Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Daily quota permits for climbing Mount St. Helens. Permits release monthly on the 1st at 7:00 AM PT for the following month.
“A bucket-list destination in Mt. St. Helens.”
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when St. Helens permits become available due to cancellations.
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when St. Helens permits become available.
St. Helens Quick Facts
Key Information
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Log into Recreation.gov before 7:00 AM PT on the 1st of the month
- •Weekday permits are easier to get than weekends
- •Bring gaiters - volcanic ash gets everywhere
- •Start early to avoid afternoon heat and potential weather
What to Expect
Highlights
- •Single-day climb gaining 4,500 vertical feet
- •Climb over volcanic ash, pumice, and boulder fields
- •Views into the steaming crater
- •No glacier travel required
Hazards & Considerations
- !Loose volcanic rock
- !Steep terrain
- !Afternoon weather
Summit Information
St. Helens
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Technical Gear Required
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Conditions
Early season climbing. Snow routes may be in prime condition.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Technical routes in condition
- +Fewer crowds
- +Cooler approach temps
Challenges
- !Avalanche hazard
- !Variable conditions
- !Winter skills required
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced mountaineers comfortable with Class 3-4 terrain and altitude.
Recommended Experience
Glacier travel training required. Must be competent with crampons, ice axe, and rope work.
Not Recommended For
Hikers uncomfortable with exposure or scrambling. This is mountaineering, not hiking.
About This Permit
Mount St. Helens is the most famous volcanic climb in the US, offering a unique look into the 1980 eruption crater. The summit rim provides dramatic views into the steaming crater and lava dome.
The Experience
Why It Matters
St. Helens draws visitors from around the world to Mt. St. Helens. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Rules & Regulations
- •Quota permits required April 1 - October 31
- •Free self-issue permits November - March
Key Landmarks
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for St. Helens.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
🏔️Mountaineering Resources
Guide Services
Find authorized guide services and mountaineering schools for this peak.
Authorized guide services:
- • Check with ranger station for current list
- • Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Don't own technical gear? Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
Route Conditions
Real-time route status, snow levels, and climbing conditions.
Current conditions include:
- • Route status (open/closed/caution)
- • Snow level elevation
- • Crevasse and glacier conditions
- • Recent trip reports
Avalanche Forecast
Check avalanche conditions before winter and spring climbs.
Avalanche info includes:
- • Current danger level
- • Avalanche problems (wind slab, persistent slab)
- • Travel advice
- • Links to regional avalanche centers
St. Helens FAQ
How do I get a Mt. St. Helens climbing permit?
Permits release on the 1st of each month at 7:00 AM PT for the following month (e.g., April permits available March 1st). Log into Recreation.gov before release time as weekends sell out quickly.
When is the best time to climb Mt. St. Helens?
June through August offers the best conditions. Midweek dates are easier to obtain than weekends.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at St. Helens offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of St. Helens
- 📍Mt. St. Helens scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation