Mount St. Helens - Monitor Ridge
South Cascades
As of late June 2026, Monitor Ridge trail to Mount St. Helens' summit is largely snow-free, with most reports from mid-June indicating no snow gear is required. However, a small snowfield or cornice may still be present near the true summit, and some hikers found microspikes useful, though not strictly necessary for June 18th ascents. Reports conflict on the need for gloves for the boulder fields; some found them helpful for grip and protection from rough volcanic rock, while others did not.
The road to Climber's Bivouac is open and generally in good condition, though some low-clearance vehicles might find a specific dip challenging. Parking was abundant on most reported dates, with a few reports noting ample camping spots as well. The trail is well-marked by wooden posts once above the treeline, but navigating the boulder fields can be a "pick your own adventure" situation.
generated from 37 reports
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Perfect weather to summit St. Helen’s. We camped at the trailhead and started around 4:30 AM. We brought gloves for the boulder fields, the volcanic rock is very rough so they were nice to have. Easy ...
Got permits a month ago and lucked out with near perfect weather for my first St. Helens ascent. Road in was great minus one dip across the whole width of road that my low clearance car would have com...
This was my first time up Mount Saint Helens and it was quite a challenge (in a good way). The dirt road is in pretty good condition, a few dips here and there but is totally passable in any car. Park...
8:15 C2CGear brought: microspikes, ice axe. Didn't use ice axe but helpful to have.Had a delayed start of 5:50 due to the ongoing storm as I waited for the rain to cease, which it didn't really. The f...
I started at 6am as there was significant snow forecast this afternoon/evening with near gale wind conditions at the peak.Near mile 3, there were substantial snow fields to cross. Microspikes were use...
Beautiful day out, the drive there was gorgeous as well.I started my hike at about 2pm. Once passed the treeline, there's a small portion of the trail that is still covered by snow, but 95% of the hik...
Beautiful day! No snow gear required
Started at 1AM with plenty of parking (3 other cars were here). The drive to the trailhead was mostly fine until the last mile where my Honda Civic did not like the gravel road with big rocks--certain...
we were able to follow the trail to the peak, well marked and in good condition.
Road to Climber's Bivouac is now open. Moderate amount of snow fields to cross on the last couple miles.
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