The standard and most popular route on Mount St. Helens, Monitor Ridge follows the south flank of the volcano on a trail through forest before transitioning to open ash and pumice fields. The final push to the crater rim is a steep slog on loose volcanic material with dramatic views into the active crater.
From Climbers Bivouac (3,800 ft), follow the marked climbers trail through old-growth forest to timberline. Above treeline, the route crosses open pumice fields and ash slopes to the crater rim (8,363 ft), where the active lava dome is visible below.
Drive to Climbers Bivouac off Forest Road 81 on the south side of the mountain. About 2 hours from Portland. Trailhead is gated from November through April.
Descend the ascent route. Glissading is sometimes possible on the upper snow slopes in early season.