We just got permits to climb Mt St Helens May 26. Having never climbed it this early before, I'm looking for some tips and insight in regards to gear and expected conditions. Thanks

I'll be climbing it shortly after that, I'm interested in this info too.

I climbed it in late June 2010. It was a very straightforward climb on snow. (Could have gone much of the way on broken rocks, but walking on snow was much faster.) Snow was very hard in the morning - crampons necessary and ice axe needed for safety.

Light jacket, sunscreen, glacier goggles, stiff enough boots for crampons. Waterproof pants for glissade descent, or skis.

Stay well back from the rim - the cornices are huge and unsafe.

photos from Monitor Ridge route, Mt St Helens, June 2010