Climb the Testy Lady yourself
June 1, 2009 by Valley Bugler
Mount St. Helens is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although people are able to climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season.
Climbers must have a permit. It is recommended that reservations be made well in advance. Reservations can be made online through the Mount St. Helens Institute.
* From May 15 through October 31, a permit is required. Cost is $22 per person. Only 100 permits are issued per day.
* From November 1 through March 31, a permit is required but there is no charge.
Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling over steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in seven to twelve hours.
Currently, road closures mean that climbers must start from Marble Mountain Snow-Park. This adds three miles and 1,000 feet of elevation to the climb.
Climbers Bivouac can be accessed by taking State Route 503 from Interstate 5 at Woodland.
Be safe and have fun climbing!
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