Climbing a stratovolcano | Mt St Helens

Ever since we heard tales of the eruption of Mt St Helens that happened in 1980, we were drawn to the idea of exploring it. Never before have either of us climbed a stratovolcano. We were quite excited when we got to lay hands on permits for a group of 9. We set off to Mt st Helens, which lies south of Seattle. We planned to camp at the Climbers’ Bivouac for the night and have an early start the next day. By the time we reached and got done with the dinner, we saw a group of people preparing to start their hike. An awkward time to start I thought to myself. But then it struck that watching sunrise from the summit of a mountain would be an amazing experience. I had seen sunrise over Haleakala in Hawaii and it was mesmerizing. After a bit of back and forth conversations it was decided to get to the top before sunrise. It seemed doable, considering we started at 12 in the night, and the sun rise was well after 6am. Never did i know that we would barely make it before sunrise.

A clear starry sky and the milky way

The initial 2 miles is walking in the woods and then the treeline opens up to a boulder field. Its a scramble to get past the ash covered rocks. The red and orange daubs of paint served as trail markers and sent us scrabbling up nightmarish boulder fields. The last part of the climb is through ash, sand and small stones that test best of the thighs.

The trudge on a dusty path

Silhouette with Mt Adams in the distance

Sun rise behind Mt Adams as viewed from Mt St Helens

Yes, we were above this sea of clouds

The darkness broke over the horizon and slowly colors of yellow and orange shined through. And as the sun came up the horizon the sky was brilliantly lit up and made for a beautiful sight.

Can you spot the group of hikers to the right

Sun lighting up the clouds below

Another shot of the sun rise

Sun shining on the crater walls

The shadow of Mt St Helens cast over the clouds.

Once on the top you are rewarded with unobstructed views as far as the eyes can see. The astounding panoramas of Mt Adams , Mt Hood and the glorious Mt Rainier bear witness to what you just conquered. Once you take in the power of the place and look into the crater, you see the still ongoing geo thermal activity, with fumes rising from the crater.

Mt Hood from Mt St Helens

A closer views of the crater rim

The crater rim and Mt Rainier in a distance

Fumes rising out of the lava dome

We then made the long arduous walk back, which took longer than anticipated. We could find no easy way down. It took forever to scratch our way downhill through the sharp rocks.Eventually, a grueling trudge down a steep dusty gully of a path brought us back to the timberline. A quick walk and we were at the parking lot ready to vroom.

The nightmarish boulder fields, posed more difficulty on the way down

Timber line so close, yet so far

Fact lines:

• It gets super windy as you get closer to the top, dress in layers.
• There is no water along the route, so carry enough water. Especially when you are planning to do it summers, you are completely exposed to the sun once above the treeline.
• Be prepared for erratic weather.
• Although the climb seems daunting for non-climbers, it is realizable. Of course, you are the best one to judge your capacity.

Climbing Mt St Helens requires permits and can be obtained in advance online. You can also try getting last minute permits at this site. If you like climbing and hiking you should also checkout the enchantments hike we did later in fall.