Volcanic Activity Information
Growth
of the new lava dome inside the crater of Mount St. Helens is in
a pause state. Please note an eruption could intensify suddenly
or with little warning and produce explosions that cause hazardous
conditions within several miles of the crater and farther downwind.
For a complete current
eruption update visit USGS
website listed below.
Please review Active
Volcano Hazards and other Climbing
Safety information. Detailed
information and FAQs about the ongoing eruption is available
by visiting the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory website.
Climbing Conditions & Route Information
Forest Road 83
is open, single lane, no turn-arounds. Plowing activity in
progress. Use Caution. We are in full
winter conditions, please check current weather and avalanche forecasts
when making your plans. (See below)
The Worm Flows Climbing Route, from Marble Mountain
Snow-Park, is the most direct route to the summit of Mount St. Helens.
Use the Swift Ski Trail, #244 to reach timberline.
Cross to the west side of Swift Creek, just above Chocolate' Falls
(elev. 3,700’). Follow ridges and open slopes to the crater
rim. Wooden route marking posts guide climbers from timberline to
approximately 4,800’ elevation round trip 12 miles.
The Monitor Ridge Climbing Route, from Climbers
Bivouac, follow the Ptarmigan Trail #216A to Timberline.
Then follow Monitor Ridge to the crater rim. Blue plastic diamonds
help guide climbers on the trail through the trees. Wooden route
marking posts will help guide climbers from the timberline to the
upper slopes of Monitor Ridge.
Climbers can expect varied conditions in terrain and weather
on Mount St. Helens, including snow on the upper levels of the volcano.
Climbers should be prepared for extreme weather and rapidly changing
conditions.
Please
use caution and stay back from the unstable
crater rim and overhanging snow cornices.
Additional
Sources of Information
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| Parking and Road Access |
| Forest
Road 83/90 are now open, plowing activity in progress.
Use CAUTION.
Climbers can expect to use the winter
climbing route out of the Marble Mountain Snow Park.
DRIVE SLOWLY AND CAUTIOUSLY!
| Permits,
Fees & Registration |
| Climbing permits
are required for each person, for each day above 4,800
feet elevation on the slopes of Mount St. Helens.
Beginning November 1, 2008 all climbing permits
will be self register outside the Lone Fir Resort and
the Marble Mountain Sno-Park. Permits are free, but
a Washington State Parks and Recreation Sno-Park Permit
is required.
April 1 thru Oct 31 all climbing permits are sold on
line at www.mshinstitute.org.
All climbers must pick up their permits, with their
email confirmation receipt, at the Lone Fir Resort in
Cougar, Washington. The Climbers Register is also located
at the Lone Fir Resort, which is located 28 miles east
of Woodland, WA on State Route 503. Please sign in and
sign out at the register outside of the Lone Fir Resort.
Beginning in November the Lone Fir will open at 9 a.m.
More
Mount
St. Helens Climber's Register is at the Lone Fir Resort.
The
Lone Fir is located on State Route 503 in the town of
Cougar, WA at 16806 Lewis River
Rd. Phone (360) 238-5210.
The Climber's
Register is self-service and is located outside the
Lone Fir Resort and the Marble Mountain Sno-Park. For
your safety, please be sure to sign in and sign out
at the register.
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