Mt. St. Helens, Moonbase-Shoestring Glacier

This rarely used route is accessed from Hwy 83 beyond the Marble Mtn. Snow Park. Follow abandoned roads N825 & N826 to 3440 feet Climb another 1,600 feet to access the Moonbase Camp. Snow can be soft early season due to the low starting elevation, so bring skis or snowshoes in case. St. Helens is one of the lower and technically easier glaciated peaks in the Pacific NW, but still a strenuous climb as the starting elevation is relatively low. The peak is often underestimated; exposure and route finding challenges in low visibility can make this peak a serious as any in the Northwest. Watch out for the cornices on the summit crater! This is a classic NW ski climb, with long open runs, minimal avy danger, and no crevasses. This can be a nice overnight trip as well - ski in, make camp, and hike up for some tele turns. Permits and Stuff: St Helens is one of the most heavily regulated peaks in the US. See the Gifford Pinchot National Forest web site for current permit regulations, on the Mazamas Links page. Snow park permit required (OR permits are okay) between Nov 15 and April 30.