gravel. but even this section isn't too bad and easily doable for nearly all types of vehicles.

Below are basic driving directions from the nearby major cities of Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington:

FROM PORTLAND, OR

If starting from Portland or the surrounding area, the drive to the trailhead should take roughly 1.5 hours. To start, head up Interstate 5 and into Washington. Then turn onto Highway 503 in the town of Woodland (there is a couple of gas stations, restaurants and a large grocery store here if you need some last minute supplies). Then drive for a little over 30 miles, past the town of Cougar until you see a sign and the turn for NF 81. Drive up this paved road until you enter the national monument (there is a sign and information board). Along the way you will see the turn for Ape Cave, a popular destination in the area.

Soon you will see a sign for 830 Road and Climbers Bivouac Trailhead. Turn right here and follow it until the end. The trailhead parking lot is quite large and includes multiple pit toilets, an information station, picnic tables and campsites.

Total Distance: 74 miles // 1 hour and 35 minutes

FROM SEATTLE, WA

If you are coming from Seattle, you will follow a similar route as above but instead of heading north on Interstate 5 you will be coming from the south. The drive from Seattle to the Mount Saint Helens trailhead takes just under 3.5 hours (on average). You will take the same exit in Woodland and drive up through Cougar before reaching the national monument boundary and the turn for the Climbers Bivouac Trailhead.

Total Distance: 186 miles // 3 hours and 20 minutes

CAMPING AT THE MOUNT SAINT HELENS TRAILHEAD

It is perfectly acceptable to camp at the Mount Saint Helens Trailhead, which is especially nice if you are planning an early summit climb. The parking lot is quiet, dark and has the standard amenities like pit toilet bathrooms, an information station, picnic tables, trash bins, fire pits (check for fire regulations beforehand) and plenty of flat and clear spots for tents. Though I do not remember if there was potable water available 😶

I camped the night before in my car and had zero issues. However, I would recommend getting to the trailhead relatively early (I arrived around 6:30 PM on a weeknight) since it does fill up rather quickly - especially in the summer. Also, note that there really is no phone service available at the trailhead, so make sure to download your offline map and let your family and friends know where you are at before heading up.

EXPLORE MORE | MY ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE

\\ the best time to hike mount saint helens.

The best time of year to climb Mount Saint Helens depends solely on how you want to actually travel: in the winter skis or snowmobiles are necessary, while in the summer hiking boots (and even trail runners) will do the trick. Likewise, you will also want to decide what kind of weather you want to experience. In the winter you can expect snow and icy, cold wind and a lower chance of visibility. While in the summer the temperatures can be quite hot and the sun can be strong when hiking outside of the forest (nearly half of the hike).

I summited Mount Saint Helens in the middle of summer (early August) and found the weather to be quite nice. While it was windy and somewhat chilly at the top, it was nice to have an early sunrise, blue skies (for the most part), balmy temperatures, and a clear trail. But, with that being said, the scree section at the end can be really tough (aka slick) in the summer.

❔GOOD TO KNOW: Mount Saint Helens is a popular place for backcountry skiing in the winter due to its short approach and open mountainside. If you are fine dealing with the cold, skiing up and down could be a fantastic way to explore the mountain.

Downward view of Mount Saint Helens in Washington

\\ What to Bring With You to Hike Mount Saint Helens

What gear you bring with you to climb Mount Saint Helens totally depends on the time of year you are planning to go. I did the hike in early August and found the trail to be almost completely clear of snow. Because of this, I chose to wear trail running shoes instead of hiking and mountaineering boots. Likewise, I didn't feel the need to bring as many layers as I would of if I was doing it in the winter and/or during the chillier shoulder seasons.

But, with that being said, because of the warmer temperatures and the overall lack of shade for a good part of the hike, I did make sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection. Below is a brief outline of what I brought with me to climb Mount Saint Helens:

| Shoes: I wore trail running shoes but really the main thing to keep in mind is wearing footwear that has good grip (there is a lot of loose sand and scree as well as boulder hopping along the route) and that are comfortable for both uphill and downhill travel. These are the trail runners that I wore.

| Backpack: make sure to wear a comfortable backpack that can carry all of your necessities like water (see more on this below), snacks, an extra layer or two, a first aid kit and a headlamp. I wore my trusty 30L bag but only filled it about halfway with gear.

| Sun Protection: there isn't too much shade along the trail so be prepared for plenty of sun, especially if you are hiking during the middle of the day. I made sure to bring a sun hat, sun shirt (with a hood), sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm with SPF.

| Wind Protection: the wind can be fierce once you get within a mile or so of the summit. And I mean howling, push-you-back-down-the-mountain fierce. Because of this, it would be smart to pack a buff to help protect your face and neck from the blowing sand, glasses (or even goggles) to help shield your eyes, and a windbreaker for extra warmth.

Other pieces of gear that would be helpful on Mount Saint Helens are gloves with good grip (great for rock scrambling) and some warmer layers for up at the summit - especially a beanie or headband.

💬INSIDER TIP: because of the lack of shade along the route you will want to bring enough water up with you. I brought a full 3L CamelBak bladder and had plenty for the whole ~9 mile hike. But, with that being said, if you are someone who tends to drink lots of water while out hiking or is planning to start during the heat of the day, then I would highly suggest packing a full water bladder and an extra water bottle too. Unfortunately, there really isn't a place to filter water along the trail so you will have to carry all water with you from the start.

EXPLORE MORE | WHAT'S IN MY BACKPACK: EVERYTHING I BRING MOUNTAINEERING AS A SOLO FEMALE

\\ mount saint helens hiking permits.

A climbing permit is REQUIRED for hiking up Mount Saint Helens year-round. But there are more regulations in place between April 1 and October 31st (the more popular time to climb). During that season there is a quota system in place to help reduce overcrowding and protect the area's natural resources.

During the quota season (April 1 and October 31st) you will need to secure a permit ahead of time. Permits are released in one month increments on the first day of the preceding month. So for example, if you want to climb Mount Saint Helens in August, you will need to get online and reserve your permit on July 1st. To reserve your permit, head to recreation.gov and search for Mount St. Helens climbing permit ( check it out now ).

❔GOOD TO KNOW: permits can go quickly, especially during the busy summer months (June, July and August) so make sure to get online early to reserve the day you want. All permits become available at 7AM PST on the 1st.

Other important things to know about permits for Mount Saint Helens are that you will need to print your permit before hiking (you can do this up to 14 days in advance), once the permit is printed no changes can be made to your reservation, and the max group size is 12 people.

The permit costs $15 per person (per day) . There is also a $6 transaction fee added to each reservation made. So for example, if you are purchasing a permit for 3 people it will cost $51 ($15 x 3 people + $6). If you are climbing with others, you will need to add all members information when making the reservation (mainly their names). Finally, whoever purchases the permit becomes the permit holder and MUST be on the climb.

➳ Learn more about permits for Mount Saint Helens here .

Sunrise colors on the ridge up Mt St Helens

READ MORE | 7 IMPORTANT TRAIL ETIQUETTE TIPS ALL ADVENTURERS NEED TO KNOW

\\ extra tips to know about hiking mount saint helens.

While summiting Mount Saint Helens isn't considered to be very technical, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to have a more enjoyable climbing experience.

1 | It is super easy to find your way along the trail, even when the trail somewhat disappears on the boulder fields. When in the trees (the first ~2 miles of trail) you will want to follow the blue markers (some can be quite high up on tree trunks). Then once you are out of the forest and heading up the rocks, make sure to follow the tall wooden poles. The weather can change quickly on the mountain and fog/clouds are somewhat common, but as long as you always can see the wooden poles you should be fine.

But with that all being said, it is also not a bad idea to download an offline map beforehand. I have been using Gaia GPS for years and love it.

2 | It can be suuuuuper windy during the last mile or so of the summit push (really once you pass the obvious weather station). This is also when the trail gets quite sandy (wind + sand = uncomfortable eyes). Make sure to pack a buff that can be used to shield your mouth and neck from the blowing wind and sand, as well as some eye protection like sunglasses and/or goggles.

3 | In the rocky section (mainly the large boulder field) you will need to be prepared for some scrambling. This can include having to use both hands to pull yourself up and over some large boulders. Always take your time and make sure all rocks are stable before putting all of your weight on it. Likewise, when climbing up or down, always keep an eye on your surroundings in case someone else is in the vicinity who may either knock a rock down on you or who you may knock a rock down on.

💬INSIDER TIP: while I do love rock scrambling, I also found the sandy trails that run along the lower sides of the ridge to be quite nice too. If the upper trail (the one with the wooden poles) is crowded with people going up or down, then I highly recommend heading for one of the other established routes. These should be quite obvious once you are out of the forest.

4 | Let's talk a little bit about the difficulty of this mountain. I personally didn't find it to be too challenging. BUT I am also a very fit 20-something who finds joy in running 20+ miles. So definitely take my view with a grain of salt. With that being said though, this hike is not very long (between 8.5 and 9.5 miles round-trip) and while it does climb a decent amount (4,655 feet), it isn't technical and really just requires the ability to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Some tips to help make it a more enjoyable hike would be to start early (like around 4AM) in order to beat the heat of the day if you are planning to do it in the summer, hydrating regularly - including the night before you hike, bringing electrolytes (I love electrolyte gummies) as well as plenty of snacks with you, wearing shoes that have good grip (I saw a group that were wearing standard looking boat shoes and they were really struggling on the rocky section), and finally, if this is your first bigger mountain, try to do some training beforehand, including going for long hikes or walks that include some longer hills.

HIKING MOUNT SAINT HELENS | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN

TOTAL DISTANCE: 8.5 miles

ELEVATION PROFILE: 4,655 feet // 1,418 meters; the highest point is the summit at 8,363 feet or 2,549 meters

TIME NEEDED: 5 - 10 hours depending on your fitness level

TRAIL CONDITIONS: first two miles are in the forest on a very easy to follow trail, then it is mostly in the open on a boulder field and/or loose sandy scree; there is a somewhat false summit so be aware of that

CHECK OUT THE ALLTRAILS GUIDE

START | You will begin the climb up Mount Saint Helens from the Climber's Bivouac Trailhead. Before starting, make sure to add your name to the registration book and either pay for parking ($5) or display your Northwest Forest Pass.

1 | The first two miles or so are in the forest. The trail is easy to follow, especially once all of the snow has melted. If the trail is somewhat covered (likely by lingering snow) then simply follow the blue arrows that are posted regularly on the trees.

❔GOOD TO KNOW: you actually enter Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument after 0.3 miles of hiking, before that you are in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

2 | After nearly 2 miles, you will come to a junction with the Loowit Trail . This route actually circumnavigates the entire mountain and is open to bikers. Next to this junction is a restroom (though it was closed when I did the hike in August of 2023). This is your last chance to use the bathroom (with some privacy) before the trail leaves the forest and heads out into the wide open boulder fields.

❔GOOD TO KNOW: after the trail junction, the trail name actually changes from being the Ptarmigan Trail to the Monitor Ridge Trail.

3 | Soon after you leave the forest you will see a sign stating that you cannot go any further without a climbing permit (see above for more information). If you do not have a permit, please follow the rules and turn around here. If you do, keep heading up through the rocky landscape. Above you you will be able to see the prominent Green Knoll. Look for the white wooden posts to help guide your way.

4 | From the start of the boulder field the grade gets a lot steeper. Be prepared for some loose rock and rocks that you will very likely need to start climbing up and over. While the trail isn't nearly as obvious as it was in the forest, it is still easy to find your way by always looking for the posts (and/or using an offline map if you have one - I recommend it no matter the hike - and also just heading straight up the hill).

View of Mount Hood from Mt St Helens ridge climb

5 | At nearly the 3 mile mark, the rocks get a bit bigger and you will have to do some scrambling. If you are not used to climbing over rocks this section can be quite slow. But always take your time (the mountain isn't going anywhere so why rush it?), check that a rock is secure before putting all of your weight on it, and keep an eye out for other climbers heading up or down.

6 | Once you see the weather tower (a sizeable metal device with a small information sign), know that the boulder field is nearly over. This is a good spot to take a quick snack break and look around at the surrounding area (plus you can read more about how scientists monitor the volcanoes in the area).

7 | After the weather tower the rocks give way to ash, sand and scree. From here you can clearly see the crater rim hovering above you. Just keep heading up, though be prepared for slightly slicker conditions. This part can feel quite long, especially if the wind is really raging.

Wide view of the Mt St Helens summit climb

8 | Once you make it to the rim, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the area and the volcanic crater itself. While it might not look very big, the crater can actually hold 300 football fields. It also has the only growing glacier in North America (both facts are from the wonderful Mount St Helen's volunteer I met on my hike back down).

9 | While you might think you've done all the climbing you need to do, if you are someone who needs to finish something 100% then you will need to head to the left and climb around the crater to reach the actual peak/highest point.

View of the actual highest point along the crater rim and the trail leading up to it.

10 | From where the trail meets the crater rim to the highest point it is roughly 0.4 miles. There is a clear trail along the rim, but make sure to stay vigilant for any falling rock (quite common) on your hike around. Similarly, this part of the trail is all loose sand and scree so it can be a bit slippery. Take your time, especially on some of the downclimbs.

11 | Make it to the actual summit! Woo you did it. From the highest point - which sits at 8,363 feet (2,549 meters) - you will be able to see Mount Adams to the east, Mount Rainier to the north and Mount Hood to the south (on a clear day of course).

Mount Saint Helens summit rock cairn

12 | Once you get your fill of the summit, simply retrace your steps and head back down the exact way you came up. Do note that the section between the crater rim and the boulder field is quite slippery so take your time and watch your footing.

13 | It is likely that if you started your hike nice and early (I started at 5:30AM) you will see a lot more people coming up on your way down. Etiquette states that uphill travelers get the right of way and this is very true in this case (especially on the boulder field). Obviously, some people will likely move aside while you head down but don't expect this from everyone.

💬INSIDER TIP: on the way down, it might be faster and safer to instead stick to one of the sandy trails instead of along the rocky ridge. When going down rocky sections always stay vigilant with who might be below you in case a rock does fall.

14 | Once you make it back to the trees you have just two miles to go. The whole way back down is downhill (I don't think there is a single uphill section once you leave the crater rim) so you should be able to catch your breath and move a bit quicker.

Congratulations - you just climbed Mount Saint Helens!

Climbing Mount Saint Helens is a fantastic adventure. While the mountain isn't technical, it is a lot of fun nonetheless and definitely worth seeking out. The views from the top and the ability to look into a still quite active volcano are tough to beat.

Hopefully, this adventure guide helps you plan your own epic climb up Mount Saint Helens. But if you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below or reach out to me directly .

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Where Nature Erupts

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The Mountain

The Mountain

Mount st. helen's is a peak that should be on every life list. and because it is an active volcano, it is best not to put it off for too long..

Hike Mt St Helens

Hike Mt St Helens

Mt St Helens Map

www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/maps-pubs

Check the PERMIT SYSTEM for permitted climb dates.

All climbers must register and obtain a climbing permit.

Weather and Avalanche, Climbers should be prepared for extreme weather and rapidly changing climbing and weather conditions. Please update yourself with the latest avalanche and weather forecasts. Check Here for Weather and Avalanche conditions

Mt St Helen's Hike

The hike is hard, but requires no technical climbing skills. The trailhead is known as the Climbers’ Bivouac. The first 2.1 miles climbs 1000 feet through forests and open meadows to the Loowit Trail, which circuits the mountain. This section of trail is described in detail in WTA’s Hiking Guide as Ptarmigan Trail.

Continuing much past the Loowit Trail requires a climber’s permit (details below). This is where the trail ascends to Monitor Ridge, and the way gets more difficult from here. The next 2500 vertical feet is through boulder fields – and not any ordinary boulder fields. These rocks are dusted with an ash pumice than tends to shred the skin. You’d be wise to bring garden gloves for this section! It can also be windy, so bring layers and a jacket as well.

The last section of trail climbs about 1000 vertical feet through ash and small rocks to the crater rim. It’s described by many as “two steps forward and one step back.” Gaiters and long pants are a good choice here. And to get your mind off of the slow slog, be sure to take in the views! You are going upward and before you know it you will be standing on the summit.

The scene at the top is almost surreal – the huge crater with a dome growing rapidly in size each year and the state’s newest glacier forming a horseshoe around it. And the incredible views to Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier floating above the blue-green undulating hills surrounding them. Be sure to stay well-back from the rim while taking photos; this is a cornice and could easily break under your feet.

After enjoying the top, it is time to head down. Trekking poles are a big help for the knees. Depending upon the time of year, it is also possible to glissade down part of the mountain (but be cautious).

Climbing Mount St. Helens - Important information is available from the Mount St. Helens Institute

Mount St. Helens is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although people are able to climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season.

Climbers must have a permit. It is recommended that reservations be made well in advance. Reservations can be made online through the Mount St. Helens Institute

From April 1 through May 14, a permit is required.

From May 15 through October 31, a permit is required. Only 100 permits are issued per day.

From November 1 through March 31, a permit is required but there is no charge.

Climbers Bivouac can be accessed by taking State Route 503 from Interstate 5 at Woodland.

Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling over steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in seven to twelve hours.

All climbers are recommended to carry:

  • Climbing Helmet or Hard Hat - Protect your head in the event of volcanic ballistics or rock fall.
  • Dust Mask (N95 type) - Cover your mouth and nose in the event of ash fall or blowing dust. Dust Masks (N95 type) should be available from any large hardware store.
  • Goggles or Sunglasses with Side Shields, Sunscreen - The Sun reflecting off of snow and ash is intense. Avoid contact lenses, as blowing ash and dust can be a problem. And don't forget a hat.
  • Climbing Boots - Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots (lug soled, waterproof, with angle protection ¾ shank) and gaiters (waterproof to keep rain, snow, ice, ash and pumice out of boots).
  • First Aid Kit - You may need to come to your own rescue, or help someone else. Be prepared!
  • Knife - Handy for all kinds of purposes, especially the type with extra tools.
  • Extra Food and Water - Bring at least two quarts of water per person. No water is available at Climbers Bivouac or on the climbing route. Carry plenty of food (high energy food recommended) to snack on all day. Reduce packaging to eliminate trash.
  • Extra Clothing - A beautiful sunny morning can turn into a cold rainy afternoon. Plan ahead! Layered clothing including full rain gear, gloves and hat.
  • Layering allows you to adjust your clothing to different exertion levels and weather.
  • Emergency signal device · Emergency Shelter - Yes, you planned to be out on one very long day. Be prepared just in case that longer day turns into something much longer.
  • Head lamp or Flashlight, extra batteries, and bulb - A necessity when the day is short and the trail is long.
  • Be sure to tell a friend or relative where you are going and check in with them you return. Having someone that will notify authorities if you don't return can help get you the assistance you need when you need it most.
  • Trekking poles (recommended), Waterproof matches, lighter or candles

Enjoy Endless Adventure on Day Hiking Trails

Mount St. Helens Ape Cave Lava Tube is a popular attraction in the Mount St. Helens National Monument and the longest lava tube in the continental United States at over two miles in length.

best time of year to visit mt st helens

The Ape Caves are located on the south side of Mount St. Helens and accessed through Woodland - go up highway 503 past Cougar. Driving time from I-5 and highway 504 where all the Mount St. Helens Visitor Centers are to the Ape Cave is just over an hour. The Ape Caves are open year-round though the parking lot gets snowed in during the winter.

Ape Caves Map

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=40393

Driving Directions

From I-5 exit 21, travel north and east on State Route 503 (Lewis River Road). At 23 miles from the freeway, continue straight on Spur 503. At 31 miles, Spur 503 becomes Forest Road 90. Cross a bridge over a canal, then 2.6 miles later, turn left on FR 83. Travel 1.7 miles then turn left on FR 8303. Travel the final mile to the parking lot and Ape Headquarters Center. The parking lot has room for 50-60 vehicles, including bus and RV spots. There are vault toilets and garbage cans, but no drinking water. When it’s open, Ape Headquarters Center offers rental lanterns.

If the road is gated at the Trail of Two Forests junction (e.g. early in the season), you will have an additional half mile or so to walk, depending on how close you can park. A Sno-Park permit is required from December 1 through March 31, a Northwest Forest Parking Pass for the rest of the year.

An easy and popular hike perfect for family picnicking, the lake isn’t much, but the setting is peaceful and geologically intriguing. Formed by an old mudflow, June Lake is fed by a 70-foot waterfall tumbling off basalt cliffs from an old lava flow.

best time of year to visit mt st helens

The other forest, known formerly as the Lava Cast Forest, encompasses three-dimensional imprints of trees in the old lava beds called lava casts. The boardwalk trail loops through the two forests, and is kid- and wheelchair-friendly.

During eruptive activity some 1900 years ago, fluid lava flowed through a stand of trees, burning them but leaving impressions where they stood or lay. This lava was quite different from the sticky type of lava that forms the dome in the crater of St. Helens today.

When you visit the Trail of Two Forests, please stay on the trail -- the mosses and surrounding features of the forest are fragile.

WTA Pro Tip: One attraction along the boardwalk is a ladder descending eight feet into a lava-cast tree mold. Hikers can crawl through the tree mold, an activity especially popular with youngsters. Flashlights and old, warm clothes are good preparation for the fun.

June Lake Map

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recreation/recarea/?recid=40377&actid=50

Drive east from I-5 on Highway 503 as it changes to Forest Road 90. Pass the town of Cougar, and just 1 mile beyond the Swift Dam (about 35 miles from your turn off I-5), make a left onto FR 83. Proceed two miles and turn left onto FR 8303. The trailhead is on the left, a half mile away.

Enjoy Endless List Day Hiking Trails

Lava canyon.

This trail begins with an amazing, ADA accessible, interpretive trail before proceeding down a steep rugged canyon to a one-of-a-kind swinging bridge.

best time of year to visit mt st helens

There are three sections of the Lava Canyon Trail, each distinguished by increasing difficulty. From the parking lot the trail quickly descends into the canyon on a paved path with a gentle grade. The first section is perfect for everyone from youngsters new to hiking to those with stubborn knees. This section comes to an end at the waterfall viewpoint.

Below, the trail becomes more difficult as the route narrows and skirts along high cliffs. This segment forms a loop, which crosses over a 125-foot suspension bridge torn from the pages of a Hollywood movie script. On the bridge you will be treated to an amazing view of the canyon below and gushing water right under your feet. The sight can be unnerving, so watch your footing.

The trail eventually returns on the south side of the canyon, crossing a steel bridge upstream of the waterfalls and rejoins the paved trail. But before you get there you will need to drop farther into the canyon. If you are fearful of heights, this segment is not for you. After the bridge, the trail crosses an exposed face, followed by a water crossing, where a cable is present to assist hikers make the ford. A metal ladder then descends a vertical cliff providing access to the canyon’s thunderous waterfalls.

The trail soon intersects Ship Trail (the return route), which climbs to a viewpoint atop a lava formation that overlooks a long series of waterfalls in the lower canyon. A bit further, the canyon begins to broaden and flatten as it approaches a large alluvial fan spreading into the Smith Creek valley.

WTA Pro Tip: For more volcanic geology, check out the nearby Trail of Two Forests, the location where a series of lava tubes formed when a lava flow crawled through an old growth forest and cooled. When trees decayed, vertical columns were formed where the old-growth trees once stood.

Lava Canyon Map

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=41610

From I-5, take exit 21 and drive east on SR- 503 for 28 miles to Cougar. Continue east on FR-90 past the Swift Dam. Turn onto FR-83 and proceed 12 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.

Trail of Two Forests

This trail loops through two forests that stand side by side, but are separated in age by 2000 years. One forest is old-growth Douglas-fir and western red-cedar and the other is a young forest that was originally engulfed by lava flows from an eruption of Mount St. Helens over two millennia ago.

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Trail of Two Forests Map

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=41631

Visit Mt. St. Helens

1900 7th Avenue Longview, WA 98632

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Fun things to do in Mt St Helens in a Day

  • Post last modified: August 13, 2023
  • Post category: Day trips / Itineraries / North America / Washington

In 1980, Mount St Helen erupted exploring ash into the sky and killing 57 people. The debris avalanche that followed covered acres. After the explosion, the volcano and surrounding area were designated as the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument . Today, this is one of the best attractions in Washington state and it makes an excellent day trip from Seattle or Portland. If you’ve decided to visit Mt St Helens, continue reading to see the one day itinerary that we followed and our favorite things to do in Mt St Helens National Monument along with some advice for booking accommodations and budgeting for your day trip.

There are so many things to do in Mt St Helens that will fill your day! The area is great for all ages and offers so many educational and interactive resources, hiking trails and amazing views.  

Top Things To Do

Mt St Helens trees

Getting There and Around

Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument is located 3 hours south of Seattle and an hour and a half north of Portland. This makes it a great day trip from Seattle or Portland. We visited Mt St Helens and Mt Rainier from Seattle in a long weekend. For a day or weekend trip to Mt St Helens, you will need to have a car. You could also consider taking a guided tour originating in Seattle or Portland as these are offered frequently and include transportation.  

Check out other Washington day trips from Seattle in our post here.

When to visit.

Normally we say something like “it’s great year round” and then we recommend a particular season for best viewing. However, this park is definitely best to visit in the summer. Part of what is amazing about this park is seeing the way the landscape has recovered from the Mt St Helens eruption. To see this in full effect, you need to visit in the summer when the landscape is in full bloom. As hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Mt St Helens, visiting in the summer will also give you predictable weather for your hike. June through September is best.

This park isn’t a very busy park if you compare it to it’s neighbor, Mt Rainier. So really visit anytime in the summer. However, visiting on a weekday will mean fewer crowds.

Mount St Helens Itinerary

Start your morning at the Science and Learning Center as you being to enter Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the home of Mt St Helens. From here you’ll learn about the history of the volcano, the eruption and the following land preservation efforts.  

Mt St Helens trees

Also, we were awed by the trees here. Seriously! Look at them! They are uniform. They make your eyes go wonky because trees never grow uniformly – unless they were all planted at the same time after a giant volcano leveled everything previously growing there. Staring at these trees was one of our favorite things to do in Mt St Helens.  

Johnston Ridge Observatory

Next, drive all the way to the Johnston Ridge Observatory . At the Observatory learn about the science of volcanoes and enjoy the interactive experiences. Take time to watch the regularly screened film as well. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is one of the best things to do in Mt St Helens and should not be missed. Additionally, from the Observatory you’ll get some of the best views of the volcano.

Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed until at least spring of 2024 due to a washed out road that needs to be repaired.  

Mt St Helens

You may occasionally see the cone of the volcano letting off steam. We’re still in disagreement as to whether we were seeing clouds or steam when we visited.  

Mt St Helens walking trails

Next, spend some time hiking the amazing trails. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Mt St Helens. Some of the most popular hikes are the Boundary Trail, Harry’s Ridge Trail and the trails along Coldwater lake. We hiked a bit of them all. Spend as much or as little time hiking here as you like.  

Additionally, you can also hike to the top of Mt St Helens. However, this requires more skill than we can speak to and it requires a permit. Explore the park’s information on climbing here .

Coldwater Lake

At the end of your day, make sure to stop at Coldwater Lake and take in the sights, even if you don’t hike the lake trails.  

Leave the park and head home.

Want to Adjust the Itinerary

If you have less time in the park, stick to the Learning Center and the Observatory. We recommend doing a short hike along the Boundary Trail as it gives you great views of the volcano.

If you have more time, consider visiting Ape Caves. These caves are the empty lava tubes of the volcano. You can hike 2 miles total in the two different caves. However, these caves take about half of a day to visit as you have to access them from the south side of the park. If you visit the caves during the summer months, you’ll be able to join along with a ranger led tour of the caves.

Where to Stay

Staying close to Mt St Helens will allow you to get to the park early and start your day ahead of other visitors. We recommend staying along I-5 somewhere near highway 504. There are very few accommodations closer to the park. We found some really great and really inexpensive AirBnBs in the area. Additionally, hotels are also an option but they aren’t as conveniently located.

Mt St Helens

What to Budget

Access to Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument requires an $5/vehicle/day admission fee. The American the Beautiful National Parks pass will get you in as well. If you visit Johnston Ridge Observatory, you’ll need to pay the $8/adult admission. Within the park, you shouldn’t need to spend additional money. However, if you plan to visit Ape Cave, you’ll have to pay the $2/person fee to reserve your ticket.

If you visit the Mt St Helens Visitor Center at Seaquest (and we don’t think you should), you’ll pay an additional $5/person. This park/area is one of those strange places that is operated by a ton of different entities so there are multiple visitor centers and gift shops. We think the Johnston Ridge Observatory and the Science and Learning Center are the best.

Accommodations near the park are relatively cheap. Hotels and vacation rentals average around $80/night.  

We think that your best bet for food is to pack a lunch. Once you’re in the park, it’s a bit of a drive back to town. So if you pack a lunch, you’ll save money and get to spend more time in the park. If you do choose to eat in Castle Rock, food is pretty inexpensive averaging around $12/meal for a sit down lunch.

This volcano is one of the most interesting destinations in Washington and is definitely worth a visit. With so many things to do in Mt St Helens we think it is one of the best day trips in the state. We hope this post has helped you to plan your Mt St Helens trip and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.  

This Post Has 4 Comments

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Access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed until 2024 due to bridge/road damage. It’s my first time visiting the volcano so perhaps not the best year for a visit?

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Thanks for the update. I’ve put that into the post for future readers 🙂 I think if you’ve never been and you aren’t interested in hiking, that you should save a visit for later. Johnston Ridge Observatory was the most easily accessible and most educational spot to learn/view Mt Saint Helens. However, if you’re interested in hiking, there are lots of hiking trails that can easily bring you to similar viewpoints.

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Very useful information. Thank you!

Thanks! I hope you have a good visit 🙂

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Loowit Trail Loop – Mount St. Helens Backpacking Guide

best time of year to visit mt st helens

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Similar to Rainer’s Wonderland Trail, Adam’s Round-the-Mountain Trail and Hood’s Timberline Trail, the Loowit Trail around Mount St. Helens is nothing short of spectacular. Like the other perimeter loops, the Loowit Trail circumnavigates St. Helens midway between its foothills and erupted summit. If you enjoy solitude, navigation challenges, eye-popping vistas, and fascinating geology, you’ll definitely want to add the Loowit Trail to your list. 

That said, the Loowit does have many challenges, and should be considered an experts only route in our opinion. To complete this trail you’ll need keen navigation skills, footwear with excellent traction, and confidence in your ability to cross narrow wash out sections in steep gullies. If you have a fear of heights or any doubts about your trail skills, this likely isn’t the route for you. The Loowit is not an easy trail, but it is an awesome adventure around one of the Pacific Northwest’s most storied volcanoes.  

QUICK FACTS

Distance : Varies, between 30 and 36, depending on trailhead

Days Needed : 2-4 days, depending on itinerary

Elevation Gain/Loss : 6,000 feet (1,828 meters)

Peak Elevation: 4800 feet (1,463 meters)

Best Travel Time : July – October

Permits : None, ( NW Forest Parking Pass required)

Difficulty : Strenuous – experts only, more info below

Good portion of hike is above treeline

Sweeping mountain views in all directions

Beautiful wildflowers throughout summer

Relatively low volume of hikers for a PNW trail

Views of the volcano’s interior and the blast zone

Views of Mount Rainier, Adams and Hood.

Wildlife sightings (elk, mountain goats, chipmunks, coyote)

Lovely waterfalls, the highlight being Loowit Falls

Can be windy on the open flanks

Sun exposure – very little shade along most of the route

Very few reliable water sources – plan very carefully

Frequent trail obstacles (mud/rock slides, loose sand/scree wash outs)

Narrow, steep trails and extensive lava boulder fields

Stream crossings can be difficult

Difficult canyon/gully crossings require rope assists (in-place)

Lingering snow, depending on time of year

Unsafe for dogs

Constantly changing conditions

DSC01324.jpg

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

In general, July through September is the best time to hike around Mount St. Helens. Snowpack is a key factor for trip planning in this area, as snow can linger into late July some years. Rain and snow can fall at any time of year here and freezing temperatures are possible, even in summer months. July and August have the lowest average rainfall and average temp highs of 82 degree for both months. In September and October the temps drop about 10 degrees each month and rain increase progressively by one to two inches. 

As always, be prepared and diligent in monitoring current conditions before your hike. Weather can change quickly in this region. Before heading out, check the Mount St. Helens weather report for up-to-date conditions.

We rate this hike as very difficult (experts only) for a variety of reasons. One of the main challenges on the Loowit are the steep gullies left by debris flows that followed the eruption of Mount St. Helens. These gullies require steep scrambles along loose gravel and rock. For the confident and experienced hiker, they are navigable, but beginners and those with a fear of heights should avoid the Loowit in our opinion.

The powerful eruption debris flows pummeled the mountain’s flanks, stripping it of its forest canopy and places for hikers to take cover from the sun. Along with very little shade throughout most of the trail, there are also very few reliable water sources along the Loowit, so a well thought out water plan is essential. 

Furthermore, expansive fields of large lava rock cover the mountain flanks and can make route finding quite challenging. Look for wooden posts, cairns (rock pile formations) and colorful tape to help find the trail. The Toutle River can also require skill and care to cross, especially early in the season and after rainstorms. Using trekking poles and taking time to scout the safest crossing can make river crossings easier. 

Regardless of your entry trailhead, reaching the Loowit Trail will require a gradual climb. After that, the trail undulates across the slopes of the volcano, up and down gullies, and across boulder and lava fields. A few of the gully crossings are quite steep and require rope assists (placed by the Forest Service, but always a bit questionable—test them first). Loose, sliding scree and pumice is common along the Loowit, so we recommend using footwear with excellent traction.

As always, difficulty ratings depend on your experience, physical fitness, pack weight and weather conditions. Plan accordingly, train properly, know your limitations,  brush up on your skills , and  dial in your gear . Doing so will make for a safe and enjoyable adventure. Pre-check trail conditions before heading out. 

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You’ll need a NW Forest Pass to park at all trailheads. No other permits are necessary to complete the Loowit Trail. 

There are a few different trailheads you can access the Loowit Trail from. The west side of the mountain tends to be the most rugged with major washouts that require detours and scrambles, so it may be a good idea to plan your trip to hit that area early on in your trip. Also, camping is prohibited in the 10 mile stretch between the South Fork of the Toutle River and Windy Pass , so you’ll need to plan accordingly to cover that section in one day, camping on either side.

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The most commonly used access points include:

Climber’s Bivouac/Ptarmigan Trailhead – Hike 2 miles on the Ptarmigan Trail (216 A) to the junction with the Loowit (216).

June Lake Trailhead – Hike 1.6 miles from this small trailhead up to the junction with the Loowit.

Ape Canyon Trailhead – Hike 5.5 miles on the Ape Canyon Trail (234) to the junction with the Loowit.

Windy Ridge Trailhead – Hike 3 miles on the Truman Trail (207) to the Windy Trail (216 E) and follow that for 1 mile to the Loowit.

Blue Lake Trailhead – Start at the Toutle Trail (238) and hike about 3 miles to the Sheep Canyon Trail (240). Hike up the Sheep Canyon trail for about 2.5 miles to the Loowit.

Red Rock Pass Trailhead – Follow the Toutle Trail (238) to the Butte Camp Trail (238 A) for total of about 4 miles to reach the Loowit.

There are no designated campsites along the Loowit Trail, but you will surely see signs of previous campsites. The most important consideration when planning your itinerary is that there is no camping allowed in the 10-mile section of the trail from Windy Pass to the South Fork Toutle River. You’ll need to plan your daily mileage and campsites accordingly to pass through this section in one day.

Camping is allowed throughout the other sections of the Loowit Trail, including the south side of the South Fork Toutle River, on the east along the Plains of Abraham and other, somewhat less appealing, campsites can be found on the south side.

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POSSIBLE ITINERARIES

The Loowit Trail maintains an elevation between 4,500 and 4,800 feet. Most hikers complete the Loowit Trail as a loop in 3-4 days. Faster hikers looking for a challenge can complete it in 2 days, just be careful not to bite off more than you can chew, because the miles are challenging. Those wishing to have slower days and explore the area more thoroughly may want to plan for 4-5 days.  

Two Day Itinerary

TRAILHEAD: June Lake

Day 1 – Hike clockwise to the South Fork of the Toutle River.

Day 2 – Get an early start for a long day continuing clockwise back to the June Lake Trailhead.

Note – You could also reverse this route and start with the longer day.

Three Day Itinerary

TRAILHEAD:   Windy Ridge

Day 1 – Hike from Windy Ridge to camp near the South Fork Toutle River.

Day 2 – Hike from South Fork Toutle River to June Lake.

Day 3 – Hike from June Lake to Windy Trail #216E to Truman Trail #207 to Windy Ridge Trailhead and your car.

Four Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Hike north from the trailhead to Abraham Trail #216 D feeder trail, follow it north to Truman Trail #207 and look for a campsite.

Day 2 – Hike the Truman Trail #207 to Windy Trail #216E to intersection with Loowit Trail #216. Follow all the way to the south side of the South Fork Toutle River and look for a campsite.

Day 3 – Hike from campsite back to Loowit Trail #216 and stay on it all the way to intersection with Butte Camp Trail #238A. Camp here for the night.

Day 4 – Hike from Butte Camp to June Lake #216A and back to car.

Five Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Hike from Windy Ridge to Castle Ridge Trail #216G, go north on Castle Ridge for ¼ to ½ half mile and look for a place to camp.

Day 2 – Leave packs and tent and hike to Castle Lake #221 for a day hike. Hike from Castle Lake back to Castle Ridge #216G and then back to Loowit Trail #216. Right after you cross the South Fork of the Toutle, head south on Toutle Trail #238 to the Sheep Canyon Trail #240 intersection and go east on it to find a campsite.

Day 3 – Head south to Blue Lake on Toutle Trail #238 and follow directions to Butte Camp from Red Rock Pass, ending the day at Butte Camp.

Day 4 – Hike from Butte Camp Trail #238A to June Lake. Look for a campsite near June Lake.

Day 5 – Hike back north from June Lake Trail on the Loowit Trail #216 to the intersection with the Abraham Trail #216D. Follow it to Truman Trail#207 and then northeast to Windy Ridge.

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MAPS & GUIDEBOOKS

Below is a list of guidebooks and maps we’ve found helpful in planning our trips along the Loowit Trail.

100 Hikes in the South Cascades and Olympics by Ira Spring and Harvey Manning. A classic, this guide give you all the details you need to complete this trip—keeping in mind that change is a constant in this area.

Backpacking Washington Book – We use this excellent resource to plan many of our backpacking trips throughout Washington.

Mount St. Helens NVM Trail Guide Forest Service website with hiking information and resources.

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams [Gifford Pinchot National Forest] Map This foldable map provides good topographical detail and is printed on water-resistant coated paper. It folds well and stuffs easily into a pack. But alas, there are no point-to-point distance measurements for the trail.

Green Trails Mount St. Helens #364 and #364S – This map shows the most current trail, road, and access information to Mount St. Helens, in a compact format. Featuring Mount St. Helens, Swift Reservoir, June Lake Trailhead, Marble Mountain, Ape Canyon and Lava Canyon Trailheads, use this map to navigate your way around the Loowit Trail on Mount St. Helens.

REGULATIONS

According to  USFS Gifford Pinchot , the following regulations are in place for Mount St. Helens. We are not an official source on current regulations, so please consult the official website prior to your trip for frequent road closures. 

No campfires or camping are allowed in the blast zone between Windy Pass and the South Fork of the Toutle River.

No shortcutting trails or switchbacks.

Being in an area posted as being closed for restoration, wilderness restoration, or rehabilitation is prohibited.

Dogs on leash are allowed but not recommended due to the difficulty of this trail.

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Planning for water along the Loowit Trail will be trickier than other backpacking routes in the PNW. Water sources include small creeks and springs around the mountain, but many of the snow-melt streams will dry up by mid-summer. Furthermore, what water sources do exist may be silty, clogging up water filters quickly.

You’ll want to make sure to plan for water carefully and carry enough to get from one source to the next. And don’t forget, there is very little shade along the Loowit, and temperatures can get vey hot, so make sure to carry plenty of water. All hikers are different, but in general you should drink at least 4L of water per person per day. On very hot days you may want to drink around 6L. This may mean bringing along an extra water bladder, such as a Platy Bottle , and filling up at one of the year-round springs listed below.

We used Chlorine Dioxide pills  on the Loowit due to the silty nature of some water sources and we were happy with our choice. Check out our best water filters list for more great options. 

Year round dependable springs are located at the following locations:

1 mile from the Butte Camp/ Loowit Junction on the Butte Camp Trail

1/4 mile from the Loowit/ Toutle Junction on the Toutle Trail

1/2 mile from the Windy/ Loowit Junction flowing across the Loowit

Note: other sources/streams may exist, but water can be scarce in this area, especially later in the summer, so we recommend carrying a safe amount of water and using dependable sources.

BEARS & FOOD STORAGE

Bears are not a problem in this area so there are no food storage requirements. That said, you should always protect your food against rodents and small critters, which will tear through your backpack or tent without hesitation. We recommend packaging all your food and scented products in a food storage container such as an Ursack . 

Mosquitoes are present along this route in early summer but level off later in the season as sitting water dissipates. Hiking later in the season is often bug-free. Use a combination of permethrin  on your clothing and bring a small bottle of  DEET  for exposed skin to provide full protection. 

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BACKPACKING GEAR

We prefer lightweight backpacking because it’s more comfortable and it allows us to cover more ground with less effort. For recommendations on our favorite lightweight backpacking equipment, check out the CleverHiker Gear Guide  and Top Picks  page.

What To Pack

TENT:  We used the Zpacks Duplex  tent on this trip to keep our weight to a minimum. The Duplex is one of the top picks on our best lightweight backpacking tents  list. 

BACKPACK:  We used the HMG Southwest 2400  and Gossamer Gear Gorilla  backpacks on this trek. They’re both lightweight, convenient, comfortable, and make our list of the best lightweight backpacking packs . 

SLEEPING BAG:  We used the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 10°  and Western Mountaineering UltraLite  on this trip. They’re both lightweight, incredibly warm, and makes our list of the best backpacking sleeping bags .

SLEEPING PAD : We used the  Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite  sleeping pad on this trip. It’s light, comfortable, warm, and make our list of the best backpacking sleeping pads .

COOKING SYSTEM:  We used the BRS Stove along with our Snow Peak Mini Solo Cookset  and Snow Peak Folding Spoon  on this trek, all of which make our top picks gear list  and best lightweight stove list . 

WATER PURIFIER:  We used Potable Aqua  as our main purification method on this trip to avoid clogging a water filter with silty sources. Chlorine Dioxide pills take a bit of time to work, but they don’t require any pumping or squeezing which is nice. Check out our best water purifiers list  for our other top recommendations.

SHOES OR BOOTS:  We wore the Saucony Peregrine 7’s  on this trail and they were excellent. If you prefer boots, make sure they’re lightweight and break them in really well before your trip. Here’s why we prefer hiking in trail running shoes:  5 Reasons to Ditch Your Hiking Boots . Also, here’s our top picks for the best backpacking footwear . 

HEADLAMP:  A small headlamp like the Petzl Actik  is an affordable, bright, and lightweight option.

FOOD:  When backpacking the Loowit Trail you’ll have to carry all your food. Check out our Best Lightweight Backpacking Food Guide  and our Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals  for some of our go-to recommendations.

FOOD STORAGE : For this trip, we brought an Ursack  to keep the critters out of our food. There are no food storage requirements for this area, but you should always store your food properly in the backcountry. 

Here are some of our favorite hiking/backpacking clothing items from our Top Gear list . 

1 Rain jacket shell – Marmot Pre-Cip / Rab Kinetic Plus

1 Pair of rain pants – Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic

1 Down jacket – Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

1 Fleece jacket – Extra warmth under your down jacket that will be warmer when damp and better to hike in.

1 Pair hiking pants – (we love PrAna Zion Stretch ) or running tights

1 Pair hiking shorts – Nike dri fit running shorts

1-2 Hiking t-shirts – Nike dri fit t-shirts

1 Long-sleeve shirt – Nike dri fit quarter zip

1-3 Pair underwear – ExOfficio boxer briefs or or ExOfficio women’s briefs

2-3 Pair socks (add thin sock liners if using boots) – Balega running socks for warm weather & SmartWool mountaineer socks for snow.

1 Pair long john bottoms – long john top optional for nighttime use.

1 Pair gloves or mittens

MAP &COMPASS: We hiked with the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams Map and found it to be an excellent resource. In addition, we always hike with a compass  and a downloaded GPS app on our phone, like Gaia GPS .

FIRST AID KIT:  Always bring a small personalized first aid kit. We use the Ultralight .7 Kit  and add extras, like painkillers and personal medications.

SUN PROTECTION:  Sunglasses (polarized recommended), sunscreen, and spf lip balm are an absolute must on any backcountry trip, especially this one.

POCKET KNIFE:  We brought along a small Swiss Army Knife , which came in handy here and there.

OTHER ITEMS:

SMALL TOWEL: Nano pack towel is great.

CASH and ID

PERSONAL TOILETRIES

HAND SANITIZER: Always apply after using a bathroom and before eating.

WET WIPES: These can be useful for cleaning up after hiking.

INSECT REPELLANT: At higher elevations insects weren’t a problem for us at all. For lower elevations, a 1oz bottle of DEET will do the trick.

CAMERA: The Sony RX100 is our go-to camera for lightweight backpacking.

Loowit Trail Photo Gallery

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More Information

We hope this guide helps you plan a fantastic backpacking trip along the Loowit Trail. As always, please leave a comment below if you have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions. And if you found this guide helpful, click the little like button below to give us a digital high five! 

For more popular CleverHiker content, check out the following links:

CleverHiker Gear Guide

CleverHiker Top Gear Picks

Essential Trail Skills Videos

Lightweight Gear Foundations Videos

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

Visitor Centers You Can Explore at Mount St. Helens

 ElTico68/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 

There are several Mount St. Helens visitor centers located along State Highway 504, which is the main route into the National Volcanic Monument. Each offers different educational exhibits and viewing opportunities, along with shops, refreshments, and restrooms. Most offer access to trails.

The best way to experience the mountain is to spend at least an entire day driving east on Highway 504, stopping at visitor centers, trails, and viewpoints along the way. The extent of the devastation—obvious even decades after the 1980 eruption —unfolds with each mile. Yet you will also see nature's amazing recovery, plants, and animals of all kinds.

If you only have a short time to spend on your Mount St. Helens visit, the visitor center at Silver Lake is located just off Interstate 5 and offers excellent exhibits and a moving film. If you have time to drive all the way in, but can only stop at a single visitor center, choose the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Note: Volcano viewing is highly dependent upon the weather . However, if visibility does not allow a view of Mount St. Helens itself, spending time in the blast zone, visiting the centers, and hiking along interpretive trails is still an experience of a lifetime.

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake , located five miles from the I-5 exit at Castle Rock, shows a powerful and moving 16-minute film detailing the events around the May 18, 1980, eruption. Exhibits provide information about volcanoes, comparing the Mount St. Helens eruption to others of historic significance. Adjacent to the center is the half-mile Silver Lake Wetlands Trail, where you can learn about the formation of Silver Lake and the plants and animals that live there. On clear days, Mount St. Helens can be seen in the distance. This center also offers a book and map shop, and the staff is available to answer your questions.

Charles W. Bingham Forest Learning Center

The Charles W. Bingham Forest Learning Center at Mount St. Helens is sponsored jointly by Weyerhaeuser, the Washington Department of Transportation, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Visitors will learn about forests and forestry management. A significant amount of the forested land in the blast zone was owned by Weyerhaeuser; exhibits at the center address the timber salvage and forest recovery activity that Weyerhaeuser has conducted since the eruption. Other attractions include multimedia presentations, an elk viewpoint, a volcano-themed playground, a forest trail, and a gift shop.

The Charles W. Bingham Forest Learning Center is closed during the winter.

Science Learning Center

The Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center was permanently closed on November 5, 2007. In 2012, the facility reopened as the ​ Mount St. Helens Science Learning Center and now offers field trips and educational programs and is available for meetings and conferences. Programs for kids, adults, and entire families are presented by the Mount St. Helens Institute , which operates the Science and Learning Center in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. These programs include guided hiking and climbing trips ​as well as hands-on, outdoor geology or biology learning experiences.

Johnston Ridge Observatory

Geology and biology are the focus at Johnston Ridge Observatory inside Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Operated by the U.S. Forestry Service, the Johnston Ridge Observatory is the visitor center closest to the volcano and offers stunning views into the crater as well as the surrounding eruption-altered landscape. A wide-screen theater presentation concludes with the drapes being opened to reveal the view through a windowed-wall. Exhibits take you through Mount St. Helens' geologic events, and you can read the eyewitness accounts of the eruption and ​​its aftermath.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed during the winter.

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What You Need to Know Before Climbing Mount St. Helens

Published by Guest Blogger . Last Updated on December 20, 2022.

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Located in the heart of southwestern Washington, most people have at least heard of this mountain's name; Mount Saint Helens.

This fantastic Pacific Northwest mountain is famous for its eruption back in 1980, but also for the magnificent opportunity that hikers have to climb Mount St. Helens.

It’s quite the thrill to climb up over the ridge and finally say that you’ve stood on the summit of one of the United State’s most well-known peaks.

About Mount St. Helens

Climbing Mt St Helens

Mount Saint Helens is one of the most popular volcanoes in the country after its eruption just over 40 years ago, in 1980.  The untimely eruption caused the mountain to lose over 1,000 feet in elevation, taking it from 9,677 feet down to 8,363 feet. This was the most destructive eruption in United States history.

Today, it’s one of five active volcanoes in the state of Washington and takes the cake for being the most active out of the five. It’s also known as the third highest-risk volcano in the country.

The volcano is located in southwest Washington, just about 1.5 hours from Portland, Oregon.

Although all of this information may seem scary, Mount St. Helens is a beautiful mountain to visit, and summit, if you’re up for the challenge.  From the top, you’ll have 360-degree views of southwestern Washington including sightings of Mount Adam, Mount Hood, and Mount Rainier.

Information About Climbing Mount St. Helens

Climbing Mt St Helens

The time of year that you’re planning to complete your summit will determine which trailhead you park at and which route you will use to summit.

Below is information about each route and trailhead and what to expect on the way to the top.

From Climber’s Bivouac/ Monitor Ridge Route

During the summer months, hikers will park at Climber’s Bivouac and take the Monitor Ridge route to the summit, which is a bit shorter than the winter route. You will need a Northwest Forest to park at the trailhead.

There are bathrooms at the trailhead, as well as several tent spots for overnight campers. You’ll also find a podium with information for issuing yourself a permit if you don’t have a pre-purchased one from online.

Distance and Elevation Gain

Hiking from Climber’s Bivouac up to the summit of Mount St. Helens is a roundtrip distance of about 10 miles. 

This is a difficult trail with a lot of elevation change. Hikers will cover over 4,500 feet of elevation gain throughout the entire hike.

It takes most people between 8 and 12 hours to complete this hike, depending on how long they stay at the summit or how many breaks are taken.

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Terrain and The Climb

If you’re hiking in the summer and are leaving from Climber’s Bivouac, you’ll want to be prepared for a large variety of terrains.

The first few miles of the trail are through the forest and the trail is well-marked for hikers to easily follow.  This route follows the Ptarmigan Trail for about 1.8 miles, until you reach the Loowit Trail junction. From here, it becomes known as the Monitor Ridge Climbing route.

And once you’ve reached this point, which is the top of the treeline, you’ll be met with large rocks that require climbing over, slippery ash to slowly make your way up, and it becomes very steep. Most of the elevation gain is found within the final 3 mile push to the summit, so be sure you’re prepared to climb this tough gain!

It’s often said that climbing Mount St. Helens is easier when there’s snow on the ground because of the number or boulder and ash fields that are found on Monitor Ridge. The snow allows you to better grip the ground and not slip around as much.

From Marble Mountain Sno Park/ Worm Flows RouteTrailhead

After snow has fallen and roads begin to close, the Marble Mountain Sno Park acts as the trailhead, and hikers will take the Worm Flows route to the summit. 

If you’re parking here between December and March, you will need a Washington State Sno Park vehicle permit.

There are vault toilets available in the parking lot as well as tent spots and parking spots for overnight campers. You can find self-issued permits near the start of the trail.

Since fallen snow blocks the road to Climber’s Bivouac, you’ll need to start a bit further away, making the Worm Flows route about 12 miles roundtrip. 

Over the entire hike, you’ll cover nearly 6,000 feet of elevation gain, which is no easy feat, even for experienced hikers and climbers. 

The hike is labeled as difficult and should only be attempted by experienced hikers and climbers. It typically takes most people between 8 and 12 hours to complete it.

Starting on the Swift Creek Ski Trail, you’ll hike for about 2 miles through the woods before it opens up and you reach Chocolate Falls and the official start of the Worm Flows climbing route.

From here, you’ll start to see some boulder fields, although if you’re visiting in the winter months, they’ll be mostly covered in snow.  It may seem like it should be the opposite, but the snow actually helps you grip better and makes climbing over these boulders easier. Just don’t forget to pack either your crampons or microspikes .

At about 4 miles, you’ll reach the seismic station, which is just below the final stretch to the crater rim. This next section is very steep and it’s likely that you’ll need to take quite a few breaks. If you haven’t yet, this is a good time to strap on traction devices.

Permit Requirements

Climbing Mt St Helens

Permits are required year-round for anyone hiking Mount Saint Helens. Exceptions are only for children who will be carried for the entire climb.

Issuing permits helps protect fragile mountain environments by limiting the number of people who step on the mountain each day. They also help to ensure that people stay safe on the crater rim without it being too crowded.

The number of people that are issued permits per day varies per month. From April through November, permits much be purchased in advance online. Between December and March, permits are free and are self-issued at the trailhead.

Best Time to Climb Mount St. Helens

Climbing Mt St Helens

One of the best parts of Mount St. Helens is that it’s accessible to be summited year round. In fact, many people believe that it’s even better in the winter, because you don’t have to stumble around the boulder and ash fields!

Winter allows you to see the mountain covered in a white blanket of snow. But it also means that you’ll have to add about 2 miles and nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain to your climb.

So while many love winter, the best and most popular time to climb is between late spring and early fall. 

I personally made the climb in mid-June, and there was still plenty of snow on the ground to cover the boulders.

What to Pack for Summiting 

Climbing Mt St Helens

Summitting a mountain can be very stressful, especially if it’s your first time and you aren’t exactly sure what you should bring along. This isn’t the hike to skimp out on what you need, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Here’s a list of a variety of items that you may need for your hike.

  • Plenty of water (5-6 liters)
  • Snacks and a lunch
  • Extra layers
  • Sunglasses or ski goggles
  • First aid kit
  • Hat and gloves
  • Hiking poles
  • Bandana or face mask for ash
  • Ice axe (winter)
  • Leg gaiters (winter)
  • Microspikes (winter)

Summiting vs. Hiking Around Mount St. Helens

You may hear of some people who are going ‘hiking at Mount St. Helens,’ but it’s important to note that this may not mean they are summiting.

There are many hiking trails without Gifford Pinchot National Forest that are on or around the mountain, that do not require the strenuous climb to the top.

Some visitors will park at Johnston Ridge Observatory and embark on some hikes from here.

Climbing Mt St Helens

Can You Hike Mount St. Helens in One Day?

Yes, most people plan to finish their summit hike at Mount St. Helens in just one day. It typically takes the average person between 8 and 12 hours to complete the hike, which can be done in a single day.

Is Mount St. Helens Easy to Climb?

No, climbing to the top of any mountain is difficult, and Mount St. Helens is no exception. There is a lot of elevation gain and it’ll take up an entire day. It’s a tricky hike and takes a lot of mental and physical strength.

Is Climbing Mount St. Helens Dangerous?

Doing any sort of outdoor activity, especially summiting, can be dangerous. But this is a non-technical hike and if you have the proper gear and are an experienced hiker, the dangers are lessened. The active volcano status currently doesn’t pose any dangers for those looking to summit.

Can You Climb Mount St. Helens Without a Permit?

No, in order to summit the mountain, every climber needs to hold a permit. This is for safety reasons, as well as to limit the amount of people who are on the mountain everyday. You are able to hike up to the Loowit Trail junction without one, but beyond that, you’ll need to have a permit.

Conclusion: Hiking Mount Saint Helens

Mount Saint Helens is a phenomenal place to visit, with a lot of unique and interesting history to learn and explore. And getting the chance to summit this mountain is even more exciting.

If you’re planning to summit the mountain, there’s quite a bit of planning to do, but once you see those views from the crater rim, it’ll all be worth it!

The Hiking Helper

Images were provided courtesy of The Hiking Helper.

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A Spring Guide to Backcountry Skiing Mount St. Helens

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Washington volcanoes are an objective many mountaineers and skiers seek early spring and into the summer months. Mount St. Helens ranks in as the fifth highest Washington volcano. Mount St. Helens isn’t a technical route, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously‒5,000+ feet is a long day especially if traveling over snow and/or rock.

Mount St Helens

The first time I climbed Helens, I never used crampons, not to mention it was one of the first times I used snowshoes. I had a panic attack during my winter climb in January when the conditions were icy and didn’t know I could trust my gear for traction on the way down. I didn’t summit the mountain but learned a bunch and even practiced using my ice axe after I calmed down.

Read about my first climb up Mount St. Helens here .

Below is a guide to climbing or skiing Mount St. Helens when snow is still present on the mountain. In the summer months, the climb can still be challenging but the Monitor Ridge trail is open.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Meaning if you click and buy some of the products linked in this post, I may earn a small percentage at no extra cost to you.

Know before you go

Permits are required from April 1 – October 31 . If you’re climbing before April 1, permits are available at the trailhead. Advanced purchase is necessary meaning no day-of walk-ins. If you didn’t plan ahead and still want to climb Mount St. Helens, check out the website Purmit. It allows people to sell or trade permits that aren’t being used.

From April 1 to May 15, 500 climbing permits are granted per day. After May 15 through October 31, climbing permits are limited to 100 climbers as the snow is melting and conserving the natural ecosystem will allow future recreation in the area.

Marble Mountain trailhead – Depending on the time of year you visit, you may need a Sno-Park permit to park your car at the trailhead. The Sno-Park permits are to cover the winter plowing costs. Two pit toilets are available for use and sleeping in cars or in tents is an option.

Climbers Bivouac trailhead – The trailhead opens in June and is 1,000 feet higher than the Marble Mountain trailhead making the climb shorter. The camping platforms are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

When to climb Mount St. Helens

Best time of year to ski Mount St. Helens is March to May. However, if you don’t plan on skiing, March to October work.

Splitboarder climbing Mount St Helens

Avalanche risk

Be aware of snow conditions before you go and check NWAC.us to understand the risk of climbing. Carrying beacons, shovels, and probes and knowing how to use them can make the difference if a slope slides.

Weather in the alpine can change fast. Study the weather forecast days before the climb and know what’s coming after the climb as weather can shift. Don’t forget to look at the wind. Also, since most of the climb is in the alpine, you may not want to go when the cloud cover is low as it makes route finding hard and can also mess up your internal equilibrium.

When should I start climbing Helens

Depending on the outside temperatures, estimate how long it will take to climb up the mountain and descend the mountain. My scale used was 1 mph for the steep parts of the climb. I estimated it taking roughly 5 to 6 hours to go up with snack breaks and an hour (realistically 45 minutes) to descend on skis. If you don’t have skis, give yourself 3 to 4 hours to descend.

Know the snow. Skiers and snowshoers want firm morning snow. However, as the temperatures warm throughout the day, snow starts to melt making the climbing harder (think walking in sand). You want firm conditions that will soften throughout the day so the descent is more enjoyable. I left at 7:30 am and the snow remained firm for most of the climb. The snow was softening just enough at the top where I wasn’t skiing ice. Remember, the snow will be softer as you decrease elevation, so you won’t have perfect snow conditions the entire 5,000 feet down.

Climbing Mount St. Helens as a day trip from Seattle, Washington.

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Pack it in and pack it out. This means toilet paper, energy bar wrappers, and human waste (#2 only). Let’s leave nature plastic and garbage free.

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Trail stats

Distance: 4.96 miles Elevation: 5228 ft Estimated time: 8 to 9 hours Actual time: 7 hours Starting and ending point: Marble Mountain trailhead

Mount St. Helens Worm Flows route description

The Worm Flows is the most direct winter route up to Mount St. Helens crater. The route provides practice for basic mountaineering skills without crevasses to navigate.

Knowing how to travel on snow is a plus for climbing the mountain unless it is late in the season when the snow has melted. Every time I climb Helens, I notice climbers not knowing how to use their gear properly‒most specifically ice axes and crampons. Ice axes can be used as a crutch as you’re climbing up the mountain and used as a brake when glissading down.

With the increase of permits, finding the route isn’t too daunting. From the Marble Mountain trailhead, enter the trees to the start of the trail. Markers are on the trees where the trail starts. Continue through the trees for 1.25 hours, roughly 2.3 miles and 1,000 feet vertical along a gradual incline.

Cross Swift Creek above Chocolate Falls (a good place to break or camp) into the alpine following ridges and slopes up to the crater rim. The last 2.5 miles of the ascent is a constant uphill climb.

Mt. St. Helens Skiing

Most stop at the rim, but the true summit is a long walk around the rim and climbs another 200 feet. On a clear day views of Spirit Lake and Rainier appear on the northern horizon. To the south and east Mount Adams and Mount Hood can be seen throughout the climb.

Mt. St. Helens Skiing

Tempted at the rim to get a good look over, beware the snow cornices, or windblown snow lips, which can fall and break away with weight or warm weather.

Mount St Helens group photo

For the ski descent, avoid crossing over the uphill skin tracks and bootpack when possible‒it will also mean less choppy skiing. Steer clear of the uphill travelers as they have the right-of-way. Only use the uphill track when visibility is low.

Mt. St. Helens Skiing

Aim for Chocolate Falls and avoid the valleys that will put you lower than the entrance to the narrow trail through the trees back to the parking lot. Make sure to communicate to the foot traffic as you approach to avoid slowing down your momentum on the gradual decline.

Trip date: April 21, 2018

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Ski descent

Suggested gear list.

With the exposure to snow, consider applying sunscreen often as you sweat and sunglasses to protect from the bright reflection of the sun on the snow. Bring enough water for a long day. Don’t forget the 10 essentials. I packed my 34L pack and was able to wear and store the gear listed below.

  • Top base layer
  • Bottom base layer
  • Top mid layer
  • Insulation layer like a down jacket
  • Ski pants (or hiking pants)
  • Hard shell jacket
  • Ski socks (or wool socks)
  • Sun hat or beanie
  • Backcountry skis  with touring bindings
  • Climbing skins
  • Ski packs and bags
  • Ski crampons
  • Beacon (avalanche transceiver)
  • Snow shovel
  • Ski goggles
  • Boot crampons (optional depending on comfort on skins)

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Hike of the Month: Eruption Trail at Mount St. Helens

By Margaret Seiler September 23, 2022

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Mount St. Helens is a neat, crisp gray-and-white view from high points in Portland, but when you're close up on its north side things are a little different.

Image: Margaret Seiler

Portlanders are used to seeing Mount St. Helens from the south, as a neat triangle with its tip snipped off, a trapezoidal tabletop. But a two-hour drive, first up I-5 and then out the Spirit Lake Highway, brings us to the northern view, and things get a little messier. Imagine a utilitarian, flat-bottomed bowl at a DIY ice cream sundae bar, filled by a child who loves chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and all manner of toppings, but the bowl had been turned upside-down, tossed on the floor, and stomped on, so part of its flat bottom (now the top) is caved in.

That’s the view that greets visitors to the Johnston Ridge Observatory , part of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and usually open until mid-October, when weather and winter conditions will close the road. Early fall is the last chance to catch this view with just an easy drive and, for now, a free place to park—though that’s something that could change in 2023 if some US Forest Service proposed changes are approved.

Mount St. Helens seen from the west, with some green ridges in front of it

Drivers will want to pull over along the Spirit Lake Highway when Mount St. Helens starts coming into view.

Portlanders can get their first glimpses of the toppled sundae from WA-504 (a.k.a. the Spirit Lake Highway) about 25 miles after they leave I-5 at Castle Rock. There are several viewpoint turnoffs along the road, all worth a stop to take in the view as St. Helens grows nearer. For a picnic-and-bathroom break en route, hit the Forest Learning Center, where you can also take in some Weyerhaeuser propaganda (“We harvest less than you think,” declares one logging exhibit) and load up on Bigfoot merch in the gift shop. (According to the greeter, there’s “a guy in the back that knows everything— everything. ” We presume this refers to the events of the 1980 eruption, but we can’t guarantee it’s not a Bran situation from Game of Thrones .)

best time of year to visit mt st helens

A view of some of the changed landscape below Mount St. Helens's peak

Once you get to the end of the road at Johnston Ridge Observatory, take a minute to look around the parking lot and remember how close we are to a major world destination. There are aged passengers from American Cruise Lines buses, teenagers from the East Coast in flip-flops, young families traveling from Europe or Asia. There are also plenty of locals, from fancy-backpack-and-poles hikers who never let their REI dividend go unspent to elementary schoolers in “Gods, Guns, Trump” T-shirts climbing out of minivans with Washington plates to dog-leash clutchers who didn’t get the no-pets-allowed message and are stuck in the tiny bit of shade in the parking lot until another person in their group comes to take a turn holding the dog so they can go take in the view.

A depression in a paved surface marked with chalk

The short Eruption Trail is paved, but it can be steep, and it has a few craters of its own.

It’s just a short walk up to the observatory, and from there a half-mile paved path called the Eruption Trail can be traversed, camera in hand, to a soundtrack of clickety-clackety grasshoppers and people asking strangers to take a photo of them. Be careful not to stumble in the craters along the path (a drainage issue and not an intentional adherence to the theme, we hope) while you’re gawking at the crater and the altered landscape below it, a million shades of green and brown and dotted with hummocks, little mounds of what used to be the mountain’s innards.

The $8 admission fee (waived on National Public Lands Day and a handful of other fee-free days) to enter the observatory itself is mainly to cool off in the AC, ooo and aah at the tiny lights simulating the eruption and ensuing lava flows on a scale model, and watch the short movie (after which you may be tempted to declare “hummock” your new favorite word).

Next year, this day pass for anyone 16 or older could increase to $12, or the feds might instead institute a $30 vehicle fee to enter the national volcanic monument, good for seven days. The potential changes are part of a suite of proposed fee increases in federal public lands in the Pacific Northwest. Nearby, in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, there are proposed campsite fee increases at Cultus Creek, Forlorn Lakes, and elsewhere. In the Mount Hood National Forest, there could be a new $5 fee to park at the Lolo Pass, Little Badger, and Badger Lake trailheads, and a new $10 site fee to camp at Little John or Polallie campgrounds along Highway 35, among other changes. Public comment is accepted through September 30 for Mount Hood locations, and through October 7 for Gifford Pinchot locations.

Before you set out, check Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s social media for road condition, weather, and fire updates, not to mention eruption news or risk, or check out the beef-starting, human-hating, profanity- and sexual-innuendo-laden, highly unofficial @MtStHelensWa Twitter account for a good laugh. (Don't say we didn't warn you.)

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10 Ways Mount St. Helens Changed Our World

Impacts from the 1980 eruption and beyond.

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens had a profound impact on how we live with active volcanoes. Looking back over the last four decades, we have made great strides in understanding volcanic hazards and communicating with at-risk communities so we can better prepare for the next eruption.

The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids. For scientists, the eruption inspired innovation in monitoring technology and insights about explosive eruptions, volcanic hazards, and their long-term impact on surrounding landscapes. And for local officials, it prompted new discussions on how to better prepare for future natural hazard emergencies.

Here are 10 ways the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens Changed our World .

far away view of mount saint helens volcanic eruption smoke in air

1. People gained a profound appreciation for the destructive power of volcanoes

In March 1980, residents sat in open fields and perched on rooftops to photograph small ash and steam explosions from Mount St. Helens. Excitement grew that the volcano could erupt. Millions of people around the world waited for over two months to find out what would happen next. On May 18, 1980, at 8:32 am the reality became deadlier than anyone imagined. The mountain exploded sideways, sending a colossal landslide downslope. A super-heated pyroclastic flow plowed down the mountainside, leveling millions of trees. A pillar of ash and gas rose high into the sky, blocking the sun and turning daylight into darkness. Lahars swept logs, boulders, trucks, and homes downriver like toys. Fearing collapse into the muddy torrents, officials closed bridges and ceased operations on railroad tracks. All told, 57 people lost their lives.

Ash from the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens covering the...

2. Officials pioneered new ways to reclaim communities from volcanic ashfall

During the eruption, volcanic ash filled the sky and drifted with the wind for hundreds of miles. It fell like snow across eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana. Officials closed highways for a week, and airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights. Researchers from around the world began to study the impacts of ash and explore ways to clean up farmlands, roads, telecommunications and electrical power systems, and water treatment facilities.  The eruption was the first event to truly bring the health effects of volcanic ash to the public’s attention and led to more research on volcanoes around the globe.

Muddy River bridge crossing destruction from May 18, 1980 Mount St....

3. Communities learned that a day-long eruption could affect rivers decades later

The 1980 eruption sent immense amounts of mud, water, and debris downstream, overtopping banks and flooding low-lying valleys. Sediment clogged channels in the Toutle, Cowlitz, and, eventually, Columbia Rivers. There was so much new sediment in the Columbia River that the riverbed rose by nearly 30 feet, halting ship traffic and severely impacting the local economy. Today, those rivers continue to transport sediment downstream at rates tens of times greater than before the eruption. This enormous amount of extra sediment continues to pose challenges for flood protection and fisheries today. The lesson was clear, eruptions change river systems even decades later.

Mount St. Helens, as viewed from the Castle Lake Overlook....

4. Scientists discovered that nature recovers quickly, building new and thriving habitats

Before 1980, scientists had limited experience observing the direct effects of explosive eruptions on plants and animals. Many presumed that all life would perish when the ash, steam, and volcanic debris scorched the landscape. People believed it would take several generations of plants, insects, and animals to rebuild nutrient-rich soils and repopulate the landscape. However, since not all ecosystems were uniformly devastated, over the years, a new, complex mosaic of habitats emerged after the eruption. The diversity of life at Mount St. Helens today exceeds that of the pre-eruption landscape. The same long-term ecological studies finely tuned at Mount St. Helens are now used to assess volcanically disturbed regions worldwide.

image related to volcanoes. See description

5. Congress preserved a unique volcanic landscape to explore and learn from

People were fascinated by Mount St. Helens following the 1980 eruption. To accommodate the interest of tourists and researchers to visit and study this newly transformed landscape, in 1982 Congress set aside 110,000 acres around the volcano for preservation. They created the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and directed the U.S. Forest Service to protect the new landscape and its plant, animal, and cultural resources. Now, visitors can traverse trails or climb the volcano, and researchers can study the geologic forces and the evolving ecology in the protected area.

Image shows a map with potential volcano hazards to the surrounding area for Mount St. Helens

6. Scientists and public officials have become better prepared to face volcanic threats

After Mount St. Helens erupted, residents of the Pacific Northwest wanted to know what the volcano would do next. Scientists, land managers, and public-safety officials coordinated their efforts and a new era of volcano crisis management was born. Now, scientists and public officials meet regularly to assess potential hazards and practice emergency responses and share information with the public. Today’s emergency managers draw a direct line from lessons learned at Mount St. Helens to current volcanic hazard planning efforts at many other volcanoes.

USGS Volcanologist Andy Lockhart answers questions about remote mon...

7. A new generation of volcanologists emerged around the world

After Mount St. Helens’ eruption, worldwide interest in volcanism blossomed. Scientists and eager students sought to understand volcanoes, improve monitoring and warning systems, assess volcanic hazards, and communicate with at-risk populations. Since 1980, hundreds of volcanologists from around the world have come to study Mount St. Helens. The relationships built with international colleagues, the advances in monitoring, and the skills accumulated have made it possible for U.S. scientists to aid with eruption responses worldwide. The USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program team has responded to more than 70 volcanic crises worldwide and strengthened response capacity in 12 nations. The lessons learned at Mount St. Helens help address concerns at other reawakening volcanoes, both in terms of science and hazard mitigation.

May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens....

8. Scientists gained insights into the geologic history of Mount St. Helens

In 1980, scientists became acquainted with one of nature’s most massive and destructive volcanic processes—the debris avalanche. Until then, relatively few people had witnessed one, but on May 18, 1980, startled onlookers saw, and some even photographed, the collapse and debris avalanche that demolished the north slope of Mount St. Helens. Observations that day allowed scientists to better link eruptive processes with their geologic deposits. Geologic mapping and improved methods for determining the ages of past eruptions yielded some surprises at Mount St. Helens. Although much of the present mountain grew remarkably fast during the last 4,000 years, it sits atop older volcanic deposits that erupted as long ago as 270,000 years. With every eruption, rocks from lava flows, pyroclastic flows, lahars, and ash-rich deposits accumulated, one upon another, to remake the volcano.

Eruptions in the Cascade Range during the past 4000 years. USGS GIP...

9. Scientists have a better grasp of Cascades volcano hazards and eruption frequency

The 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption inspired a new generation of research on Cascades volcanoes throughout Washington, Oregon, and California. Scientists documented their eruption histories, identifying specific hazards and areas that are at risk during future eruptions. Some Cascades volcanoes were discovered to erupt more frequently than previously thought. We now know that there is about a one in 100 chance that an eruption will occur from a Cascade volcano in any given year, with Mount St. Helens being the most likely culprit.

Mount Rainier Volcano Monitoring Equipment...

10. A technological revolution sparked new ways to monitor volcanoes and provide hazard warnings

Before 1980, only one seismometer was deployed within 30 miles of Mount St. Helens to detect earthquakes and scientists’ ability to detect rising magma and make eruption forecasts was limited. Since 1980, volcano monitoring has evolved from a few strategically placed instruments and occasional field observations to broad integrated networks of sensors that detect various indications of volcanic activity. Scientists can now remotely measure and monitor earthquake activity, ground deformation, temperature variations, magma movement, and volcanic gas composition and emission rates in real time. These advancements allow scientists to provide early warnings that give emergency officials the time they need to make life-saving decisions.

MORE INFORMATION

  • To learn more about how the 1980 eruption influenced volcanology check out the USGS fact sheet, “ Ten Ways Mount St. Helens Changed Our World—The Enduring Legacy of the 1980 Eruption .”
  • To learn more about ash, visit the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network webpage at https://www.ivhhn.org/home .
  • To sign up to receive email notifications from the USGS about volcanic activity, visit the Volcano Notification Service, https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2

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Ways the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption Changed Our World

The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids.

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5 Incredible Facts About Mount St. Helens

May is Volcano Awareness Month in Washington State. There's no better time to learn five incredible facts about Mount St. Helens. This list is a truncated version of the popular  30 Cool Facts about Mount St. Helens (usgs.gov)  poster.

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Mount St. Helens—Lives Changed, Lessons Learned, Legacies of 1980

How did the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens change peoples’ lives? Carolyn Driedger talks about events that led up to the 1980 eruption and influenced scientists’ response to it, as well as what happened on May 18, and how the eruption changed people's lives and professions.

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Mount St. Helens: A Catalyst for Change

The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens triggered a growth in volcano science and volcano monitoring. Five USGS volcano observatories have been established since the eruption. With new technologies and improved awareness of volcanic hazards USGS scientists are helping save lives and property across the planet.

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Mount St. Helens: May 18, 1980

USGS scientists recount their experiences before, during and after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Loss of their colleague David A. Johnston and 56 others in the eruption cast a pall over one of the most dramatic geologic moments in American history.

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May 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption: Stories from USGS Scientists

USGS scientists C. Dan Miller, Don Mullineaux, Mike Doukas, Norm Banks, Don Swanson, and Richard Waitt talk about their experiences at Mount St.

best time of year to visit mt st helens

Mount St. Helens in eruption, May 18, 1980

Mount St. Helens erupted catastrophically on May 18, 1980 beginning at 8:32 a.m. USGS geologist Don Swanson photographed and filmed the eruption from about 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., documenting the rising ash column and ground-hugging pyroclastic density currents.

Ten ways Mount St. Helens changed our world—The enduring legacy of the 1980 eruption

Mount st. helens’ 1980 eruption changed the future of volcanology.

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40 Years Later: The Eruption of Mt. St. Helens and the USGS Response

USGS Library is commemorating the historic 1980 eruption by highlighting USGS research about Mount St. Helens.

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IMAGES

  1. Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument Visitor Guide

    best time of year to visit mt st helens

  2. Mt. St. Helens National Monument Tour from Seattle ⋆ Evergreen Escapes

    best time of year to visit mt st helens

  3. Visiting Mount St. Helens

    best time of year to visit mt st helens

  4. Mount Saint Helens, Castle Rock, Washington

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  5. Perfect Mt St Helens day trip from Seattle or Portland

    best time of year to visit mt st helens

  6. Mount Saint Helens

    best time of year to visit mt st helens

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  1. Mount St. Helens Winter Route Climb

COMMENTS

  1. The Best Time of the Year to Visit the Mount St. Helens Monument

    Over the decades since Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, the southwestern Washington wilderness obliterated by the Cascades explosion has slowly been trying to heal. The human toll of the ...

  2. How to Visit Mt St Helens in One Day or Two

    From there, the best way to get to the volcano is by car. Here are some rough distances and drive times from the major metro areas to Johnston Observatory: From Seattle, WA - Approximately 260km (160mi)/ 3.5 hours drive. From Tacoma, WA - Approximately 210km (130mi)/ 2.5 hours drive.

  3. Perfect Mt St Helens day trip from Seattle or Portland

    Mt St Helens and Coldwater lake from the Lakes Trail. Location: Coldwater Lake. Distance: up to 9 miles round trip. Elevation Gain: up to 600 feet round trip. Special Features: Walk along the shore of a naturally created lake from the 1980 eruption! Epic views and cool breezes too.

  4. Hike Mt St. Helens: Almost Everything You Need to Know

    As far as elevation gain and loss, hiking around Mount St. Helens easier than some of the other peaks in the Cascades. For example, Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail is 93 miles long and has 36,000ft elevation gain. In comparison, Mount St. Helens probably has something like 8,000-9,000ft of elevation gain over those 30-something miles.

  5. Mt. St. Helens National Park Visitor Guide

    It is visited by more than 500,000. visitors a year. The majority of the visitors enter the Mount St. Helens National Park from. Highway 504 on the west side which holds the two main visitor centers: Johnston Ridge. Observatory ($8/adult) at milepost 52, and the Forest Learning Center (Free) at milepost. 33.

  6. The All You Need Mount St. Helens Visitor Guide

    LAST UPDATED: 2/4/24 - Mount St. Helens Visitor Guide. When Mount Saint Helens in Washington erupted on May 18, 1980, the eruption killed 57 people and sent volcanic ash as far as the East Coast of the United States. That eruption left a lasting impression on the mountain as it left a horseshoe-shaped crater when the eruption blasted away ...

  7. Mount St. Helens Guide: Things to do & More

    Climb to the crater rim, hike subterranean lava tubes, kayak in clear mountain lakes, shred blast-zone mountain bike trails or take a guided hike with a geologist. Best of all, Mount St. Helens offers all-season recreation. While summer draws the most crowds, the other three seasons offer plentiful opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing ...

  8. Visiting the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

    The Mount. St. Helens Forest Learning Center is located on Hwy 504 at milepost 33. The Learning Center is a partnership between Weyerhaeuser Company, Washington State Department of Transportation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The Center is open to the public from May to October and is free of charge. While there, take a walk through a ...

  9. PDF A Visitor'S Guide to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

    With the help of our dedicated partners and volunteers, we will strive to make your visit worthy of our 30th anniversary. Help Us Share the Wonder of Mount St. Helens The Mount St. Helens Institute is a not-for-profit partner of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. We help provide science education, conservation and recreation ...

  10. Day Trip to Mount St Helens National Monument

    Though climbing Mount St Helens does not require technical skills, hikers must obtain a permit from Recreation.gov. Permits are mandatory year-round for anyone who desires to climb above an altitude of 4,800 ft.. I did not include a hike up Mount St Helens in my day trip itinerary due to limited time and lack of advanced planning, but I hope to summit its cratered peak at some point in the future.

  11. Visit Mount St Helens

    Scale an Active Volcano. Mount St. Helens or Louwala-Clough is an active stratovolcano located in Southwest, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is 96 miles south of Seattle, Washington, and 50 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon and features Stunning Landscapes and Endless Adventure. See more.

  12. Mount St Helens Visitor Center

    Group tours. Group tours should contact the Interpretive Center early with proposed tour dates for the year. * All groups, both Educational and Non-education requesting a tour should register their visit with park staff by emailing [email protected] or calling Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at (360) 274-0962. This allows park staff to update our activity calendar and ensure all groups ...

  13. A Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Saint Helens

    46.1914° N, 122.1956° WLEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CLIMBING MOUNT ST. HELENS IN WASHINGTON - INCLUDING THE BEST TIME TO GO, WHAT THE BRING WITH YOU, AND WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE TRAIL.While Mount Saint Helens was once thought of as the Mount Fuji of the USA due to its perfect conical shape, thanks to its famous eruption in 1980 the Cascade peak now has an almost equally well ...

  14. The First-Timer's Guide to Exploring Mount St. Helens

    There are many things to do at Mt. St. Helens, from the usual suspects like hiking and boating to more niche activities such as paragliding and metal detecting. The best way to explore the region is in sections. There are several independent routes in and out of the monument, leading visitors to one of its distinct ecosystems.

  15. The Mountain

    The Ape Caves are located on the south side of Mount St. Helens and accessed through Woodland - go up highway 503 past Cougar. Driving time from I-5 and highway 504 where all the Mount St. Helens Visitor Centers are to the Ape Cave is just over an hour. The Ape Caves are open year-round though the parking lot gets snowed in during the winter.

  16. Fun things to do in Mt St Helens in a Day

    In 1980, Mount St Helen erupted exploring ash into the sky and killing 57 people. The debris avalanche that followed covered acres. After the explosion, the volcano and surrounding area were designated as the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument.Today, this is one of the best attractions in Washington state and it makes an excellent day trip from Seattle or Portland.

  17. Loowit Trail Loop

    BEST TIME TO TRAVEL. In general, July through September is the best time to hike around Mount St. Helens. Snowpack is a key factor for trip planning in this area, as snow can linger into late July some years. Rain and snow can fall at any time of year here and freezing temperatures are possible, even in summer months.

  18. Mount St. Helens Visitor Centers to Explore

    The best way to experience the mountain is to spend at least an entire day driving east on Highway 504, stopping at visitor centers, trails, and viewpoints along the way. ... If you only have a short time to spend on your Mount St. Helens visit, the visitor center at Silver Lake is located just off Interstate 5 and offers excellent exhibits and ...

  19. Circle of life of a volcano

    Portland to Mount St. Helens. Portland is actually much closer to Mt. St. Helens verses Seattle — in fact the forest service office in Vancouver was the "Houston Control" during the 1980 eruption. Portland to Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center, near Castle Rock Exit #49: 70 miles / 1 hour each direction.

  20. What You Need to Know Before Climbing Mount St. Helens

    Mount Saint Helens is one of the most popular volcanoes in the country after its eruption just over 40 years ago, in 1980. The untimely eruption caused the mountain to lose over 1,000 feet in elevation, taking it from 9,677 feet down to 8,363 feet. This was the most destructive eruption in United States history.

  21. A Spring Guide to Backcountry Skiing Mount St. Helens

    angelatravels — May 1, 2018. Washington volcanoes are an objective many mountaineers and skiers seek early spring and into the summer months. Mount St. Helens ranks in as the fifth highest Washington volcano. Mount St. Helens isn't a technical route, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously‒5,000+ feet is a long day ...

  22. Everything You Need to Know (2024 Guide)

    You can climb Mount St. Helens throughout the year, but the rules vary. To get Mt. St. Helens permits in 2021, you must apply for a permit before you can hike from April 1 to October 31. You can do this online, and permits usually open up around February 1st. Permits cost $15 per person (although this will be changing to $20 in 2024), and you ...

  23. Hike of the Month: Eruption Trail at Mount St. Helens

    Hike of the Month: Eruption Trail at Mount St. Helens. This short-and-sweet walk from Johnston Ridge Observatory is all volcano photo ops, all the time. Parking is free, but that could change next year, among other national forest fee increases. By Margaret Seiler September 23, 2022. Mount St. Helens is a neat, crisp gray-and-white view from ...

  24. 10 Ways Mount St. Helens Changed Our World

    To accommodate the interest of tourists and researchers to visit and study this newly transformed landscape, in 1982 Congress set aside 110,000 acres around the volcano for preservation. ... We now know that there is about a one in 100 chance that an eruption will occur from a Cascade volcano in any given year, with Mount St. Helens being the ...

  25. ‎Visit Mt St Helens on the App Store

    Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Visit Mt St Helens. Download Visit Mt St Helens and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.