Why Do You Need a Hiking Permit to Hike Mt St Helens?
Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano located in Skamania County, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Portland, Oregon, and 96 miles (154 km) south of Seattle, Washington. The volcano is located in the Cascade Range and is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, a segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire that includes over 160 active volcanoes.
Mt. St. Helens is most famous for the large eruption that occurred on May 18, 1980. The eruption was a VEI 5 event, the largest in the contiguous United States in the 20th century. The blast destroyed the volcano’s summit and surrounding areas and left a large crater.
Why Is a Hiking Permit Required?
Hiking Mount St. Helens requires a hiking permit. These permits are issued by the U.S. Forest Service and are intended to help manage the number of visitors to the area, as well as protect the fragile environment around the volcano.The permits are issued for day hikes only and are not required for activities such as camping, climbing, skiing, or snowshoeing. However, visitors should remember that those activities may require additional permits.
The permits for day hikes are available for a fee of $19 per person. This fee covers the cost of issuing the permit, as well as the cost of maintaining the trails and other facilities in the area. It also helps to fund ongoing research and monitoring of the volcano and its effects on the environment.
Where to Obtain a Hiking Permit
The best place to obtain a hiking permit is online at recreation.gov. This is the official website of the U.S. Forest Service, and they offer permits for a variety of activities in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.The permits can also be obtained at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, located at the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week from mid-May through mid-October.
Permits can also be obtained at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park and the Lone Fir Campground. The permits are valid for one day only, so if you plan to spend multiple days in the area, you will need to purchase additional permits.
What is Included in a Hiking Permit?
A hiking permit for Mount St. Helens includes access to the trailhead and the area surrounding it for the day of the permit. The permit also includes access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory, which is located near the volcano’s summit.The permit does not include access to any other areas of the national monument. For example, the Ape Cave and the Loowit Trail are not included in the permit.
What Are the Rules for Hiking Mt. St. Helens?
There are some rules and regulations that must be followed when hiking Mount St. Helens. These rules are in place to protect the fragile environment of the area, as well as the safety of hikers.Hikers should stay on designated trails and obey all posted signs. Hikers should also be aware of their own limitations and should not attempt to hike beyond their skill level.
Hikers should also be aware of their surroundings, as there are numerous hazards in the area, including steep slopes, unstable ground, and falling rocks. If a hiker finds themselves in a situation where they cannot safely continue, they should turn back immediately.
It is also important to note that certain areas of the national monument are off limits to hikers. These areas are marked with signs and should be avoided.
What to Bring on a Hike?
When hiking Mount St. Helens, it is important to be prepared for any situation. Hikers should bring plenty of food and water, as well as a first-aid kit and other essential items.Hikers should also bring appropriate clothing for the weather. Even during summer months, temperatures can drop quickly in the area, so it is important to be prepared for cold weather.
Finally, hikers should bring a map of the area and a compass to help them stay on the right trail. Cell phone service can be spotty in the area, so it is important to have a backup plan in case of an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is Mt. St. Helens Located?
Mt. St. Helens is located in Skamania County, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Portland, Oregon, and 96 miles (154 km) south of Seattle, Washington.What Happened During the 1980 Eruption?
The 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens was a VEI 5 event, the largest in the contiguous United States in the 20th century. The blast destroyed the volcano’s summit and surrounding areas and left a large crater.How Much Does a Hiking Permit Cost?
Hiking permits for Mount St. Helens cost $19 per person and are valid for one day only.What Are the Rules for Hiking Mt. St. Helens?
When hiking Mount St. Helens, hikers should stay on designated trails and obey all posted signs. Hikers should also be aware of their own limitations and should not attempt to hike beyond their skill level. It is also important to note that certain areas of the national monument are off limits to hikers.What Should I Bring on a Hike?
When hiking Mount St. Helens, it is important to bring plenty of food and water, a first-aid kit, appropriate clothing for the weather, a map of the area, and a compass.Where Can I Obtain a Hiking Permit?
Hiking permits for Mount St. Helens can be obtained online at recreation.gov, at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park, and at the Lone Fir Campground.Conclusion
A hiking permit is required for day hikes in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The permits are issued by the U.S. Forest Service and can be obtained online at recreation.gov, at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park, and at the Lone Fir Campground.When hiking Mount St. Helens, it is important to follow the rules and regulations and to be prepared for any situation. Hikers should bring plenty of food and water, a first-aid kit, appropriate clothing for the weather, a map of the area, and a compass.
By obtaining a hiking permit and following the rules and regulations, hikers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience in this unique and beautiful area.