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ReservationDay UseHigh Demand
Mt. St. Helens Summit Permit
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Permit required April 1 - October 31 to climb to the crater rim of Mount St. Helens (8,365 ft). Limited to 100 climbers per day.
“A bucket-list destination in Mt. St. Helens.”
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Summit Climb Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeDay Use
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationUSFS
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment2/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Summit Climb draws visitors from around the world to Mt. St. Helens. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Summit Climb.
Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →
Summit Climb FAQ
How do I get a Summit Climb permit?
Summit Climb permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Summit Climb?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Summit Climb permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Summit Climb permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Summit Climb is most photogenic during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light is warm and soft.
Best Light
Morning light is typically best, with clearer air and softer shadows. Afternoon can bring haze in summer.
Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 7am for the best chance at crowd-free photos. The hour after sunrise is magical.
Classic Shots
- 📍The iconic view of Summit Climb
- 📍Trail perspective shots
- 📍Detail shots of unique features
- 📍Mt. St. Helens landscape