Climbing Grade: Grade II – Gentle to moderate snow in early spring, lava and cinder hike and rock scramble later in the season
Trip Distance: 9.4 miles/15.7 km (1 day)
Trip Elevation: 4,600ft/ 1,402 m
Season: April through October (Monday-Friday only); November – March (Any day)
Custom Dates Available: Give us a call or send us an email to schedule a trip.
Cost:$ *Price includes guides, transportation, climbing permits, climbing equipment, meals and tents.
Client to Guide Ratio: 5:1
About the Climb
Monitor Ridge is the most popular route on Mount St. Helens. The route was named for the USGS monitors that assess the mountains volcanic activity. Soaring views from the mountain include significant peaks of the Cascade Range like Adams and Rainer, down towards beautiful Spirit Lake, and on clear days can even stretch to the Pacific. This route is largely considered a snow climb in early season and a rigorous hike and rock scramble late in the year.
Skill Level
While it is not necessary to have previous mountaineering experience, this climb does travel over steep and varied terrain. Depending on the season the route can be a mixture of snow, pumice, and/or talus. Prior physical conditioning will allow you to better focus on learning new skills while enjoying the adventure. Previous hiking and camping experience is recommended.
Learning Objectives
Our goal at Rare Earth Adventures is to assist participants in gaining the technical skills and knowledge necessary for alpine climbing and mountaineering.
- Anchors
- Ascending fixed lines
- Belay techniques
- Cramponing
- Hazard identification
- Ice axe use for self-belay and self-arrest
- Rappelling
- Roped glacier travel
- Route selection
- Running belays
- Weather assessment
ITINERARY
EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
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Click here to REGISTER for a scheduled Trip
