Mount St Helens Day Summit

Climb an Iconic Volcano

Join us for a day packed full of action and adventure on this iconic volcano! Permits for Mt. St. Helens sell out within hours each season. Leave it to us to provide the permits, get you to and from the mountain, and up to the crater rim. There you will enjoy a stunning panorama of Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams (on a clear day), as well as a view of the new summit building within the crater of Mt. Saint Helens. You will also get to witness the power of the blast that forever changed the surrounding area. This adventure is a full day, and you should be in adequate physical condition to attempt the hike.

Experience Level

Climbing Mt. St. Helens is a challenging route! This is not your typical hike. For much of the climb there is no trail as you travel across snow, sharp volcanic rock, large boulders, and deep volcanic ash. The summer route is over 8 miles round trip with nearly 4,600 ft elevation gain. The winter route (April & May trips) is approximately 11 miles round trip with about 5,500 feet of elevation gain. Parts of the trail are so steep, it feels like climbing stairs as you ascend the side of the mountain.

Your guides will help you navigate this route based on changing snow conditions, and set an appropriate pace for summiting the mountain within the allotted time. No climbing or mountaineering experience necessary!

Although challenging, this climb is incredibly rewarding. The feeling of accomplishment from summiting the most iconic volcano in the Pacific Northwest will last you a lifetime. The views can’t be beat either! Gaze deep into the crater formed by the May 18, 1980 eruption from the crater rim, and see other Cascade peaks including Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier from a new perspective.