Day 1: Drive to Cougar, Washington. After checking in and picking up our permits, we’ll drive to the Climbers’ Bivouac at 3,800 ft/1,159 m, and head up the Ptarmigan Trail for about two miles/3.3km. At about 4,700 ft/1,433 m we reach the base of Monitor Ridge and begin our climb toward the 8,365 ft/2,550 m crater rim. The view from the rim is fantastic as we look down 2,000 ft/610 m towards the steaming crater floor.
At the rim we will have lunch and depending on conditions take in the wonderful views that stretch in all directions. Early season climbs offer opportunities to glissade down a significant portion of the ridge. Returning to the Climbers’ Bivouac, we can change clothes, have a refreshing cool drink and enjoy a last look at the mountain before we return to Portland. Climbing Mount St. Helens is an experience of a lifetime.
**Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary. However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control.
