Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Forest Headquarters Cowlitz Valley Mt. Adams Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Monument Headquarters Johnston Ridge Observatory Mount St. Helens
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Climbing Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens Climbing Update
[Last Updated: 1 October 2008]
Fall / Winter Climbing Access: Snowfall and wind will form unstable cornices (snow overhangs) on the crater rim (please see climbing page and scroll down to cornice photo). Forest Road 81-830 to Climber's Bivouac is now open. Forest Road 83 (access to Lava Canyon) will reopen on Friday, October 3.
Permits are required above 4800 foot elevation on the volcano year round. During the Nov 1 to March 31 winter climbing season permits are available at no charge by self-registration at the Climber's Register. Climber's Register is located at the Lone Fir Resort, 16806 Lewis River Road, Cougar, WA. (360) 238-5210.
2009 Climbing Permit Sales will begin on February 1, 2009: Permits for the April 1 through October 31 climbing fee season are sold online, in-advance on a first-come, first-served basis through the Mount St. Helens Institute.
Mount St. Helens Institute
![[ Photo ] USGS and Forest Service Scientists stand at the rim of Mount St. Helens during an August 2005 research trip. In the distance is Mt. Adams.](global/images/20050810-usgs2.jpg)
(USGS and Forest Service Scientists stand at the crater rim of Mount St. Helens during an August 2005 research trip. In the distance is Mt. Adams.)
The Mount St. Helens Institute is a non-profit partner of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. MSHI works to enrich the experience of visitors and provide educational programs to reach, teach and involve people. The Institute invites climbers and all Mount St. Helens enthusiasts to become involved partners and stewards of this dynamic mountain.
The Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) web site is the portal for online purchase of all Mount St. Helens climbing permits.
In September, 2004, the Mount St. Helens climbing program was closed when the mountain changed dramatically from a slumbering giant to an actively erupting volcano. Since the re-opening of climbing in July, 2006, the Monument and MSHI have been working together to emphasize the tremendous and inspiring learning opportunity that the climb provides. The mountain is viewed much differently by scientists, resource managers, and visitors during this period of active volcanic dome growth.
The newly re-opened climbing program has evolved in new ways, reflecting the dramatic changes that are occuring daily at the volcano. Dynamic developments and potential hazards at the volcano demand constant attention to safety issues. Our attention is drawn to this amazing landscape, encouraging a renewed emphasis on learning and teaching about the natural processes that are constantly at work here. The partnerships that we develop and the personal connections that we forge are evidence of our collective commitment to this special place. The 100 per day limit on climbing permits, reflects our continued emphasis on thoughtful stewardship of the mountain.
Fireside Chats for Climbers
The Mount St. Helens Institute will provide a series of Friday and Saturday evening campfire programs for climbers this summer at Climber’s Bivouac. These Fireside Chats are presentations by MSHI Docents, geologists, and rangers. The presentations will give climbers a sense of the scientific discoveries being made at Mount St Helens, the logistics of the climb and some safety tips.
Topics will include the pre-eruption landscape, biological recovery, wildlife, the lava dome and the current eruption, and climbing safety. Our rangers and volunteers will also field questions from climbers. Climbers are asked to bring their own seating to the Chat. We are very excited about providing this educational opportunity to climbers. We hope that you will join us for a warm fire, stimulating conversation, and a fun and informative evening!
Additional Partnerships
The Mount St. Helens Institute works in partnership with the USDA Forest Service Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Pacific Northwest Research Station. Non-profit partners include the Northwest Interpretive Association and the National Forest Foundation.
US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Wednesday, 31 January 2007 at 14:53:35 EST