Mt. St. Helens Climbers Bivouac to Climbers Permit Zone

The most popular climbing route to the summit of Mt. St. Helens is via Monitor Ridge, which is most easily reached by way of the Ptarmigan Trail (Swift Creek) and the Climber's Bivouac (TH). This trail begins in lush alpine forests which gradually give way to lobes of volcanic boulders on one side. About midway up the trail a spectacular view of Mt. Hood and northern Oregon appear beyond the Columbia River. A little further up the trail an equally spectacular view of Mt. Adams appears to the east. The close proximity of these three peaks brings not just an appreciation for their beauty but also an understanding of their impact on local geography and ancient cultures. The hike reaches it's turnaround point on a small volcanic plain at the base of the "boulder field" (4800' elevation)--the next leg of the climb to the summit.