Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
This climb occurs outside of the paid permit period, (Nov. 1–March 31)
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
Join us for a fitness climb of St Helens. Strap your Fitbit and train amid a majestic autumn setting. We'll keep an easy, steady pace to stay aerobic and build capacity for the winter climb season.
Option to camp overnight at the trailhead on Saturday. Otherwise carpool by 5am for 6:30 start. If skies are sunny, bring one item to share for a celebration brunch at the summit. 🥑
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Hiked a steep trail like Mt Defiance, Yocum Ridge or Dog Mountain, or trail running
- Optimism to support and motivate your teammates
- Fitness to walk with cursory breaks, around 1000' / hour.
- Travel over class III terrain involving hands; clambering boulders
Please detail hiking or climbing experience in your completed profile and apply. Responses start October 1st or earlier. Optionally, this summit qualifies you to join Mazamas.
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Adventurous Young Mazamas (AYM) offers outdoor activities year-round targeted to adults in their 20s & 30s, activities are open to everyone eighteen and over who can safely participate in our events.
If new, reserve a few minutes to complete your profile. Part of building trust starts with a profile and identifiable photo of yourself, so people know who you are and we can find each other - especially when meeting the first time.
Moderate fitness required. Pace = 1000' ft elevation per hour. Party size 12 climbers or fewer for this National Monument. This is a class 3 scramble up the Monitor Ridge route (4500').
| 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 GPS Coordinates Map |
