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USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, Washington

Mount St. Helens and Vicinity
Points of Interest

Climbers Bivouac and Ptarmigan Trail

Driving Directions

  • From Interstate 5 -- take Exit 21 (Woodland Exit)
  • Travel east on Highway 503 and then USFS Road 90, approximately 35.7 miles to junction of USFS Roads 83 and 90.
  • Turn north (left) onto USFS Road 83 and proceed another 3.2 miles to the junction of USFS Roads 83 and 81.
  • Turn on to USFS Road 81.
  • Proceed 1.8 miles to intersection of USFS Roads 81 and 830.
  • Turn on to USFS Road 830 to Ptarmigan Trail and Climber's Bivouac.


Climber's Bivouac and Ptarmigan Trail

At 8,365 feet, the rim of Mount St. Helens provides outstanding views of the crater, lava dome, blast area, and surrounding volcanic peaks. The most popular route to the summit is Monitor Ridge, starting at Climber's Bivouac. Most climbers complete the round trip in 7 to 12 hours. The route begins on the Ptarmigan Trail #216A which gently climbs for about 2 miles to timberline. Above timberline, the route travels over steep, blocky lava flows on the lower slopes and loose, sandy volcanic ash on the upper slopes. In early summer, snow is commonly encounted, especially in gully bottoms. -- Excerpt from: U.S. Forest Service, Volcano Review: A Visitor's Guide to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: Summer/Fall 1998
Click button for MORE Mount St. Helens Climbing Information Climb a Volcano - Mount St. Helens

Click button to link to Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit Information Link to: USFS Climbing and Permits Information


Other Nearby Points of Interest

Map, Mount St. Helens Points of Interest - Interactive Imagemap, click to enlarge Mount St. Helens
Points of Interest -
Interactive Imagemap

Click button for Ape Cave Ape Cave and Lava Cast Forest (south)
Click button for Jacks Restaurant Jacks Restaurant and Climbing Registration (west)
Click button for Lahar Viewpoint Lahar Viewpoint (east)


Other Menus of Interest


Useful Links

Click button to link to the USFS National Monument Website Link to: USFS Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

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03/27/07, Lyn Topinka