Area Status: Open A 2.7 mile winding gravel road (Forest Road 830) leads you to Climber’s Bivouac and the trailhead for Ptarmigan Trail #216A, the start of the Monitor Ridge Climbing Route. Fourteen or so tent pads with fire pits are available, as well as dispersed camping. Sites are first come, first served only. There are pit toilets, but no water. America the Beautiful, Northwest Forest Passes or $5 per vehicle per day in the fee tube cover the recreation fee. Parking is limited, with overflow parking available at Marble Mountain Sno-Park, the parking for the winter climbing route, located about seven miles away. Please park motorhomes or travel trailers at Marble Mountain Sno-Park lots. At a Glance Fees $5/vehicle/day or valid Recreation Pass for site use. Fee tube on-site for payment. See Mount St. Helens Map for fee and payment sites.

Climbing Permit required for travel above treeline (4,800 feet) See Permit Information section. Permit Info: Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit required year round, for all persons travelling above 4,800 ft. on the slopes of the mountain.

April 1 to Oct. 31: Permits are limited in number and purchased in advance online beginning in mid-March.

Nov. 1 to March 31: Permits are self-issued at either Marble Mountain Sno-Park kiosk or, if open, Climber's Bivouac. Usage: Heavy Best Season: Summer Busiest Season: Summer Closest Towns: Cougar, WA Water: No Restroom: Vault Toilet (2) Passes: America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest Pass accepted. Operated By: Forest Service Information Center: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Offices/Visitor Centers General Information Directions: From Cougar, WA take Lewis River Road/Forest Road 90 east for 6.4 miles then go left on Forest Road 83. Follow Forest Road 83 for 3 miles then stay left onto Forest Road 81 and go about a mile to Forest Spur Road 830. Go right at Forest Road 830 and drive about .4 miles to the trailhead.

Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. Map Information Activities

Climbing SHOW SHOW Mountain Climbing It is important for climbers of any Cascade summit to be aware of a few things: Climbing parties should use good judgment and take special care of weaker members and novice climbers (Always think Safety is Item Number One)

Be prepared for treacherous slopes (steep, slick, with dangerous runouts), especially on descent, going from the basin at timberline to the crest of Monitor Ridge

Before climbing, gain knowledge of competent use of an ice axe or ski poles on all snow slopes, and the ability to self-arrest a fall under any conditions

Be aware of receding snow on current glissade paths higher on the Mountain, exposing rock hazards

Stay well back from cornices that still remain along the summit rim

Prepare for warming temperatures demanding that climbers carry three liters of water at a minimum

Know and use proper footwear, clothing, sun protection and sunglasses!

Prepare and carry gear for bad weather

Carry a first aid kit and being able to use it

Hiking SHOW SHOW Day Hiking