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.
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Permits