"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
The views from the top of the Caldera are well worth the effort and time it requires to summit Mt. St. Helens. A climb up and down will take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours, depending on the speed and endurance of the hikers in the group. This time fo year, the main difficulties of climbing are clambering over large boulders of lava rock (wearing tough gloves is a great idea) and sliding around in the loose lava pebbles closer to the top. Coming down, the hardest section is definitely the rocks again. I noticed a lot of climbers with gaters (to keep the rocks out of your shoes) and poles (help a lot with balance). It's a hard climb in some areas, and you need a lot of water.
OTHER: $15 per climber, and passes are limited. They are handed out the night before a climb at a place called Jake's (call the MtStHelens volcanic monument for more details) at about 5:30. There is camping near the base.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.