*Please note; climb fee includes climbing permit ($22/person); the climbing permit fee is nonrefundable since it must be purchased in advance.

The Monitor Ridge route is the standard summer route, with the trailhead starting about 1000 feet higher than the winter snow park area.

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 curent permit regulations, on the Mazamas Links page. Snow park permit required (OR permits are okay) between Nov 15 and April 30.

Activity Notes

Recent BCEP graduates are encouraged to apply. People from historically underrepresented groups like LGBTQ, BIPOC and femme climbers are also encouraged. Our goal is to create a supportive and cohesive team.

The leader has secured twelve permits for the climb at the cost of $20.50 apiece. Climbers selected for the team will be asked to reimburse the leader.

We will complete the climb car-to-car with a departure from Climber's Bivouac early (between 4 AM and 6 AM, with the exact time tbd the week of the climb), summit mid-day, and return in the evening. 

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 80 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Books Climbers Guide to the Cascade Volcanoes by Jeff Smoot Cascade Alpine Guide: Columbia River to Stevens Pass by Fred Beckey Selected Climbs in the Cascades by Nelson and Potterfield
Relevant Maps USGS 7 minute series, Mt. St. Helens, WA Green Trails, Mt St. Helens (If you get a topo map, be sure it’s 1980 or later. You may have a L O N G climb if you don’t! =^) Google map https://www.google.com/maps/@46.1896099,-122.196597,14.11z/data=!5m1!1e4?hl=en
Awards Qualified 16 Major NW Peaks, Guardian Peaks
Useful Links GPS Track New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. GPS Coordinates New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. Map New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows.
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