Climbing information - Permits

At 8,328 feet high (as measured by USGS in 2009), Mount St. Helens offers climbers a breathtaking view from the crater rim. Although it is not a technical climb, it is strenuous and hazardous due to ice, large boulders, loose pumice, fast-changing weather and volcanism. Climbers should be in very good physical condition, well equipped, informed about volcanic hazards, and have plenty of water and food.

The Mount St. Helens Institute has partnered with the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to help protect the volcano’s fragile features and to ensure climbers have a safe, low-impact experience on the volcano.

Before climbing Mount St. Helens, please read climbing rules, road and trail conditions, and other important information from the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. (please use the URL in the website field to get your permit and view rules and regulations)

Climbing permits are required year-round on Mount St. Helens. A Climbing Permit allows an individual or group (max size limit of 12) to be in or upon the area defined as the Mount St. Helens Closure Area #2 (PDF) during the 24 hour period designated by the permit. (please use the URL in the website field to get your permit and view rules and regulations)

To reduce crowding and protect natural features, the number of climbers per day on Mount St. Helens is subject to a quota from April 1 to October 31.

During the quota season, permits must be purchased online in advance. A permit may be printed up to 14 days before your reservation date. Once your permit has been printed, you cannot make changes. Outside the quota season, permits are free of charge and self-issued at the trailhead.

April 1 - May 14: 500 climbers/day. Must be purchased online in advance.

May 15 - October 31: 100 climbers/day. Must be purchased online in advance.

November 1 - March 31: Unlimited climbers. Permit is free and self-issue at the trailhead.

Climbing permits during the quota season cost $15 per person per day. A $6 reservation fee is charged per transaction.

Permits are one per Group, rather than one per individual.

The Permit Holder (the purchaser) of the climbing permit can make a reservation for up to 12 total climbing Group Members. The Permit Holder must be included in the climbing group.

The Permit Holder must provide the names of all Group Members at the time of purchase. While climbing Group Members' names can be adjusted after the purchase, the Permit Holder name cannot be changed nor refunded without cancelling the entire permit. All climbers in the Group must carry a government-issued photo ID that matches their name on the list of members on the purchased permit.

Every year millions of visitors use Recreation.gov to plan, reserve and share their experiences in national forests, national parks, and other public federal lands. Recreation.gov hosts more than 3,000 campgrounds nationwide, including 18 on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Permits

• Waterbody: Coal Creek Slough
• Facilities: Parking
• Boat Types: Kayaks, small boats
• Notes: Small concrete ramp; hand-launch required for most craft.

The historic Columbia Theatre opened as a vaudeville venue and movie house in 1925, declined during the mid-20th century and escaped what would have been a tragic ending in 1980 when excavation and demolition equipment heading toward the theater was diverted to help with the cleanup following the eruption of Mount St. Helens. Subsequently, a group of visionaries got together and saved the building. Today, the vibrant 1,000-seat theatre hosts nearly a dozen shows each year, ranging from musicals to comedy to children’s theatre.

The Columbia Theatre is commemorating its 100th anniversary with a week-long Centennial Celebration from April 4th to April 11th 2025. The festivities begin on Friday April 4th with a rededication ceremony and a ribbon-cutting at 5:30 pm followed by cake, champagne, and live music from members of the SW Washington Symphony at 6:30 pm. The evening continues with screenings of the short film "The Uneasy Three" and the classic silent film "Charly's Aunt" the first film shown during the theatre's opening in 1925. Additional events include guided tours, a performance by blues artist LaRhonda Steele, and a sing-along of Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast". All events are free, though donations are appreciated. 

ALERT: COUGAR PARK and CAMPGROUND BOAT RAMP CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

• Day use and camping 
• Day use picnic area
• Swimming beach please note: for the safety of all swimmers, no personal floatation devices (including but not limited to: kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable watercraft, etc.)
  or use of oars or paddles are allowed within the swimming area
  
• Water and restrooms provided
• Boat ramp
  
• 45 tent camping only sites
• Group camping facility with 15 tent camping only sites and a covered picnic shelter with fireplace and sink
  
• Swimming beach
• Restrooms, showers and water provided
• Open the Friday before Memorial Day until Labor Day

**The Cougar Park boat launch on Yale Reservoir is also currently closed due to low water.
Beginning 9 a.m. Saturday, August 24, the boat launch at Beaver Bay Park on Yale Reservoir will also close due to low water until further notice.