Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Climbing Mount St. Helens

Climbing FAQs

(USGS Photo - Aerial view Mount St. Helens -- looking north -- from April 26, 2005.)

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Topics

• Reopening Climbing
• Climbing and Permit System

Reopening Climbing

1. Why did the Forest Service close climbing at Mount St. Helens in the Fall of 2004?

Mount St. Helens was closed to climbing in September 2004, due to risk from explosive eruptions that can cause hazardous conditions on the flanks of the volcano and at the crater rim. Volcanoes are most explosive and unpredictable at the on-set of an eruption. The eruption is on-going.

2. Why did the Forest Service lift the climbing closure at Mount St. Helens and reopen climbing on July 21, 2006?

By the spring of 2006, after nearly two years of continuous eruptive activity, Mount St. Helens had settled into a pattern of slowly extruding lava with extremely low gas content. Dissolved gas in lava is what drives most volcanic explosions.

3. What are the risks of climbing Mount St. Helens during the ongoing dome-building eruption?

In January of 2008, extrusion of new lava ceased ending the three-year-long dome building eruption.  Mount St. Helens remains an active volcano and the possibility of small explosions or dusty rockfalls still remains.  Climbers may experience steam and ash plumes at the crater rim or on the upper flanks of the volcano. These are short lived clouds of fine volcanic dust, usually generated by rock fall from the growing lava dome.

There is a very small likelihood that gas or steam explosions could eject rock fragments (ballistics) from the crater. In rare instances, ballistics could reach the crater rim or upper flanks of the volcano and cause injury or death.

It is recommended that climbers bring a climbing helmet or hard hat to protect themselves from ballistics and an N95 type dust mask for protection from ash.

4. Is it safe to climb Mount St. Helens?

Volcanic hazards on the flanks and at the rim of Mount St. Helens are currently low. However, the ongoing eruption is likely to produce steam and gas emissions that rise above the crater rim. Since this eruption began, some larger emissions have deposited gravel sized rock at the crater rim. Climbers may be exposing themselves to other volcanic hazards which cannot be forecast or can occur without warning. If larger explosive eruptions occur, larger material could be carried over the crater rim and in rare instances, result in injury or death.

Be prepared to rapidly descend below the crater rim and seek cover. Carry and use recommended personal protective equipment.

Mountain climbing is inherently hazardous. Climbers should be prepared for a long arduous day, scrambling on steep terrain, and potential weather extremes.

5. What role does the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) play in determining the status of the Mount St. Helens climbing program?

The USGS is responsible for monitoring volcanic activity and advising the Forest Service concerning volcanic hazards.

6. What role does the Forest Service play in determining the status of the Mount St. Helens climbing program?

The Forest Service is responsible for managing public access to minimize exposure to volcanic hazards and protect natural resources and recreational opportunities.

7. How is the status of trails immediately north of the Mount St. Helens crater (Loowit Trail #216 and Truman Trail #207) affected by volcanic hazards and eruptive activity?

• Watch for hazards when hiking in the Spirit Lake Basin: Trails in the Spirit Lake Basin are located downhill and immediately north of the breach in the horseshoe-shaped crater. These trails are, therefore, potentially affected by debris flows or other material leaving the crater. Although geologists say the probability of an eruption generated debris flow or mudflow leaving the crater is small, Mount St. Helens hikers need to exercise caution when crossing gullies and streams draining the mountain, especially on the north side.
• Remain Alert for Potential Volcanic Hazards: We recommend that hikers in the Spirit Lake Basin on the north side of the volcano, who observe a large steam or ash emission or hear a rumbling noise upstream (sound of a mudflow or debris flow) be aware of potential hazards from debris flows and mudflows. If you are in a gully or stream draining the north side of the volcano and observe a large volcanic event please act decisively and move to high ground as soon as possible.
• Expect Potentially Rough Trail Conditions: The Loowit Trail #216 and Truman Trail #207 trails are subject to damage from winter floods and debris washed out of the crater during summer storms. Hikers should be prepared for steep, unstable scrambling when crossing gullies and streams as well as narrow, uneven tread. In some areas, the trail is difficult to see and follow. Rock cairns and wooden posts will aid visitors through challenging route finding sections.

8. What will happen if volcanic activity increases or volcanic hazards are forecast?

The Forest Service will suspend access if volcanic hazards are forecast or eruptive activity increases.

Climbing and Permit System

9. Where can I purchase a permit to climb Mount St. Helens?

All Mount St. Helens climbing permits are sold online on the non-profit Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) website. Permits for the 2009 climbing permit season will be sold online starting at 9:00 a.m. PST on Monday, February 2nd.  Permits are available for purchase on a first-come-first served basis through an on-line vendor on the MSHI website.  The link to Climbing Permit sales is located at the bottom of MSHI's home page .

10. Are all permits sold on-line and by credit card?

Yes, the on-line vendor is a secure website and accepts all major credit or debit cards.

11. Will the on-line vendor send me the actual permit?

No, the on-line vendor will send an email confirmation receipt that you will use to pick-up your actual hang tag permit at the Climber's Register located at the Lone Fir Resort.

12. Can someone else pick-up my permit for me?

Yes, however, they must have the printed confirmation receipt from the online-vendor.

13. Why are permits sold online?

To streamline the Mount St. Helens permit system, all permits are sold online on a first come, first served basis. The Mount St. Helens Institute provides for online permit sales in partnership with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The system is designed to be broadly accessible and to handle the high volume of people interested in climbing the volcano.

14. When can I purchase a Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit?

2009 climbing season permits will go on-sale starting at 9:00 a.m. PST on Monday, February 2nd.  Climbing permits are made available for sale online and are sold on a first-come-first-served basis while they last (weekends and summer dates sell out first).  Between February 2nd and October 31st climbers may purchase climbing permits anytime by simply checking availability and purchasing permits on-line, at the on-line vendor. For additional information about climbing Mount St Helens, visitors can go to Gifford Pinchot National Forest or Mount St. Helens Institute websites.

15. If I don't want to plan ahead, is there a way I can buy a permit on my way to Mount St. Helens?

No, all permits are sold online.  Permits may be purchase at anytime from April 01 to May 14 online. From May 15 to October 31 permits can be purchased online at anytime until quota of 100 permits per day is sold.

16. What is the cost?

Additional information on permit rules and fees is available in the Permit Fee Structure section of the climbing website.

17. How many permits can I purchase at a time?

Maximum party size remains 12. You will be allowed to purchase up to 12 permits (maximum climbing party size) for a single day.

18. Where does the money from the additional service charge go?

A portion goes to the on-line vendor for providing the web site and handling sales. The remainder goes to the Mount St. Helens Institute. MSHI is actively building support to maintain and develop new exhibits, educational materials, family field trips and in-depth hands-on activities that showcase the fascinating discoveries being made at Mount St. Helens.

19. Can I get a refund in the event of bad weather or family emergency?

Once you complete your permit purchase through the online vendor, all sales are final. Refunds are not possible. You cannot change climbing dates once your purchase is complete. Please plan accordingly before completing your purchase.

20. What happens if there is an increase in volcanic activity and the Forest Service decides to suspend climbing access?

If climbing is suspended, climbing permit sales will also be suspended. People that have already purchased permits can receive a refund for their climbing permit cost only.  The service charge is non-refundable.

21. Can I change my date of climb once I’ve paid?

No, all permit sales and dates are final once sale has been completed.

22. Can I change the number of people in my party once I’ve paid?

No, however you can purchase additional permits, if available, to add to your group. The maximum party size is 12 climbers.

23. Can I transfer my permit to someone else prior to climbing? Or change members of my party?

As long as you have your printed email confirmation from the online vendor, you can change the names of any member of your group when you pick-up your permits at the Climber's Register. Once the hang tag permits are issued at the Lone Fir Resort, they cannot be transferred.

24. Can I use my annual Cascade Volcano Pass?

No, the Cascade Volcano Pass is valid only for Mount Adams climbing permit fees.

25. What happens when people purchase permits, but are unable to use them?

Permits become void after midnight on the day of the climb.

26. Where on Mount St. Helens are permits required?

Above 4,800 feet elevation on the southern flanks of Mount St. Helens.

27. Why do climbers need to pay an additional service charge beyond the $15 Forest Service permit fee?

The service charge pays for the internet based permitting system managed by the Mount St. Helens Institute through an online vendor, and for expanded visitor services.

28. Why are climbing fees so high as compared to fees for using other Monument attractions such as the Visitor Centers or Ape Cave?

Fee revenue is used to support services and facilities visitors use. Heavily visited sites can distribute their expenses over a much larger group, thus can charge lower fees per person.

29. How do I get a permit if I don’t have internet access?

Most public libraries offer free public internet access.

30. When is the limited use season for climbing permits on Mount St. Helens?

From May 15 through October 31 climbing is limited to 100 people per day. For current information, please see the Permit Fee Structure section of the climbing website.

31. Why are there use limits for climbing Mount St. Helens?

Use limits help protect the volcano’s physical and biological features during the period when the volcano is not covered by snow and animals are active and plants are growing. Please see the climbing permit system web page for current information.

32. Why are use limits in effect only from May 15 through October 31?

Generally, there is enough snow on the ground during winter to minimize disturbance to plants and surface features. Please see the climbing permit system web page for current information.

33. Will permits remain free from November 1 through March 31?

Yes, during winter, permits will be available by self-issue, at no charge at the Climbers Register.

34. What is the Mount St. Helens Institute?

The Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) is a non-profit partner of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, providing educational and resource management programs. MSHI also raises funds to support the Monument. They are helping to build a community of people who are passionate about the preservation and utilization of Mount St. Helens. People just like you.

35. What does MSHI do with the service charge fee that they collect?

MSHI supports programs and services for visitors to the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, including climbers, through educational and resource management programs. The non-profit Institute is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing visitors and climbers experience at the Monument. Specific to climbing, on most Fridays and Saturdays, the Institute will offer preclimb talks to expand the experience of each climber. Institute docents will discuss the anatomy of the volcano, regeneration in a natural setting, safety and logistics, and many other topics. Each climber receives educational materials from the Institute, bringing a deeper understanding of the active volcano the climber is about to ascend. In addition, the Institute hopes to add climbing stewards to assist Forest Service rangers with patrols. Please go to the Mount St. Helens Institute web site for specific dates and locations, or to volunteer.

US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Friday, 23 January 2009 at 14:36:27 EST