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Rating	★★★★★(5/5)
Overall Difficulty	Very hard
Navigation Difficulty	Medium
Distance	10 miles roundtrip
Time	6 hours
Terrain	Strenuous climbing, 4500 feet of elevation gain
Best Seasons	Summer
Family Friendly	No
Dog Friendly	No
Accessible	No

Highlights

• Views of three volcanic peaks from the summit: Rainier, Adams, and Hood
• Looking down at the wasteland in the crater left by the last eruption in 1980
• Glissading down glaciers for an easy descent

Hike Summary

***Permits are required to summit Mount St. Helens! Visit Recreation.gov to reserve your spot!***

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Mount St. Helens stands as a beacon of both natural beauty and historical significance. With its iconic volcanic peak and captivating trails, summiting this majestic mountain is a dream for many avid hikers. It's not every day you can climb a volcano that has exploded as recently as 1980! The hike is not without difficulties, however.

Let me reiterate the bit about permits being required. This is not the kind of hike you can wake up in the morning and decide to do, especially on a weekend. The Forest Service limits permits from April 1st to October 31st to prevent dangerous overcrowding on the steep trail and to help preserve the environment. From Recreation.gov: "Permits are released in one month increments on the first day of the preceding month. For example, April permits are released on March 1. All releases occur at 7:00 AM Pacific Time". People travel from all over the country (and perhaps the world) to try and summit this famous volcano, so you better wake up early on the first of the month to try and snag a permit for your desired date.

If you're not the planning type, you can still luck out if you check the permit calendar for openings -- people cancel or change plans. I was lucky enough to snag a last minute permit to climb on a weekday, even though my boss wasn't as thrilled as I was about this success. Don't count on rangers not enforcing. You may be ticketed up to $500 for failing to present a permit above 4800 feet.

Depending on your level of fitness, finding a permit may in fact feel more difficult than the actual hike. The journey begins at the trailhead, where anticipation hangs in the air like mist among the towering 2nd growth trees, as pictured below. As we set off on the well-marked Ptarmigan trail, the surrounding wilderness envelops us, offering glimpses of wildlife and the soothing sounds of cascading streams. With each step, the excitement builds, fueling your determination to reach the summit.

The trail to the top of Mount St. Helens is a study in diversity, traversing through lush forests, expansive meadows, and rugged volcanic terrain. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, revealing the scars of past eruptions alongside the resilience of nature's regeneration. Each turn offers a new perspective, a reminder of the raw power and beauty of the natural world. You'll hear grasshoppers rhythmically clicking like a lawn sprinkler as you trample over rocks that wobble and clank with a hollow sound like dinner plates breaking.

Once you leave the forest and reach the sign requiring permits, as pictured below, the hike suddenly becomes more difficult. The steep inclines and rocky terrain demand both physical strength and mental fortitude. Yet, with each obstacle overcome, the rewards are plentiful. Now that you are above treeline, sweeping vistas unfold like pictured below, and 12,000-foot Mt. Adams will be visible to the east. As you ascend further, the crisp mountain air fills your lungs with renewed energy. You'll need this energy now that the route is so steep you need to use your hands too. What was formerly a trail has turned into nothing but rocks, specifically pumice, like what you may use to grind those hiking induced calluses off your feet. By the end of this hike, my hands were so sore they felt as if they were about to bleed, so I recommend wearing gloves. Eventually, the pumice disappears (yay!) and becomes ash (boo!). Much like walking up a sand dune, it feels like you progress two steps forward and one step back. This was the dirtiest hike I've ever done, and the ash covering my body, clothing, and backpack probably made me look like the ghost of a coal miner by the time I finished the hike. However, if you climb earlier in the season, this section may be covered in snow, perhaps making the work of ascent a bit easier despite the extra equipment and technical skill required.

At last, you reach the summit – but actually not. The trail seems to end at the crater rim, but this is not in fact the true summit. You must continue to the left on a faint trail traversing the rim to reach the true summit. Sure, it's extra effort, but most people stop at the rim, meaning you will have the true summit all to yourself.

As you stand atop Mount St. Helens, surrounded by panoramic views of the Cascade Range and the volcanic summits of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams (both pictured below) prominently rising above the rest, a profound sense of awe will wash over you. Now imagine that this mountain used to be 1300 feet taller before it erupted in 1980. Suddenly, the crater in front of you seems all the more impressive. It was a bit hazy during my climb, but if you are lucky enough for a clearer day, you can also see Mt. Hood to the southeast from the summit. After savoring the views, it's time to head back down. One of the most fun parts about climbing a glaciated peak is glissading down: simply sit down on the snow and slide down in the most controlled manner you can muster. In the picture above, you can see fresh lines of white snow from previous butt sliders underneath the dirty old snow. If there isn't sufficient snow for a glissade, you can also sort of leap down into the ash like you would on a sand dune. You will get sand in your boots, but the fun is worth it.

The rest of the descent is straightfoward, though it will feel like a long slog repeating the same trail in reverse now that you're tired from summitting.

Climbing Mount St. Helens is more than just a hike; it's an experience that stirs the soul and ignites the spirit of adventure. From the tranquil beauty of the trailhead to the exhilaration of reaching the summit, every moment is infused with wonder and possibility. As you bid farewell to this iconic peak, you carry memories that will last a lifetime and a renewed appreciation for the majesty of the natural world. Until next time, Mount St. Helens, until next time.

See more information with trip reports and up to date conditions at the Washington Trails Association Page for Mount St. Helens.

Connect with me using the social media links below and share your adventures!

Important Information

Dogs are strongly discouraged for safety reasons. Climbing season is April-October, though the earlier in the season you go, the more snow you will have on top. Be sure to check conditions before going and prepare accordingly! Winter ascents are possible and done frequently by skiers, but the road to the trailhead may be closed, requiring a long trek through the forest before even reaching the trailhead.

Directions

From Seattle, take Interstate 5 south towards Portland. After 110 miles, take the exit for Washington Highway 503/Lewis River Road and turn left. You'll continue on this road almost all the way to the trailhead. Turn left onto Forest Road 87. Turn left onto Forest Road 81, then right onto Road 830. Signage is decent along the way, but you'll want to use GPS just in case.

Google Maps Directions

Parking, Fees, and Facilities

Parking at the trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass ($30 per year or $5 per day) or an America the Beautiful Pass ($80 per year), purchased ahead of time. However, parking is included with the $20 permit you are required to purchase during peak season April-October.

Nearby Hikes

External Links

• Official Page
• Wikipedia Article
• NOAA Weather Forecast