Permit Info for Climbing Mount St. Helens this Winter, 2015

Planning a winter or 2015 climb up Mount St. Helens? As you make your plans, note a few changes in the process and add some key dates to your climbing calendar.

As of Nov. 1, 2014 climbers will no longer obtain climbing permits at the Lone Fir Resort in Cougar, Wash. Climbing permits are still required year-round, but have different fees and restrictions during different seasons.

Key dates

• Permits are free to an unlimited number of people climbing from November 1 through March 31.
• On Feb. 2, 2015, the main season permits (Apr. 1-Oct. 31) will go on sale.
• From April 1 until May 14, an unlimited number of climbers can obtain permits for a $22 fee.
• Beginning May 15 until October 31, a limit of 100 climbers a day can obtain a permit for the $22 fee. The limit helps manage impact on the mountain’s natural regeneration.

Climbing Nov. 1 - Mar. 31

• For climbs beginning November 1 through March 31, climbers will self-register for permits at Climber’s Bivouac and Marble Mountain Sno-Park.
• Mount St. Helens climbing permits are free of charge but self-registration is required for safety purposes in the event of a missing or injured climber.

A panoramic view looking into the crater, Spirit Lake and Mount Rainier in the distance in early February, 2012. Photo by blackbears11.

Climbing in the 2015 season

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Permits for the 2015 climbing season, from April 1 to October 31, go on sale Monday, February 2 at 9:00 a.m. and are sold online on a first-come, first-served basis through the Mount St. Helens Institute.

Permits will be sold only online. Weekends and holidays go the fastest, so check your calendars (and the Farmer's Almanac for weather predictions). The cost is $22 per permit and you are able to purchase up to twelve permits for each day.

Permits are required for climbing above 4,800 feet on the volcano. From May 15 through October 31, climbing is limited to 100 people per day. It may seem like a lot of permits, but they go quickly, especially with guides and outfitters snapping up a dozen at a time.

A summit view in August, 2014. Photo by AshGan.

More about climbing Mount St. Helens

Climbing Mount St. Helens is a challenging, but not technical, climb. It boasts a relentless elevation gain, constant exposure to the elements and unstable footing, but the view from the crater rim is unrivaled and breathtaking. Everyone remembers their first climb to the rim.

• Buy Your Permit
• WTA Hiking Guide entry for Mount St. Helens Summit
• Read about the annual Mother's Day Climb
• More Information about Climbing Mount St. Helens