Liz Connors on top of the South Rim

Mt. St. Helens

South Rim Hike/Climb

Friday, August 24 thru Sunday, September 9, 2007

NW07-77841 ---- 16km ---- Rated 5

Note the 17-day period; this event is set up as a short Seasonal. The south rim of Mt. St. Helens is a popular hike/climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers/hikers. The route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. Entering the crater is strictly prohibited.

Begin the route through thick forest. Then above tree-line, scale large boulders and loose rock to the rim, where you will stare into the face of the volcano. Terrain is steep and rugged, commonly requiring 7-12 hours to complete the round trip.

This challenging route is recommended only for those with a robust fitness level – only highly experienced hikers should make the attempt. All general safety rules of outdoor recreation and hiking apply. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers, and carry plenty of water. Bring a camera, walking stick, and picnic lunch.

Volkssporters register at Jack’s Restaurant & Store; 13411 Lewis River Road; Ariel, Washington.

Located on SR-503, 23 miles east of Woodland, Washington and Interstate-5. 

Hours… M-F: 6am-9pm. Sat-Sun: 6am-10pm.

Permits are required in advance from the US Forest Service and AVA participants must make their own arrangements through the website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/mount-st-helens. Climbers Info-Line: (360) 449-7861. Late spring through early fall is the most popular season. Only 100 permits per day are allowed and the quota fills quickly. Daily availability can be viewed online here. Permits are picked up from Jack’s Restaurant & Store no more than 24 hours prior to your designated date. A self-start volkswalk registration box will be at or near the permit pick-up counter. 

Optional AVA participation fee is $3, payable when picking up permit. The required climbing permit fee from the U.S. Forest Service is an additional $22, payable in advance through a secure online vendor.

Mt. St. Helens is an active volcano. This hike is subject to cancellation without notice if volcanic activity rises to an unsafe level. Participants may be exposing themselves to volcanic hazards that may occur without warning.

Pets permitted but strongly discouraged. More information at the USFS website listed above.

Contact Liz Connors, Cell: 360/798-6956 or email lconnors@pacifier.com

LIMITED FACILITIES ♦ CARRY TEN ESSENTIALS ♦ REVIEW GUIDELINES
Contrary to what some people may have heard lately, helmets are optional.

DIRECTIONS to Jack's Restaurant & Store: From north or south, take I-5 Exit #21 at Woodland , WA. Southbound: follow long exit ramp past Safeway and turn left at the light. Northbound: turn right at light at end of ramp. This is Lewis River Road/SR-503 (unmarked). Follow this curvy road, and at 10.3 miles, stay straight at the Ariel sign (turning right here is a dead end). You will go through Yale. A brown “Climbers Registration” sign is clearly marked ˝ mile before reaching Jack’s Restaurant and Store, 23 miles from the freeway.

Is this a little TOO adventurous for you? Check our our other 4 walks at Mt. St. Helens on Labor Day Weekend, September 1-2-3.

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