Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)

[Smossy]

Going to attempt to Summit St. Helens Friday morning as long as the weather holds up a little.
Going to camp out overnight on Thursday night and get an early start hopefully before the sun starts to rise.
I think its going to make for an interesting 8-10 hour hike. Cant wait to see how out of shape I am
Any last minute tips from anyone that's done it?
Ill have lots of video from the trip.

[Knocker of rocks]

Be careful of the summit cornice

[Sliverslinger]

I've done it and it is an awesome hike. I went in August (3rd) several years back though and still hit snow at point. I'm guessing you're gonna be in a ton of snow so be careful. Also, don't get too close to the edge! It isn't stable, and especially not with snow on it.

[Booman2]

I've done it several times and totally agree about staying back from the edge. One time, a guy asked me to take his photo at the top and when I turned around to look at him, he was standing on a snow cornice over about 2000 feet of air! I asked him to come toward me slowly and he finally did. I then took him about 300 yards around the top s that he could see where he was just standing - and he puked.
Other than that, it's a great hike. Some climbers fail to use a GPS and descend down the wrong draw which sometimes leads to problems.

[Smossy]

Cool thanks for the feedback everyone.

[Sliverslinger]

I've done it several times and totally agree about staying back from the edge. One time, a guy asked me to take his photo at the top and when I turned around to look at him, he was standing on a snow cornice over about 2000 feet of air! I asked him to come toward me slowly and he finally did. I then took him about 300 yards around the top s that he could see where he was just standing - and he puked.
Other than that, it's a great hike. Some climbers fail to use a GPS and descend down the wrong draw which sometimes leads to problems.

A buddy of mine went several years ago with a bunch of friends-two of them failed to follow the stakes in the fog on the way down and ended up a long way from where they were supposed to be. They ended up spending the night up there before being found the next morning.

[jackelope]

Taking snowshoes or crampons? Rob just went up it a month ago. He had a thread on here. Be careful!

[Smossy]

Taking snowshoes or crampons? Rob just went up it a month ago. He had a thread on here. Be careful!

No snowshoes or crampons for me, Working on a budget. Just my good ol gor-tex Danner's and some snow pants. I have gaitors but I dont think Ill need them because of how the pants are designed.

[jackelope]

Taking snowshoes or crampons? Rob just went up it a month ago. He had a thread on here. Be careful!

No snowshoes or crampons for me, Working on a budget. Just my good ol gor-tex Danner's and some snow pants. I have gaitors but I dont think Ill need them because of how the pants are designed.

You going solo?

[Smossy]

Taking snowshoes or crampons? Rob just went up it a month ago. He had a thread on here. Be careful!

No snowshoes or crampons for me, Working on a budget. Just my good ol gor-tex Danner's and some snow pants. I have gaitors but I dont think Ill need them because of how the pants are designed.

You going solo?

With one other guy who's done it once before.

[bobcat]

Seems early. I'd bet that there will be LOTS of snow.

[Smossy]

Seems early. I'd bet that there will be LOTS of snow.

Yeah it is early, about 2 week into permit season and there is still tons of snow. Been waiting to do this for a very long time though.

[Sliverslinger]

At least take an ice axe so you can self arrest if need be. There are some wide open steep areas where if you slip on snow and ice, you're not stopping. Bring extra warm gear to. The weather up there this time of year is not to be trifled with.

[Smossy]

At least take an ice axe so you can self arrest if need be. There are some wide open steep areas where if you slip on snow and ice, you're not stopping. Bring extra warm gear to. The weather up there this time of year is not to be trifled with.

Might have to rent one, Don't have one yet.

[Becky]

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOMORROW!!

Ok only you.. not me.. I'll be at base camp standing by with food ready to cook