Mount St. Helens

10.5 miles of hiking • 5000' elevation gain •

A call went out, "Who would like an unused volcano pass?" in the PortlandHikers Facebook group on Saturday, and on Tuesday I was on my way up! Went climbing with a great bunch of guys, mostly retired, and the day turned out to be just as perfect as perfect gets. Not an entirely sunny, bluebird day, but just enough breeze and clouds to keep us cool and add plenty of drama to the photos.

We started very early, leaving Salmon Creek at 5:30, and on the trail by about 7:00. It was cloudy and drizzly nearly all the way to the trailhead, but just as we pulled into the parking lot we broke through the clouds. Below us, stretching for miles and miles in nearly all directions, was a sea of clouds which would only slowly part as the day went on.

The two miles through the forest went quickly, stopping only to munch on copious huckleberries beside the trail. As we emerged from the forest, we got a hint of how many other folks were climbing along with us today! Oh my, not exactly a "wilderness experience." Immediately, the boulder scramble, and real fun, began!

At this point, we all pretty much motored on up at our own pace. Those jumbled lava blocks demand full attention. I passed numerous groups, both large and small, as everything was perfectly "in the groove" this fine morning. Traveled just west of a lava ridge, to stay mostly in the shade, but got a helluva good workout in the process.

Stopped to enjoy a sandwich around 7000', just before breaking out of the boulders and onto the steep, ash-y final stretch. Another in our party caught up to me here, and ended up summiting first. On arrival at the rim just before 11:00, there were probably two dozen others all within a few tens of feet of the end of the climbing route. I took a few photos, and decided shortly to wander along the rim for a little solitude.

Clouds were blowing through the crater, obscuring Spirit Lake for much of our summit time. But the views from Rainier to Jefferson (and, really, even to the Three Sisters) were totally clear. Only the lower elevations were under the clouds. A couple ravens were having more fun than any creature generally might, just swooping through the crater and looking for a little trail magic from the intruding climbers.

I was also the last to leave the summit, some two hours after arriving there. Was just thoroughly enjoying not only the indescribable views, but also chatting with many of the other folks up there, including a great MSHI mountain steward volunteer.

Again, on the way down, it was necessary to pass folks. There was the huge troop of Boy Scouts, kicking up ash like a desert camel caravan, first. Then a good number of others. We strayed a bit to our right, which wasn't a great idea, but meant a bit more fun trying to chart a course through the lava. Felt pretty good to hit the soft dirt trail once back down to the trees!

All in all, just another incredible day on the mountain!

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