Distance
10.0 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Monitor Ridge Route
10.0 mi roundtrip · 4,600 ft gain · Hard · Mount St. Helens
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
4,600 ft
Highest Point
8,365 ft
Trailhead Elevation
3,700 ft
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Volcanic crater
Spirit Lake views
Lava fields
Technical Notes
Most popular summit route. Begins at Climber's Bivouac. Trail through forest then onto exposed volcanic terrain. Upper route follows loose volcanic ash and scree — trekking poles helpful. Snowfield crossing in early season. No technical climbing but strenuous. Climbing permit required April 1 - October 31 above 4,800 ft.
Getting There
Trailhead
Climber's Bivouac
FR-83 / FR-81, Cougar, WA
Parking: ~40 spaces
From Seattle
180 mi · 210 min drive
I-5 South to Exit 21 (Woodland). Follow SR-503 East to Cougar. Continue on FR-83 and FR-81 to Climber's Bivouac. ~3.5 hours from Seattle. Last 5 miles is rough gravel road.
Planning Details
Best Season
May through October
Dogs Allowed
No
Required Pass
Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit
Annual: $N/A · Day: $15.00
Mountain
Mount St. Helens · 8,365 ft · South Cascades
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Mount St. Helens zone before your trip.
Ready to plan?
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