Mt Saint Helens summit

This is a 12 mile rount trip hike with 5699ft of elevation gain. Marble Mountain Snow-Park, is the most direct route to the summit of Mount St. Helens during the winter season. Ice axe, crampons, and avalanche awareness are recommended on this route. Skis with climbing skins or snowshoes with cleats are also highly recommended. Named for the rivers of rocky lava that surround the trail, the 10.8-mile Worm Flows route ascends nearly 5,700 feet to the summit of Mount St. Helens. Although challenging, this standard winter and spring route provides a non-technical climb for experienced hikers craving sweet summit views and a chance to practice basic mountaineering skills.

Start at the Marble Mountain Sno Park. Cross to the west side of Swift Creek, just above Chocolate Falls, at an elevation of 3,700 feet. Follow ridges and open slopes to the crater rim. Wooden route marking posts guide climbers from timberline to approximately 4,800 feet of elevation. About two miles in, leave the forest and pass views of Chocolate Falls, a 40-foot waterfall along Swift Creek, heading into a barren landscape of mudflows and rock, where large posts and occasional cairns mark the way. Navigate through the jumbled lava flows, then push beyond cloud level toward St. Helens' false summit.

The route crests the crater's crescent-shaped rim, revealing dramatic views of Spirit Lake and Mount Rainier. But you're not finished yet. Head west along the rim to the true summit, a mound of rocks at 8,365 feet. Savor more sweet views before turning around for the return trip back to the trailhead.

Hike safely - to reduce your exposure to avalanche potential, stay away from snow loaded slopes and gully bottoms. Stay off the cornices at the crater rim.