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Summit Mount St. Helens with MSHI!
Climb Mount St. Helens With Us!
Embark on a remarkable single-day non-technical scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with our professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards. These hikes are carefully designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic active Cascade volcanoes. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide teams will enrich your experience with insights into the area's natural and cultural history as well as expert technical advice on outdoor equipment, attire and techniques.
- Minimum Age: 10. If your climber is younger, contact us to discuss.
- Maximum Group Size: 10
- Permits: Fee includes a climbing permit.
- Duration: 6:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
- Classic Summit Climb Cost: $288 / person.
- Summit with a Geologist: $298 / person.
The climbing route is dictated by seasonal road closures.
Winter route: June - Early July
- Distance: 9.6 miles (15.4 km) round-trip
- Elevation gain: 5,500 ft (1676 m)
- Location: Marble Mountain Sno-Park
Summer route: July - September
- Distance: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) round-trip
- Elevation gain: 4,500 ft (1371 m)
- Location: Climber's Bivouac
We strongly recommend that you conduct training hikes or routines before you climb Mount St. Helens. Your fitness will be the best indicator of your enjoyment of the experience and your success on the climb. See our suggested training hikes.
"Everything from start to finish of the trip was fantastic! The guides were really great - welcoming, encouraging and knowledgeable. They respected each person's abilities and encouraged us to push our comfort levels to try something new. I learned so much more about the mountain and acquired some basic mountaineering skills." ~Linda, July 2023
Select a date to climb with us
Additional Information
- Route Descriptions
- Program Policies
- Suggested Packing List
- Training Hikes
- Join our Email List for MSHI News & Updates
- Date Sold Out? Join the Waitlist
Mount St. Helens Institute operates under a special use permit from the US Forest Service and is honored to work on the Traditional Cultural Property, ancestral and present-day lands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Mount St. Helens Institute is an equal opportunity provider.