Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
Starting with May 1 climbs, Climb Registration Fee includes Mt. St. Helens Permit Fee ($22/person).
This route is open year round from the Marble Mountain Snow Park, so it's usually used for early season ascents. It's about 1,000 more vertical feet than Monitor ridge. Snow can be soft early season due to the low starting elevation, so bring skis or snowshoes in case. St. Helens is one of the lower and technically easier glaciated peaks in the Pacific NW, but still a strenuous climb as the starting elevation is relatively low. The peak is often underestimated; exposure and route finding challenges in low visibility can make this peak a serious as any in the Northwest. Watch out for the cornices on the summit crater!
This is a classic NW ski climb, with long open runs, minimal avy danger, and no crevasses. This can be a nice overnight trip as well - ski in, make camp, and hike up for some tele turns. Permits and Stuff: St Helens is one of the most heavily regulated peaks in the US. See the Gifford Pinchot National Forest web site for current permit regulations, SnoPark permit required between Nov 15 and April 30.
Activity Notes
This will be a fun climb of Mt St Helens during prime glissading season! We'll keep a steady pace with 5 minute breaks every hour. Recent BCEP grads and new members encouraged to apply. Notification of climb acceptance will be sent by 4/5.
The leader has obtained climbing permits for the group, each climber should reimburse the $20 permit cost directly to the leader.
Footwear/traction needed could be crampons, microspikes, and/or snowshoes depending on conditions. Leader will make a recommendation prior to the climb.
She, They, Us is an inclusive and welcoming community of women, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming folx interested in the outdoors. We create opportunities for women, gender non-conforming, and genderqueer people to learn new skills, hike, and climb in a safe environment. We strive to encourage each other and promote growth in order to build a new generation of climbers through mentorship. By supporting each other, we help each other achieve goals outdoors, feel empowered to try new things, and grow. We hope to build a supportive network and foster a sense of belonging for all who participate in our affinity group activities. We are committed to anti-racism and welcome dialogue about intersectionality. Our vision for this affinity group is to offer activities that celebrate diversity for historically underrepresented gender expressions in the climbing and outdoor space. She, They, Us is a collaborative space that will continue to evolve and grow, informing and inspiring each other along a path to further awareness. Contact shetheyus@mazamas.org for more information.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 80 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 2 hours |
| Distance - Round Trip | 12 miles |
| General Route Info | summitpost: https://www.summitpost.org/mount-saint-helens/150360 |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Relevant Books | Climbers Guide to the Cascade Volcanoes by Jeff Smoot Cascade Alpine Guide: Columbia River to Stevens Pass by Fred Beckey Selected Climbs in the Cascades by Nelson and Potterfield |
| Relevant Maps | USGS 7 minute series, Mt. St. Helens, WA Green Trails, Mt St. Helens Google map https://goo.gl/maps/dudyw1gC3fn |
| Awards Qualified | 16 Major NW Peaks, Guardian Peaks |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
