Mount Saint Helens, 8365'

8-4-1998

On the highest point of Mt. St. Helens

For Mt. St. Helens I car camped at Campers Bivouac, 3740', and then began the climb the next morning. Mt. St. Helens is probably one of the most varied hikes I have ever been on. The first 2.25 miles and 1100' gain is a nice easy hike through a lush forest. The next 2 miles and 2525' gain is spent going straight up, jumping from lava rock to lava rock. This section was fun to climb, but the possibility for injury was also the greatest. The last .75 miles and 1000' gain is spent hiking on ash and losing 1 step for every 4 taken. Once on the rim, most hikers stop, take a few pictures and head down, but I decided to hike another 20 minutes, up and down the rim, and hit the highest point, a point probably about 100' higher than the standard rim. Unlike most climbs, the climb down Mt. St. Helens is more difficult than the climb up and took me more time. I came off this hike totally filthy and coated with ash. Fortunately there is great lake just down the road with cool water that feels great on a hot summer's day. One lame thing about climbing Mt. St. Helens is the need for a $15 one-day climbing permit.

On the rim of Mt. Saint Helens, highest point is in background on right

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Created 1998

Updated 1-9-1999