Climbing
For Novice and Experienced Mountaineers
Climbing Mount St. Helens in 2012? - Important information from the Mount St. Helens Institute at the foot of this page
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. Cost is $22 per person.
From May 15 through October 31, a permit is required. Cost is $22 per person. 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.
A Message to Mount St. Helens Climbers
from the Mount St. Helens Institute
At the Mount St. Helens Institute, it is our desire to make the Mount St. Helens climb one of the best, most enjoyable climbs in the Pacific Northwest. As a past climber, we hope you can help us with this goal. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at the end of this letter to let us know how we're doing.
I'm also writing to let you know of a major change for the 2012 climbing season. The Mount St. Helens Institute has recently decided to terminate our relationship with Active.com. We've heard from many of you that the permit system is cumbersome, confusing and difficult. We're embarking on an improved registration system, beginning on February 1, 2012, and we just want to give you a heads up!
Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach me by phone -- 360-891-5107-- or by email at JBennett@mshinstitute.org.
Thanks for taking the time to give us your thoughts.
Click here to complete the short survey!
Jeanne Bennett
Executive Director
Mount St. Helens Institute
2012 Mount St. Helens Permits on Sale February 1, 2012
System Opens at 9:00 am PST
We've been getting your phone calls so we know you're anxious to get your 2012 permits! The system is scheduled to open at 9:00 am PST on February 1, 2012. As stated above, we're offering a more climber-friendly registration system and expect it will be glitch free. If you need assistance of any kind, please call us at 360-449-7883. To obtain your permits, visit www.mshinstitute.org and click on "Climbing"
We're also offering a series of Guided Climbs and we're pleased to offer three Into the Crater Hikes in 2012. Watch our newsletters for upcoming snowshoeing adventures and our series of field classes.
Mountain Stewards Needed
Volunteers Support Climbers
The Mount St. Helens Institute supports climbers and visitors by training and maintaining a cadre of volunteers who spend their volunteer time on the climbing route or assisting with Institute recreational and educational programs. These dedicated volunteers are trained in first aid/cpr as well as trail ethics. They are the Institute's eyes and ears on the trail and often the first responders for climbers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Hailey via e-mail.