Mount Saint Helens - Hiking trail near Cougar, Washington, United States - Description
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| Name | Mount Saint Helens |
|---|---|
| Summary | Climb the volcano. |
| Type | Day Hike - Out and Back |
| Distance (Total) | 5.0 miles / 8.0 km |
| Elevation Gain | 4,500 feet / 1,372 meters |
| Minimum Elevation | 3,700 feet / 1,128 meters |
| Maximum Elevation | 8,200 feet / 2,499 meters |
| Hiking Season | - All Year Long |
| Things To See | - Historic Site - Lake Views - Mountain Views - Rock Formations - Summit - Volcanic Activity |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Rating | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Nearby Town | Cougar, Washington, United States |
| Link | http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/mount-st-helens/climbing-routes.shtml |
| Permit Required | Climbers must register year-round. Permits are limited during the summer, so get one early. |
| Trail Map | http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/04mshnvm/maps/ |
Mount Saint Helens, famous for its violent eruption in 1982 which spread smoke and ash for hundreds of miles, is open for hiking. The path to the top is a steep day hike up the south side of the mountain, through sand, gravel, and car-sized boulders left over from the last major eruption. Be prepared for harsh and changing weather above the tree line, including hot sun in the summer and bitter winds in the winter. At the summit you can look down into the crater and see the steaming volcanic dome - the mountain slowly rebuilding itself. On clear days you can also see Spirit Lake, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and possibly Mount Hood.
From I-5, take Highway 503 east past Yale Lake and through Cougar, WA. Take forest road 83 to forest road 830. Park in the lot at the end of forest road 830, which is called Climbers Bivouac.
| Latitude | 46.1464769537 degrees / 46° 8.789' / 46° 8' 47.32" |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -122.1831393242 degrees / -122° 10.988' / -122° 10' 59.30" |
| Created by Ryan Bowman on 01/28/2008 |
| Last edited by Ryan Bowman on 01/28/2008 |
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