Obtaining a permit to climb Mount St. Helens is a must if you plan to ascend above 4,800 ft. From April 1-October 31, you must obtain a permit in advance and pay $21/permit. During other times of the year, you can self register at the trailhead for free. From April 1-May 14, 500 permits are available daily, while from May 15-October 31, only 100 permits are available daily. To apply for a permit, visit the Recreation website.

Due to the favorable weather, summer is the busiest time to climb Mount St. Helens, making it difficult to get a permit. However, late spring/early summer is a great time to go as you can avoid some of the rock scrambling and glissade some of the way down.

Permit sales open on March 18 (previously February 1) at 9 AM, and it's like getting concert tickets. Make sure to be online minutes before, ready to go with a list of all the days you'd want, and refresh your page like you're trying to get tickets to a sold-out show.

Climbing Mount Saint Helens is an incredible experience that can be enjoyed by anyone who is willing to take on the challenge. Before you set out on your journey, it is important to make sure you have a safe and comfortable place to stay. Here are some great places to stay before you climb Mount Saint Helens.

First, there are a variety of camping sites located near the mountain. These sites provide a great way to experience nature and the beauty of the mountain. You can choose from a variety of campgrounds, ranging from primitive sites to more luxurious ones. Many of these sites offer amenities such as showers, restrooms, and fire pits.

Second, there are a number of hotels and motels located near the mountain. These establishments provide a comfortable and convenient place to stay while you are in the area. Many of these hotels and motels offer amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants.

Third, there are a number of cabins and lodges located near the mountain. These cabins and lodges provide a great way to experience the beauty of the mountain while still having the comforts of home. Many of these cabins and lodges offer amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, and kitchens.

Finally, there are a number of bed and breakfasts located near the mountain. These bed and breakfasts provide a great way to experience the beauty of the mountain while still having the comforts of home. Many of these bed and breakfasts offer amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, and kitchens.

No matter which option you choose, make sure you do your research and find the best place to stay before you climb Mount Saint Helens. With the right accommodations, you can make sure you have a safe and comfortable place to stay while you enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

When climbing Mount Saint Helens, it is important to be prepared for the journey ahead. The following items should be brought on your climb:

1. Proper clothing: Make sure to bring layers of clothing that are appropriate for the weather conditions. This includes a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots. Additionally, bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet or cold during your climb.

2. Food and water: Bring enough food and water to last throughout your climb. High-energy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars are great options for keeping your energy levels up during the ascent. Additionally, make sure to bring a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.

3. Navigation tools: Bring a map of the area as well as a compass or GPS device so you can stay on track during your climb and avoid getting lost in unfamiliar terrain. I found my experience using the Garmin watch while climbing Saint Helen extremely beneficial in helping me stay safe and reach my goal of summiting successfully. Its various features provided me with valuable information about my location on the mountain, allowed me to monitor changing weather conditions, helped me orient myself when visibility was low, and kept me motivated throughout my climb by providing feedback on my performance along the way. For these reasons I highly recommend using a Garmin watch for anyone looking to climb Saint Helen’s peak safely and successfully!

4. First aid kit: It is always important to bring a first aid kit with basic medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any other medications that may be necessary for treating minor injuries or illnesses while on the mountain.

5. Sun protection: Make sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays while climbing Mount Saint Helens’ exposed slopes in sunny weather conditions.

6. Emergency supplies: Bring an emergency whistle and flashlight in case of an unexpected situation where help may be needed quickly or if you need light after dark falls during your descent from the mountain summit.

7. A bag to store your trash–please pack out what you pack in and follow the Leave No Trace principles.

8. Hiking poles, for better grip and balance. For me Cascade Hiking Poles proved invaluable in helping me stay balanced while climbing Saint Helen’s steep slopes and traversing its rocky terrain. By providing extra support while ascending and descending difficult sections of trail, these poles allowed me to maintain my footing more securely than if I had been relying solely on my own strength and balance alone.

9. Depending on when you do the hike, you may want to have spikes with you for any icy parts. Late summer is snow-free, but it’s good to be prepared! I had a great experience using the Kahtoola microspikes when climbing Mount Saint Helens. They provided excellent traction and stability on the icy terrain, allowing me to make my way up the mountain with ease. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an effective and reliable way to tackle icy trails.

10. A portable charger so you can keep your phone charged in case of an emergency. The Anker portable charger is an incredibly useful device. It allows users to charge their devices on the go, and it is small enough to fit in a pocket or bag. Its long-lasting battery ensures that users can charge multiple devices without needing to recharge the charger itself. It is a great tool if you're climbing up Saint Helen.

By bringing these items along with you on your climb up Mount Saint Helen, you will ensure that you have everything necessary for a safe and successful journey!

We began my ascent, and as we made my way up the trail, I was struck by the serenity of the area. The snow was pristine, and the trees were blanketed in a thick layer of white. I felt as if I was the only person in the world, and the silence was almost deafening. We continued on, and soon we were surrounded by the majestic beauty of the mountain.

As we made our way out of the wooded area, we were amazed by the stunning views. After an hour of trekking, we had already gone two miles and decided to take a break to appreciate the breathtaking sight of the mountain. Despite the awe-inspiring view, we still had a long way to go and felt a bit apprehensive about the rest of the journey.

As we reached higher altitudes the sky became overcast with thick clouds that blocked out most of the sunlight. We could feel a chill in the air as temperatures dropped quickly due to the elevation gain. We knew that if conditions worsened further, it would be dangerous to continue climbing so high up on such a steep mountain face without proper visibility or protection from extreme weather conditions.

Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened next; a whiteout descended upon us as snow began falling heavily from above us while strong winds whipped around us at high speeds. Visibility was nearly zero due to all of this snowfall and wind gusts making it impossible for us to see where we were going or even where we had come from at times! After much deliberation amongst ourselves and our guide team, it was decided that turning back would be our safest option at this point in time due to these extreme weather conditions on Mount St Helen's’ summit ridge line area being too dangerous for any further progress up or down its slopes safely without proper visibility or protection from extreme weather conditions.

We reluctantly turned back down towards base camp after having gone so far already on our journey up Mount St Helen's’ summit ridge line area but knowing that safety must come first before anything else when dealing with such unpredictable terrain like mountains can present during any given moment!

The descent down the mountain was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. As we started our descent, we had to be very cautious to avoid slipping, but since we were all exhausted, each step was draining, so instead of walking we chose to slide down. Although I wouldn't recommend it, it was an exhilarating experience.

As I began my slide down, I felt a rush of adrenaline that kept me going faster and faster. The ground beneath me seemed to blur as I flew past trees and rocks, feeling like I was on a roller coaster ride. With each turn, my heart raced faster as I tried to stay in control while still enjoying the thrill of it all.

The experience of descending Mount Saint Helens by sliding down the mountain was one that will stay with me forever. It gave me a sense of accomplishment for having reached the summit and then taking on such an exhilarating challenge on my way back down again.

Climbing Mount St Helens has been one of my most memorable experiences ever – one that will stay with me forever! It taught me how powerful our bodies are when we push them beyond their limits and how rewarding hard work can be when you reach your goal in spite of any obstacles you may face along your journey!