Climbing Mt. Saint Helens in Winter: A Worm Flows Trail Adventure

If you’re looking for a winter adventure that’s more about endurance than technical climbing, Mt. Saint Helens may be the expedition for you. This year, the snowpack in Washington has been historically low. While the lack of snow isn't ideal for skiers, if we’re trying to turn lemons into lemonade, it has made many trailheads accessible long into the winter months; so at least there’s that.

When I saw a long and dry weather window in February, I immediately texted my husband and started scoping out hikes in Washington that would be both a challenging and fun winter adventure. We agreed upon a winter climb of Mt. Saint Helens, and it was everything I wanted and more.

About Mt. Saint Helens

Mt. Saint Helens is one of the most iconic volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest, currently standing at 8,363 feet, and it’s one of only five active volcanoes in Washington. Its height was dramatically reduced by the catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980, which was the deadliest volcanic event in U.S. history, resulting in the largest landslide ever recorded and a lateral blast that reshaped the mountain and surrounding landscape.

Trip Details: Worm Flows Trailhead, Distance, and Elevation Gain

Our trip began at the Worm Flows Trailhead, the standard winter route for Mt. Saint Helens. The total distance clocked in at about 12 miles—longer than what Alltrails lists, so be prepared for some extra steps. With an elevation gain of roughly 5,700 feet, this hike is a serious workout but doesn’t require advanced mountaineering skills. Instead, it’s a long, steady slog up the mountain, perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits. In the winter, your pack will be heavier, carrying extra gear, layers, water and snacks, so prepare to haul a little more weight than you would in the summer months.

Sno-Park permits may be purchased online between November 1 and April 30. The route leaves from the Marble Mountain Sno-Park. If you don’t have a permit to park, you will get a ticket.

A Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit is required for each person, for each day, year-round. Permits can be purchased in advance at Recreation.gov. From December 1 to March 31, there is no limit on the number of climbers per day. During this time, permits are free of charge and self-issued at the trailheads.

Snowpack, Weather and Winter Equipment

We took advantage of a sunny weather window—a rare treat for the season—to make our ascent. Choosing the right day is half the battle for a winter climb, and luck was definitely on our side. The wind was expected to be low, which is another variable to pay close attention to when you’re planning a trip. 

​Winter conditions can change in a flash, so checking recent trip reports and weather forecasts is absolutely crucial. Trail conditions, snow coverage, and avalanche risk are all things to keep an eye on. Reading up on other hikers’ experiences helped me plan for what to expect and stay safe. I highly recommend always looking at trip reports from others on apps like AllTrails and Washington Trails Association.

If you’re planning this hike, pack for variable conditions—snow can be deep in places, and icy in others. Read trip reports and plan ahead. When we went, we knew the warm weather was melting and then refreezing the snow, so we expected icy conditions to start the hike. As the sun baked the snowfield, we knew it would soften up.

There are several ways to tackle the winter route: snowshoeing, skiing, or hiking with proper gear. Given the sturdy trail conditions and minimal snow, we opted for micro spikes. Many people in recent trip reports mentioned packing crampons, but we decided to leave them and relied on our micro spikes. Crampons are great for steeper climbs, so we felt confident we wouldn’t have to have them for this trip. The route we planned to take was relatively mellow, along a ridge and open snowfield. Mountaineering boots, gaiters, and an ice axe, and great to consider.

Challenges and Highlights

We started early in the morning before the sun came up to maximize daylight and to get above the tree line in time for alpenglow. Bring a headlamp even if you don’t plan to start in the dark.

The ascent was steady, with the summit visible for much of the climb. Reaching the top, we enjoyed a well-earned lunch with 360-degree views stretching as far as the eye could see.
When you get to the top, be aware of cornices. There are flags alerting climbers to danger, so please heed the warning. Stay back! The last thing you want to do is fall into an active volcano. The rim is alluring, but don’t get too close.

The descent was fun, as snow softened and conditions got slushy. We were able to glissade much of the way down. The chutes weren’t very fast given the snow conditions, but it saved our knees some pounding. We also had to watch out for rocks since the snowpack was so low.

Make no mistake: this hike is grueling, especially the final push to the summit. There are no crevasses to cross along the standard climbing routes, which makes the climb less technical and safer for those training for other peaks. There are crevasses on the mountain, but the risk is less than other Washington volcanoes.

The panoramic views were spectacular, and the sense of accomplishment at the end was well worth the effort. I have wanted to climb all the volcanoes in Washington, and this adventure gets me one step closer.

A Great Training Climb

With its demanding elevation gain, Mt. Saint Helens is ideal for anyone prepping for more ambitious climbs. It’s a fantastic training hike for building endurance and getting comfortable with winter equipment in a lower risk environment.

Climbing Mt. Saint Helens in winter was a truly memorable experience. The perfect spring-like weather and spectacular summit views made the journey unforgettable.