Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Permits
The volcano that famously erupted in 1980, now offering unique volcanic terrain and the Loowit Trail circumnavigation.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in Mt. St. Helens
Mount Margaret
“Eight tent pads on the ridges above Spirit Lake, one party each, in the blast zone of the eruption that flattened 230 square miles of forest.”
Loowit Trail
“Circumnavigate the volcano that famously erupted in 1980, walking through a lunar landscape where life is slowly reclaiming the devastation.”
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Epic multi-day traverses starting from Mt. St. Helens
All Permits
Select a permit to learn more and set up alerts
Mount Margaret Backcountry permit
Eight designated campsites on the ridgelines above Spirit Lake, one permit per site per night, released a month at a time.
Loowit Trail permit
Walk through the aftermath of one of America's most violent volcanic eruptions—a 30-mile loop across lava flows, pumice plains, and the haunting blast zone of Mount St. Helens.
Other National Forests & Wilderness Areas
Explore more wilderness permits in the region
Maroon Bells permits
5 permits
Los Padres permits
11 permits
Wind Rivers permits
4 permits
CT permits
2 permits
Mt. St. Helens Permit FAQ
What permits are required for Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument?
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument requires permits for various activities including Mount Margaret, Loowit Trail. Each permit has different requirements and booking processes.
How do I get a permit for Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument?
Permits for Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument are available through Reservation, Walk-Up systems. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When should I apply for Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument permits?
Timing varies by permit type. Lottery permits typically open months in advance, while reservation permits release on a rolling basis. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to never miss an opening.