Mount St. Helens - Monitor Ridge
South CascadesBest Jun–Sep
Climb an active volcano and peer into its crater with the Cascade giants on the horizon.
About This Trail
Monitor Ridge is the standard summer climbing route on Mount St. Helens, gaining 4,500 feet over 10 miles round trip from Climbers' Bivouac. The first 2.1 miles follow the Ptarmigan Trail through forest and subalpine meadows at a moderate grade. Above the Loowit Trail junction, the route steepens dramatically as it enters an exposed boulder field covered in volcanic ash and pumice. The final push to the crater rim demands steady effort on loose scree where every two steps forward slide one step back.
Standing on the rim of an active volcano changes your sense of scale. The crater drops away to a growing lava dome and remnant glaciers, while Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Rainier line the horizon. On clear days the view extends from the Oregon Cascades to the Olympic Range. The raw, blasted landscape around the summit is unlike anything else in the Pacific Northwest.
This climb requires a permit from April 1 through October 31, reserved through recreation.gov. Slots fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. Expect 7 to 10 hours round trip depending on fitness. The upper mountain offers zero shelter from wind and weather, and conditions can deteriorate fast. Trekking poles, gaiters, gloves, and layers are all essential. Sharp volcanic rock shreds exposed skin and lightweight gear.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Started at 6 am in rain, turned to snow before leaving the trees.”
Last report: Oct 14, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Unstable crater rim with fatal drop exposure
- Loose volcanic scree and ash on upper mountain
- Sharp volcanic rock that shreds skin and gear
- Rapid weather changes above treeline with zero shelter
- Summer afternoon thunderstorms with lightning risk
- Permit required April 1 through October 31
Getting There
Large paved lot at Climbers' Bivouac with composting toilets. Northwest Forest Pass required. The final stretch of FR 830 is rough gravel but passable for most passenger cars. In winter, a Sno-Park Pass replaces the forest pass (Dec 1 through Mar 30).
From Cougar, drive east on FR 90 past Swift Dam, turn north onto FR 83 to FR 81, then right onto FR 830 to Climbers' Bivouac. The Ptarmigan Trail starts level through forest before hitting the exposed boulder fields above treeline. Route-finding is straightforward in good visibility but cairns and wands mark the upper route.
Start early, ideally before 6 AM. Morning hours bring firmer snow patches and calmer wind. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Most parties summit by late morning and return to the car by early afternoon. Late starts risk descending the exposed boulder field in deteriorating weather.
Recent Reports
WOW WOW WOW! I did not know what to expect but was amazed by the entire thing.
Started at 6 am in rain, turned to snow before leaving the trees. Started the boulder field, but turned back after about a 1/4 of mile.
There was a snow dusting for the last 200-300 feet, I recommend poles. Plenty of people without poles were doing just fine too.
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