"Climbing Mount St. Helens is a rugged, off trail scramble. It is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable on steep irregular terrain. Prior to mid summer, climbers can expect to encounter snow. At 8,365 feet elevation, Mount St. Helens provides outstanding views of the crater, lava dome, blast area and surrounding volcanic peaks. The Monitor Ridge route, begins at Climbers Bivouac, at the end of Forest Road 830. This narrow gravel road is suitable for standard passenger vehicles. Start on the Ptarmigan Trail #216A; this trail climbs forested slopes for 2 miles to timberline. Above timberline, scramble over steep, blocky lava flows on the lower slopes and loose, sandy volcanic ash on the upper slopes. Take great care at the crater rim, it is extremely precipitous and portions may be unstable. Most climbers complete the round trip in 7 to 12 hours. The route climbs 4,500 feet from trailhead to rim in 4.5 miles.