IronHiker - Aug 2, 2015 8:52 pm Date Climbed: Aug 8, 2014
Iconic
Still probably the best views I've ever seen. The crater and lava dome are otherworldly. Love this mountain!
BooRadley - Jul 20, 2015 10:53 pm Date Climbed: Feb 15, 2015
Icy descent
Day trip up St. Helens. Icy conditions going down at sunset.
RockMountainGirl - Jul 4, 2015 8:54 am Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2015
Great Hike
Stayed the night the climbers Bivouac the night before. Woke up at 6:00AM had a little breakfast and coffee and prepared for the hike. Set out on the trail around 7:00AM. The weather was overcast, kept hoping as we climbed high the fog would clear. Arrived at the rim of the crater and there was no visibility into the crater. Walked around the rim to the high point. Took a few pics in the fog and headed back down the mountain. Entire trip time 6.37.30. We decided we would just have to come back and do it again another time.
Also stopped by and walked journeyed through Ape Cave, was awesome a must do when in the area.
Boonie1 - May 18, 2015 4:41 pm Date Climbed: May 9, 2015
Mt St Helens
Summer route w/great friends. Blue sky, no wind and a long glissade made for a sweet time!
Tom Robinson - May 18, 2015 2:15 am Date Climbed: Jun 18, 1966
Dogsled with 148 others
Climbed at age 14 with a large party of Seattle Mountaineers. I somehow managed to be on the only two-person rope team with the leader. It was a sunny day, and we set out at 3am. It was my first experience of seeing dawn from very First Light, with planets setting as Adams and Rainier appeared above early morning fog across Washington. It all cleared later. We ascended the snowy simple face of the Dogshead, the very part of Mt. St. Helens that blew into space fourteen years later. Then we crossed a glacier with maybe two easy crevasses, traversed to the summit, then returned to glissade the Dogshead in slushy, sunny June snow. A wonderful climb that can't be made any more.
Sharon - May 17, 2015 10:00 pm Date Climbed: May 10, 2015
Dressed for success
I was fashion-forward in the traditional Mother's Day dress, along with 499 other climbers. New this year: early May permits now limited to 500 only; they sold out early. Low snow year: snowpack resembled that of a typical July. Minimally overcast, perfect weather. A bit windy atop Monitor Ridge; much less so on the summit. Summit cornices significant; unable to get close enough to see into the crater. Glissade trenches (there were many) in good condition. Planning a sassy little number (i.e. new dress) for next year's ascent. Partners: L. Travis, A. Rimov, Rae.
WayneFry - May 10, 2015 7:08 pm Date Climbed: May 8, 2015
Monitor Ridge, Perfect Day
Started at 6 am from the climbers bivouac. Clear day. Summited at 930 am and back at the car by 1215 pm.
Mike Lewis - Apr 5, 2015 5:38 pm Date Climbed: Mar 29, 2015
Snowboarded Worm Flows
Went with Michael Williamson up Worm Flows and snowboarded down. True summit was a little spicy but the cornices were smaller due to low snow this year. Great trip.
Walkoutnow - Jan 28, 2015 11:46 am Date Climbed: Jan 25, 2015
Worm Flows Route
Camped at Marble Mountain Snopark trailhead under the stars on a clear night. Sunny all day for our climb up the worm flows ridge. A beautiful and warm january day. Snow level was somewhat low, which added to the boulder hopping, etc. @11 hours RT with a nice break at the top enjoying the blasted crater views. Long trek in winter, 5,700 ft., but really worth it.
Ian Culhane - Jan 23, 2015 2:42 am Date Climbed: May 27, 2012
Worm Flows Route, Attempt 2
Reached the top... we think. Above 6000' we were in a whiteout, so by the time we reached the rim visibility was down to around 50'. Great glissade though!
Ian Culhane - Jan 23, 2015 2:38 am Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2011
Worm Flows Route
Got to the weather station at around 7000' before having to turn back due to fierce winds. Will be back!
mcross - Nov 7, 2014 6:09 pm Date Climbed: Nov 16, 2013
Worm Flows
Climbed it twice, both times in the "off" season. Lots of fun, an excellent day hike!
PNWPeaks - Oct 25, 2014 3:22 am Date Climbed: Jul 24, 2013
Solo Summit
I got an early start from Climbers Bivouac and beat most of the crowd to the top. Enjoyed the views from the summit for a bit and had a snack before heading back down. It was a great day on the mountain.
Nice Climb with great weather. Very windy for about 1 mile of the hike on the way up but not much wind on the way back. Great hike.
matticus - Aug 10, 2014 10:13 pm Date Climbed: Jan 18, 2014
Awesome Day
Weather was awesome. Started around 0530, ran into 1 other group going up. Passed them and had a blast climbing the snow up the Worms Route, last 1000" needed crampons due to the ice. On the way down we glissaded, ran into a few skiers going up, temps were so hot people were in shorts and t-shirts.
matticus - Aug 10, 2014 10:09 pm Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2013
Winter Mess
Climbed with 4 buddies, Monitor Ridge route, was our first time on the Mountain. Temps were too mild and the snow was slushy. Got to around 1000" below the top and had to turn around due to storm moving in. Visibility was zero.
Diesel - Jul 22, 2014 9:16 pm Date Climbed: May 18, 2014
Absolute blizzard
Rainy day at trailhead changed to blizzard half way up. Snow all the way up. At the top I couldn't see more than 15 ft, if that. I hiked to the lip of the volcano without even knowing it was the end of the trail: lucky I saw the edge no more than 6 feet from it. The no views weather conditions made this a not so memorable hike. Hiking on snow I believe was much easier than hiking on ash.
Started our climb at 4:45 AM from Climber's Bivouac. Wore shorts and a T-shirt for the entire climb (a little brisk at first walking through the wood line but warmed up quickly). The wood line and Monitor Ridge route were free of snow (although there was still packed snow in the gullies along the ridge). Guide posts were clearly visible for the entire route. Clear day for the climb. Around 6,000 feet of elevation to about 8,000 feet, there was a sustained wind blowing from the west at about 15 miles per hour. Surprisingly, however, zero wind at the caldera rim - extremely pleasant on top. Had to walk part way around the rim (across some snow fields - just a touch slippery without crampons) to gain a view in to the caldera and Spirit Lake to the north (the snow cornice around the rim was still thick and tall enough to block some of the views and, obviously, would not want to walk out on the cornice). On the descent, did glissade down some of the shorter stretches of snow in the gullies (just wearing my shorts) but it was a bit slushy. Walked down on some of the more level sections of snow in the gullies (which was faster than the ridge line) but, mostly, stayed on Monitor Ridge for the descent. Returned to Climber's Bivouac by 1:00 PM. All in all, an excellent day to climb.
mbt - Jun 26, 2014 7:29 pm Date Climbed: May 11, 2014
Mother's Day Fun!
Went up the Worm Flows route with about 1000 other people for the annual Mother's Day Climb. Many of the climbers were in costumes (the usual dresses + Star Wars themes), and it all around felt like a party atmosphere. Camped at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park the night before -- luckily, we were in the smaller parking lot (the one without the bathroom), which I heard was much quieter than the main parking lot. I imagine there were plenty of hung over climbers that day. We started up about 6 am and didn't hit snow until around Chocolate Falls, which was way later than when it hit it last year around this same time. Even after Chocolate Falls, we spent a good deal of time scrambling on the ridge rather than in the snow. I think we were consistently on snow for the last 2/3 to 1/2 of the climb. The snow was soft, and although we brought crampons, we didn't need them at any point.
Hit the very crowded summit around noon, and the weather started to deteriorate while we were waiting for the rest of our climbing party to arrive. In spite of a forecast showing no clouds and little wind, a cloud rolled in, and we got both wind and poor visibility. We glissaded down, and luckily one of the members of our party had placed some wands, which let us know we were going the right way. In spite of the limited snow at lower levels, we were able to glissade almost the whole way to Chocolate Falls, which was similar to what we did last year with more snow. Glissading was slow, though, and the chutes had various pits that required a bit of climbing around. Still beats walking, though. We got back to the car around 5.
Overall, a super fun day with a fun crowd but not your typical nature experience due to the crowds. One other note regarding the crowds, picking up passes the night before took forever, and getting to a computer or on a wifi network is difficult if you don't have your permit printout. So come prepared and if possible, try to show up earlier in the afternoon.
IronHiker - Aug 2, 2015 8:52 pm Date Climbed: Aug 8, 2014
IconicStill probably the best views I've ever seen. The crater and lava dome are otherworldly. Love this mountain!
BooRadley - Jul 20, 2015 10:53 pm Date Climbed: Feb 15, 2015
Icy descentDay trip up St. Helens. Icy conditions going down at sunset.
RockMountainGirl - Jul 4, 2015 8:54 am Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2015
Great HikeStayed the night the climbers Bivouac the night before. Woke up at 6:00AM had a little breakfast and coffee and prepared for the hike. Set out on the trail around 7:00AM. The weather was overcast, kept hoping as we climbed high the fog would clear. Arrived at the rim of the crater and there was no visibility into the crater. Walked around the rim to the high point. Took a few pics in the fog and headed back down the mountain. Entire trip time 6.37.30. We decided we would just have to come back and do it again another time.
Also stopped by and walked journeyed through Ape Cave, was awesome a must do when in the area.
Boonie1 - May 18, 2015 4:41 pm Date Climbed: May 9, 2015
Mt St HelensSummer route w/great friends. Blue sky, no wind and a long glissade made for a sweet time!
Tom Robinson - May 18, 2015 2:15 am Date Climbed: Jun 18, 1966
Dogsled with 148 othersClimbed at age 14 with a large party of Seattle Mountaineers. I somehow managed to be on the only two-person rope team with the leader. It was a sunny day, and we set out at 3am. It was my first experience of seeing dawn from very First Light, with planets setting as Adams and Rainier appeared above early morning fog across Washington. It all cleared later. We ascended the snowy simple face of the Dogshead, the very part of Mt. St. Helens that blew into space fourteen years later. Then we crossed a glacier with maybe two easy crevasses, traversed to the summit, then returned to glissade the Dogshead in slushy, sunny June snow. A wonderful climb that can't be made any more.
Sharon - May 17, 2015 10:00 pm Date Climbed: May 10, 2015
Dressed for successI was fashion-forward in the traditional Mother's Day dress, along with 499 other climbers. New this year: early May permits now limited to 500 only; they sold out early. Low snow year: snowpack resembled that of a typical July. Minimally overcast, perfect weather. A bit windy atop Monitor Ridge; much less so on the summit. Summit cornices significant; unable to get close enough to see into the crater. Glissade trenches (there were many) in good condition. Planning a sassy little number (i.e. new dress) for next year's ascent. Partners: L. Travis, A. Rimov, Rae.
WayneFry - May 10, 2015 7:08 pm Date Climbed: May 8, 2015
Monitor Ridge, Perfect DayStarted at 6 am from the climbers bivouac. Clear day. Summited at 930 am and back at the car by 1215 pm.
Mike Lewis - Apr 5, 2015 5:38 pm Date Climbed: Mar 29, 2015
Snowboarded Worm FlowsWent with Michael Williamson up Worm Flows and snowboarded down. True summit was a little spicy but the cornices were smaller due to low snow this year. Great trip.
Walkoutnow - Jan 28, 2015 11:46 am Date Climbed: Jan 25, 2015
Worm Flows RouteCamped at Marble Mountain Snopark trailhead under the stars on a clear night. Sunny all day for our climb up the worm flows ridge. A beautiful and warm january day. Snow level was somewhat low, which added to the boulder hopping, etc. @11 hours RT with a nice break at the top enjoying the blasted crater views. Long trek in winter, 5,700 ft., but really worth it.
Ian Culhane - Jan 23, 2015 2:42 am Date Climbed: May 27, 2012
Worm Flows Route, Attempt 2Reached the top... we think. Above 6000' we were in a whiteout, so by the time we reached the rim visibility was down to around 50'. Great glissade though!
Ian Culhane - Jan 23, 2015 2:38 am Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2011
Worm Flows RouteGot to the weather station at around 7000' before having to turn back due to fierce winds. Will be back!
captain.ron - Jan 5, 2015 2:33 am
First actual outdoor experienceFirst real hiking exerience
mcross - Nov 7, 2014 6:09 pm Date Climbed: Nov 16, 2013
Worm FlowsClimbed it twice, both times in the "off" season. Lots of fun, an excellent day hike!
PNWPeaks - Oct 25, 2014 3:22 am Date Climbed: Jul 24, 2013
Solo SummitI got an early start from Climbers Bivouac and beat most of the crowd to the top. Enjoyed the views from the summit for a bit and had a snack before heading back down. It was a great day on the mountain.
Arkitekt - Sep 9, 2014 8:21 pm Date Climbed: Sep 8, 2014
Windy ClimbNice Climb with great weather. Very windy for about 1 mile of the hike on the way up but not much wind on the way back. Great hike.
matticus - Aug 10, 2014 10:13 pm Date Climbed: Jan 18, 2014
Awesome DayWeather was awesome. Started around 0530, ran into 1 other group going up. Passed them and had a blast climbing the snow up the Worms Route, last 1000" needed crampons due to the ice. On the way down we glissaded, ran into a few skiers going up, temps were so hot people were in shorts and t-shirts.
matticus - Aug 10, 2014 10:09 pm Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2013
Winter MessClimbed with 4 buddies, Monitor Ridge route, was our first time on the Mountain. Temps were too mild and the snow was slushy. Got to around 1000" below the top and had to turn around due to storm moving in. Visibility was zero.
Diesel - Jul 22, 2014 9:16 pm Date Climbed: May 18, 2014
Absolute blizzardRainy day at trailhead changed to blizzard half way up. Snow all the way up. At the top I couldn't see more than 15 ft, if that. I hiked to the lip of the volcano without even knowing it was the end of the trail: lucky I saw the edge no more than 6 feet from it. The no views weather conditions made this a not so memorable hike. Hiking on snow I believe was much easier than hiking on ash.
Mudville - Jul 11, 2014 3:19 pm Date Climbed: Jul 10, 2014
Monitor Ridge - Sunny DayStarted our climb at 4:45 AM from Climber's Bivouac. Wore shorts and a T-shirt for the entire climb (a little brisk at first walking through the wood line but warmed up quickly). The wood line and Monitor Ridge route were free of snow (although there was still packed snow in the gullies along the ridge). Guide posts were clearly visible for the entire route. Clear day for the climb. Around 6,000 feet of elevation to about 8,000 feet, there was a sustained wind blowing from the west at about 15 miles per hour. Surprisingly, however, zero wind at the caldera rim - extremely pleasant on top. Had to walk part way around the rim (across some snow fields - just a touch slippery without crampons) to gain a view in to the caldera and Spirit Lake to the north (the snow cornice around the rim was still thick and tall enough to block some of the views and, obviously, would not want to walk out on the cornice). On the descent, did glissade down some of the shorter stretches of snow in the gullies (just wearing my shorts) but it was a bit slushy. Walked down on some of the more level sections of snow in the gullies (which was faster than the ridge line) but, mostly, stayed on Monitor Ridge for the descent. Returned to Climber's Bivouac by 1:00 PM. All in all, an excellent day to climb.
mbt - Jun 26, 2014 7:29 pm Date Climbed: May 11, 2014
Mother's Day Fun!Went up the Worm Flows route with about 1000 other people for the annual Mother's Day Climb. Many of the climbers were in costumes (the usual dresses + Star Wars themes), and it all around felt like a party atmosphere. Camped at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park the night before -- luckily, we were in the smaller parking lot (the one without the bathroom), which I heard was much quieter than the main parking lot. I imagine there were plenty of hung over climbers that day. We started up about 6 am and didn't hit snow until around Chocolate Falls, which was way later than when it hit it last year around this same time. Even after Chocolate Falls, we spent a good deal of time scrambling on the ridge rather than in the snow. I think we were consistently on snow for the last 2/3 to 1/2 of the climb. The snow was soft, and although we brought crampons, we didn't need them at any point.
Hit the very crowded summit around noon, and the weather started to deteriorate while we were waiting for the rest of our climbing party to arrive. In spite of a forecast showing no clouds and little wind, a cloud rolled in, and we got both wind and poor visibility. We glissaded down, and luckily one of the members of our party had placed some wands, which let us know we were going the right way. In spite of the limited snow at lower levels, we were able to glissade almost the whole way to Chocolate Falls, which was similar to what we did last year with more snow. Glissading was slow, though, and the chutes had various pits that required a bit of climbing around. Still beats walking, though. We got back to the car around 5.
Overall, a super fun day with a fun crowd but not your typical nature experience due to the crowds. One other note regarding the crowds, picking up passes the night before took forever, and getting to a computer or on a wifi network is difficult if you don't have your permit printout. So come prepared and if possible, try to show up earlier in the afternoon.