Ready to explore this trail?
View Trail Map in AppA Mount St. Helens climbing permit is required for all climbers above the Loowit Trail junction from May 15 through October 31; permits are limited to 100 per day and must be reserved in advance at recreation.gov. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at Climbers Bivouac. Dogs are prohibited above the Loowit Trail and cannot complete this route.
Path Type
There and Back
Monitor Ridge Route begins at Climbers Bivouac Trailhead (~3,771') on Forest Road 83 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, approximately 35 miles north of Carson, WA via Highway 503. From the trailhead, follow Trail #216A south through old-growth and second-growth pine forest for the first 2 miles, gaining approximately 1,000 vertical feet on a well-maintained path. The trail crosses the Loowit Trail (#216) junction — a climbing permit is required to continue past this point. Above the Loowit Trail, the maintained trail ends and the boulder field begins. The next 2 miles navigate steep volcanic boulder terrain marked by vertical posts every 100 yards; route-finding follows the post markers. Trekking poles are strongly recommended through this section, and leather or garden gloves protect hands from the sharp volcanic rock. Gaiters keep volcanic debris out of footwear on both the ascent and descent. Above the boulder field, the final mile climbs approximately 1,000 additional vertical feet on loose pumice, ash, and volcanic debris to the crater rim (~8,323'). The rim delivers direct views into the horseshoe-shaped crater, the active lava dome, and on clear days south to Mount Hood and east to Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. Descend on the same route. Carry a minimum of one gallon of water per person — the upper mountain has none and the sun is intense above treeline.
All Clear
Snow was down to tree line, but ridges and trail poles were exposed. My favorite time of year for this route. Started from Climbers Bivouac at 4a, so the snow held together nicely. Sunrise at permit line at the beginning of the boulders. My favorite sunrises there. Summit by 9a, back down to the car by lunch. Sunny day, crisp morning, couldn’t ask for more.
All Clear
All Clear
All Clear
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