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Title: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on May 26, 2013, 06:41:02 PM
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 :chuckle:
Any last minute tips from anyone that's done it?
Ill have lots of video from the trip. :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Knocker of rocks on May 26, 2013, 06:46:17 PM
Be careful of the summit cornice
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Sliverslinger on May 26, 2013, 06:53:34 PM
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.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Booman2 on May 26, 2013, 07:45:47 PM
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.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 26, 2013, 08:12:28 PM
Cool thanks for the feedback everyone. :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Sliverslinger on May 26, 2013, 08:22:19 PM
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.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: jackelope on May 26, 2013, 08:35:34 PM
Taking snowshoes or crampons? Rob just went up it a month ago. He had a thread on here. Be careful!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 26, 2013, 08:41:49 PM
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.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: jackelope on May 26, 2013, 08:46:37 PM
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?
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 26, 2013, 08:47:50 PM
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.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: bobcat on May 26, 2013, 09:53:09 PM
Seems early. I'd bet that there will be LOTS of snow.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 26, 2013, 09:54:28 PM
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.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Sliverslinger on May 26, 2013, 10:02:37 PM
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.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 26, 2013, 10:09:12 PM
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.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Becky on May 30, 2013, 10:14:57 AM
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOMORROW!!

Ok only you.. not me.. I'll be at base camp standing by with food ready to cook :)
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 10:48:15 AM
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOMORROW!!

Ok only you.. not me.. I'll be at base camp standing by with food ready to cook :)
Yeah you BETTER be! Yo B!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Becky on May 30, 2013, 10:54:08 AM
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOMORROW!!

Ok only you.. not me.. I'll be at base camp standing by with food ready to cook :)
Yeah you BETTER be! Yo B!

 :rolleyes: not with that attitude!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on May 30, 2013, 11:00:25 AM
You may wanna re think your not usings crampons...Rei rents crampons and axes cheap.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 11:00:35 AM
Anyone think that a 24lb Pack is too much to Summit with? Or is that reasonable?
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 11:01:13 AM
You may wanna re think your not usings crampons...Rei rents crampons and axes cheap.
Yeah I think were going to rent some crampons when we get up that way. Don't think I need an axe though.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Becky on May 30, 2013, 11:01:58 AM
You may wanna re think your not usings crampons...Rei rents crampons and axes cheap.

He is, I'm making sure of it haha.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: elk247 on May 30, 2013, 11:02:39 AM
My buddy summited Rainier last year, drank a can of vitamin R at the top. After seeing that picture i decided I wanted to do that. Then I saw how much it cost. Drinking beer at home is much cheaper and safer. But if i ever have thousands of dollars and can't find any good use for it but to pay to hike to the tallest hill to drink a beer than I will be all over it.
EDIT* smossysgirl, bring nutterbutters. Just think if you walked up to the top of st. Helens how good a nutterbutter would taste. With chocolate milk?
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 11:02:51 AM
You may wanna re think your not usings crampons...Rei rents crampons and axes cheap.

He is, I'm making sure of it haha.
:nono:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on May 30, 2013, 11:03:42 AM
You may wanna re think your not usings crampons...Rei rents crampons and axes cheap.

He is, I'm making sure of it haha.

Good deal, or you may be cooking for the rescue crew!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 11:04:20 AM
My buddy summited Rainier last year, drank a can of vitamin R at the top. After seeing that picture i decided I wanted to do that. Then I saw how much it cost. Drinking beer at home is much cheaper and safer. But if i ever have thousands of dollars and can't find any good use for it but to pay to hike to the tallest hill to drink a beer than I will be all over it.
EDIT* smossysgirl, bring nutterbutters. Just think if you walked up to the top of st. Helens how good a nutterbutter would taste. With chocolate milk?
Lol St Helens is probably rated easy compaired to Rainier. It only ran us 22$ for passes 2 months in advance and cost of food/gas/utilities needed for the hike. Thats about it.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Becky on May 30, 2013, 11:06:58 AM
You may wanna re think your not usings crampons...Rei rents crampons and axes cheap.

He is, I'm making sure of it haha.

Good deal, or you may be cooking for the rescue crew!

Exactly. I'll be at base camp with his hiking buddy's spastic wife - who absolutely HATES the outdoors I might add... Had to twist a few arms and legs and promise her a bottle of wine to even get her to come for the night >__< ...

I need the boys back safe, and in a timely manner haha.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on May 30, 2013, 11:19:37 AM
Timely. Lol
When we summited Adams in one day it took 13 hours!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 11:25:37 AM
Timely. Lol
When we summited Adams in one day it took 13 hours!
Yeah its going to take us at-least 10 hours.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on May 30, 2013, 11:26:28 AM
Do you get to poop in bags?  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 11:29:12 AM
Do you get to poop in bags?  :chuckle:
Screw that, Im poopin in the snow. People will think its Yeti Poo!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: jackelope on May 30, 2013, 01:09:48 PM
My buddy summited Rainier last year, drank a can of vitamin R at the top. After seeing that picture i decided I wanted to do that. Then I saw how much it cost. Drinking beer at home is much cheaper and safer. But if i ever have thousands of dollars and can't find any good use for it but to pay to hike to the tallest hill to drink a beer than I will be all over it.
EDIT* smossysgirl, bring nutterbutters. Just think if you walked up to the top of st. Helens how good a nutterbutter would taste. With chocolate milk?
Lol St Helens is probably rated easy compaired to Rainier. It only ran us 22$ for passes 2 months in advance and cost of food/gas/utilities needed for the hike. Thats about it.

I'm assuming the buddy that climbed Rainier used a guide company. That's the only reason it would cost thousands of dollars that I can think of.

Smossy-
You should hit Adams next.

Timely. Lol
When we summited Adams in one day it took 13 hours!

When we summitted Adams we spent the night half way up and it took us 2 days. 13 hours is manly. I feel like a pansy now. Of course, I'm probably an old dude compared to you too.
 :chuckle:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 01:16:24 PM
My buddy summited Rainier last year, drank a can of vitamin R at the top. After seeing that picture i decided I wanted to do that. Then I saw how much it cost. Drinking beer at home is much cheaper and safer. But if i ever have thousands of dollars and can't find any good use for it but to pay to hike to the tallest hill to drink a beer than I will be all over it.
EDIT* smossysgirl, bring nutterbutters. Just think if you walked up to the top of st. Helens how good a nutterbutter would taste. With chocolate milk?
Lol St Helens is probably rated easy compaired to Rainier. It only ran us 22$ for passes 2 months in advance and cost of food/gas/utilities needed for the hike. Thats about it.

I'm assuming the buddy that climbed Rainier used a guide company. That's the only reason it would cost thousands of dollars that I can think of.

Smossy-
You should hit Adams next.

Timely. Lol
When we summited Adams in one day it took 13 hours!

When we summitted Adams we spent the night half way up and it took us 2 days. 13 hours is manly. I feel like a pansy now. Of course, I'm probably an old dude compared to you too.
 :chuckle:

If this hike goes successfull without wanting to jump into the crater from exhaustion. Ill probably want to do all the other mtns in wa.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: h20hunter on May 30, 2013, 01:16:54 PM
Just....be.....safe....


And take your GoPro of course.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Austrian Hunter on May 30, 2013, 01:33:16 PM
 :yeah: Be safe!!  Have fun!! 
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 02:48:07 PM
Just....be.....safe....


And take your GoPro of course.
Goldeneye wont let me poop on the trail :( trip RUINED
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: turkeyfeather on May 30, 2013, 02:50:37 PM
Just....be.....safe....


And take your GoPro of course.
Goldeneye wont let me poop on the trail :( trip RUINED
Did you promise to use camo'd TP?
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 02:56:03 PM
Just....be.....safe....


And take your GoPro of course.
Goldeneye wont let me poop on the trail :( trip RUINED
Did you promise to use camo'd TP?
If I could find some! That would be cool.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Goldeneye on May 30, 2013, 02:58:00 PM
Just....be.....safe....


And take your GoPro of course.
Goldeneye wont let me poop on the trail :( trip RUINED
Did you promise to use camo'd TP?
If I could find some! That would be cool.

Here you go Smossy:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Rivers-Edge-Camo-Toilet-Paper-Per/1404971.uts?productVariantId=3191422&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=1404971&rid=40&channel=GoogleBaseUSA&mr:trackingCode=447698CC-3445-E211-BA78-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=25988358431&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=52255551551&gclid=CKjnraTpvrcCFUVyQgodnm4Azw (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Rivers-Edge-Camo-Toilet-Paper-Per/1404971.uts?productVariantId=3191422&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=1404971&rid=40&channel=GoogleBaseUSA&mr:trackingCode=447698CC-3445-E211-BA78-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=25988358431&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=52255551551&gclid=CKjnraTpvrcCFUVyQgodnm4Azw)
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on May 30, 2013, 02:58:32 PM
My buddy summited Rainier last year, drank a can of vitamin R at the top. After seeing that picture i decided I wanted to do that. Then I saw how much it cost. Drinking beer at home is much cheaper and safer. But if i ever have thousands of dollars and can't find any good use for it but to pay to hike to the tallest hill to drink a beer than I will be all over it.
EDIT* smossysgirl, bring nutterbutters. Just think if you walked up to the top of st. Helens how good a nutterbutter would taste. With chocolate milk?
Lol St Helens is probably rated easy compaired to Rainier. It only ran us 22$ for passes 2 months in advance and cost of food/gas/utilities needed for the hike. Thats about it.

I'm assuming the buddy that climbed Rainier used a guide company. That's the only reason it would cost thousands of dollars that I can think of.

Smossy-
You should hit Adams next.

Timely. Lol
When we summited Adams in one day it took 13 hours!

When we summitted Adams we spent the night half way up and it took us 2 days. 13 hours is manly. I feel like a pansy now. Of course, I'm probably an old dude compared to you too.
 :chuckle:

It was 7 years ago. I was 38. I had lost almost 100 pounds and was hiking and running allot before this to lose weight and get in tip top shape. This was my true test. I smoked a pack a day at that time still and ran the last 2 miles down.  :yike:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 30, 2013, 03:02:43 PM
My buddy summited Rainier last year, drank a can of vitamin R at the top. After seeing that picture i decided I wanted to do that. Then I saw how much it cost. Drinking beer at home is much cheaper and safer. But if i ever have thousands of dollars and can't find any good use for it but to pay to hike to the tallest hill to drink a beer than I will be all over it.
EDIT* smossysgirl, bring nutterbutters. Just think if you walked up to the top of st. Helens how good a nutterbutter would taste. With chocolate milk?
Lol St Helens is probably rated easy compaired to Rainier. It only ran us 22$ for passes 2 months in advance and cost of food/gas/utilities needed for the hike. Thats about it.

I'm assuming the buddy that climbed Rainier used a guide company. That's the only reason it would cost thousands of dollars that I can think of.

Smossy-
You should hit Adams next.

Timely. Lol
When we summited Adams in one day it took 13 hours!

When we summitted Adams we spent the night half way up and it took us 2 days. 13 hours is manly. I feel like a pansy now. Of course, I'm probably an old dude compared to you too.
 :chuckle:

It was 7 years ago. I was 38. I had lost almost 100 pounds and was hiking and running allot before this to lose weight and get in tip top shape. This was my true test. I smoked a pack a day at that time still and ran the last 2 miles down.  :yike:

Right on, its a big accomplishment if you ask me.  I eat cheeseburgers every other day, hate to run, havent hiked in a month. This will be interesting.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: 92xj on May 30, 2013, 03:08:23 PM
Sounds like a fun trip/hike.  Goodluck Smossy!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Austrian Hunter on May 30, 2013, 03:09:30 PM
What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger  :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: jackelope on May 30, 2013, 03:10:42 PM
My buddy summited Rainier last year, drank a can of vitamin R at the top. After seeing that picture i decided I wanted to do that. Then I saw how much it cost. Drinking beer at home is much cheaper and safer. But if i ever have thousands of dollars and can't find any good use for it but to pay to hike to the tallest hill to drink a beer than I will be all over it.
EDIT* smossysgirl, bring nutterbutters. Just think if you walked up to the top of st. Helens how good a nutterbutter would taste. With chocolate milk?
Lol St Helens is probably rated easy compaired to Rainier. It only ran us 22$ for passes 2 months in advance and cost of food/gas/utilities needed for the hike. Thats about it.

I'm assuming the buddy that climbed Rainier used a guide company. That's the only reason it would cost thousands of dollars that I can think of.

Smossy-
You should hit Adams next.

Timely. Lol
When we summited Adams in one day it took 13 hours!

When we summitted Adams we spent the night half way up and it took us 2 days. 13 hours is manly. I feel like a pansy now. Of course, I'm probably an old dude compared to you too.
 :chuckle:

It was 7 years ago. I was 38. I had lost almost 100 pounds and was hiking and running allot before this to lose weight and get in tip top shape. This was my true test. I smoked a pack a day at that time still and ran the last 2 miles down.  :yike:

Yeah so you had me by a year. Booo. I suck. I think I could round trip it in one day as long as I wasn't carrying overnight gear. Going to drive down Friday night this year and camp at the trailhead, then summit and back to lunch counter Saturday, then wake up sunday morning and hike out/drive home. Last year we drove down Saturday morning 5.5 hours, hiked to the lunch counter then spent the night there. Summitted the next morning, hiked all the way back to the car and drove home 5.5 hours. Felt like I was going to keel over by the time I got home. Just want to enjoy it this year and not feel like we're rushing.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on May 30, 2013, 03:16:05 PM
My buddy summited Rainier last year, drank a can of vitamin R at the top. After seeing that picture i decided I wanted to do that. Then I saw how much it cost. Drinking beer at home is much cheaper and safer. But if i ever have thousands of dollars and can't find any good use for it but to pay to hike to the tallest hill to drink a beer than I will be all over it.
EDIT* smossysgirl, bring nutterbutters. Just think if you walked up to the top of st. Helens how good a nutterbutter would taste. With chocolate milk?
Lol St Helens is probably rated easy compaired to Rainier. It only ran us 22$ for passes 2 months in advance and cost of food/gas/utilities needed for the hike. Thats about it.

I'm assuming the buddy that climbed Rainier used a guide company. That's the only reason it would cost thousands of dollars that I can think of.

Smossy-
You should hit Adams next.

Timely. Lol
When we summited Adams in one day it took 13 hours!

When we summitted Adams we spent the night half way up and it took us 2 days. 13 hours is manly. I feel like a pansy now. Of course, I'm probably an old dude compared to you too.
 :chuckle:

It was 7 years ago. I was 38. I had lost almost 100 pounds and was hiking and running allot before this to lose weight and get in tip top shape. This was my true test. I smoked a pack a day at that time still and ran the last 2 miles down.  :yike:

Yeah so you had me by a year. Booo. I suck. I think I could round trip it in one day as long as I wasn't carrying overnight gear. Going to drive down Friday night this year and camp at the trailhead, then summit and back to lunch counter Saturday, then wake up sunday morning and hike out/drive home. Last year we drove down Saturday morning 5.5 hours, hiked to the lunch counter then spent the night there. Summitted the next morning, hiked all the way back to the car and drove home 5.5 hours. Felt like I was going to keel over by the time I got home. Just want to enjoy it this year and not feel like we're rushing.

Without gear its much faster. We were prepared to stay if SHTF but only lots of layer clothes and a bit of food and water, not stoves, fuel, bags, or tents. We drove down and camped at the head, climed it the next day, then stayed in Hood River that night. We were jello and were not driving back that night. Had a big celebration meal and crashed hard.

Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: SteelheadDC on May 30, 2013, 03:25:37 PM
I just saw this thread, and if you are planning on glissading down, which you will, YOU NEED AN ICE AX.  An uncontrolled slide on a pitch greater than 30 degrees approaches an acceleration of  free fall.  Also if you climb St Helans latter in the year, gators are a must b/c of the ash it gets in everything.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: h20hunter on May 31, 2013, 08:18:38 AM
Keep the crazy fool in your thoughts....hoping for safe, uneventful, make it down in one piece day for Smossy.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Bluesdude on May 31, 2013, 08:24:39 AM
I would take a GPS if you have one, and note the wood trail markers on the way up.  You shouldnt have to deal with the soft pumice near the top, since it should be snow covered.  Even on a nice days like we are expecting this weekend, you can get socked in up there.  I will be below ya on Coldwater Lake fishing Saturday.  Bring layers in case it gets cold/windy.  Even though the top is only about 8800 feet the temps can vary. 

Todd
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on May 31, 2013, 11:32:15 PM
Mission accomplished, most physically demanding thing Ive ever done in my life hands down... no snowshoes, no crampons, no ice axe. We had clouds near the timber line but as elevation increased so did the difficulty, and then the clouds parted ways and made for an amazing day. Total hike was 14 hours - alittle longer then expected but it was worth it, got a perfecy clear view of all three mountains. I took alot of photos and about 5 hours of gopro footage so once I get that together ill post it up, in the car on the way home. Did i mention Im beat! Holy crap.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: hrd2fnd on May 31, 2013, 11:48:31 PM
glad to see your back safe and sound my friend,looking forward to the photographs

 :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: RadSav on May 31, 2013, 11:51:04 PM
Sounds like we need to invite you into our elk camp.  I now know you can cook and we are always looking for a designated pack mule.  How good are you at building and maintaining latrines  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Greenhorn on June 01, 2013, 12:01:03 AM
Nice job Smossy!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: newbie76 on June 01, 2013, 12:45:22 AM
Have fun! I had plans to do it but never made it! I will definitely get it done here sometime soon. Post all videos and pictures I would love to see them!!!!

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 01, 2013, 08:04:06 AM
Congratulations Smossy  :tup:.  :whoo:

Any lessons learned you want to share with us? Why no ice ax?

That has been a bucket list item for me for a long time.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: dawn2dusk on June 01, 2013, 08:38:55 AM
Right on!!  :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Austrian Hunter on June 01, 2013, 09:53:19 AM
Super cool!!  Can't wait to see the pictures and video!!!!  Great Job!! 
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Transka on June 01, 2013, 10:05:23 AM
Love that Hike Hate the Boulder field though I went in sept last year no snow I am sure its a lot easier with snow !
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Axle on June 01, 2013, 10:33:10 AM
Current picture. Doesn't look like it will be too much of anything. Should be nice.  :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Rob on June 01, 2013, 10:52:35 AM
Missed this thread.  Congrats!  I find it a fun hike and plan to try to do it every year.

Weather on the bottom is totally different than weather on top!  first time we went there it was overcast and cool at camp.  This turned to rain and fog that dropped viz to 40 yards on the way up.  This turned to 70 mph winds with blowing snow on top.  I did not have a wind gauge, but I ride motorcycles so I know what 70 mph winds feel like!  True misery.  It was like being caught in a very cold sand storm.   As I neared the top I met some of my buddies who had turned around.  One of them had been wearing a cheap rain poncho.  The cold weather and wind had shredded it to ribbons with only the hood intact.  I will never get the hysterical image of my buddy looking like he was wearing a large camo colored salmon hoochie on his head!  I was the only one who made it to the rim.  I did not make it to the true summit (about 1/4 mile to the west of where the trail from the bivouac trail hits the rim) as I did not want to try it solo being the first time I had done the hike.  I made one big mistake on that trip.  I’d planned on a victory celebration of smoking my pipe and enjoying a shot of single malt.  Well the wind was so strong there was no easy way to light the pipe.  Also my hands were FREEZING even with gloves so spending time on the rim was not exactly high on my list.  But I was able to do the shot of scotch.  I am not a drinker – I enjoy a quality beer and really enjoy a good scotch from time to time, but I limit my consumption. I might enjoy an adult beverage once every month to month and a half and never more than 2-3 drinks per time – and that is spread out over several hours.  Needless to say I am a light weight. Well, this marks the one and only time I have been "drunk".  Between the altitude and exertion, and even though it was just an ounce and a half of scotch, it hit me like a hammer.  I drank it rather fast as I wanted to get the hell off the rim, and within a minute I became light headed and dizzy.  I honestly don’t remember much from the next 5 min or so as I stumbled down the mountain.  Once I got below the rim and the wind died down to a nice calm 50 mph, I sat down and drank some water to hydrate.  This seemed to quell the effects of the scotch and I felt much better.  The first photo was my view of the rim that year.  It is exactly as I remember the rim to be.  Dark, cold, blurry and miserable.  Heck, this could be a dive photo of dalco wall!

Last year we did it and the weather was outstanding.  We spent 5 hours on the top and I went to the true summit two times.  We had sun and the wind was under 20 mph.  Very enjoyable.  Second and third photos are from that trip.

I did my first winter ascent back in April and that was great too.  lots of fun.  fourth photo is of that trip.

We have a permit for August this year so that should be fun. 

We plan on doing Adams this year if the weather cooperates.  We plan on hitting Baker and Rainer next year.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Rob on June 01, 2013, 10:59:33 AM
On the drive back from Mt St Helens in April, our climb team was thinking about our approach to climbing. 

For example, we all agreed that I was kinda stupid to solo the summit in the weather we had a couple years back.  Since we want to do more technical mountains in the next few years, we decided to put some guidelines into our climbs going forward.  As one of my buddies always says, the Mountain don’t care if you live or die…

I’ll share the output here for others to consider.
_________________

The Mountain may not care if you live or die, but we do care if members of our party live or die or get hurt... We want to do these to have fun, and dealing with an injured person, too many people in a climbing party, or radically different climbing techniques would impact safety and fun.

To that end, here are some of the guard rails we brainstormed on:

1. Date setting
Planning a trip like this is complicated and difficult. The climbing depends on availability of the climbing teams (more on climbing teams in a moment), and the weather. For the last trip to St Helens, we canceled 2x before we were able to make it up the Mt.

Due to complexity of scheduling, the climbing dates will be set by the lead climbing team. Anyone who wants to come along can do so, but we can't afford to pick dates based on committee or it won't get done. Others who want to go on their own trip on different dates would be encouraged to do so and we will of course all be welcome to share info and plans and root for each other. I know that sounds kinda harsh and I don’t like to be that way, but I don’t see this working any other way based on what we have done in the past.

A final go/no-go decision for the climb will need to be made just prior to the event. And each team will need to make that call on their own.

2. Climbing teams
Climbing teams need to be created. We recommend a minimum of 2, and a maximum of 4 similarly matched climbers. This is important for a few reasons.

First is safety. We think it is important that the teams be within 100 yards (or visual range, whatever is shorter) of each other so that they can be there for each other if there are issues.

Second is pace. It is not fun to feel as though you are rushing to keep up with another climber who is out of sight ahead of you. Likewise it is not fun to feel as though you have to stop just as you are getting your stride on the way up.

We base the size on safety and logistics. 2 would be a minimum for safety. As we get into rope up situations, the minimum should probably be more like 3 – but we need more experience before we can comment on that.

We feel strongly that once we go to more advanced climbs than Mt St Helens, the importance of a climbing team will increase. The teams really need to commit to sticking together (i.e. no more than 100 yards of separation or whatever you agree to). We don't want one person turning around early or forging on ahead solo forcing the rest of the team, or other teams to have to abort their hikes to do a search.

3. Planning and training
We feel that the teams should not just show up the day of the climb and decide how to attack it. Eventually we want to do Baker, Rainer, Glacier and possibly Hood. So working as a team will have downstream benefits.

It is important that the teams each have pre-agreed to abort criteria (based on fatigue, visibility, weather conditions, time of day, etc)

The teams need to agree on the minimum equipment needed (crampons, ice axe, ropes, etc).

The teams should plan to be familiar with their equipment prior to the climb.

The teams should plan to be conditioned to make the climb (dealing with elevation gain, endurance, and effects of altitude)



Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on June 01, 2013, 12:17:18 PM
Ill write more of a story of what happened later, Im just too sore, burnt, miserable right now to sit here and think about it all :chuckle:
Like I said earlier I think. It was in fact the most physical demanding thing I've ever done in my life x4 - It was beyond what my body/muscles could do and It turned into all mental ability from there.
Here are some photos of the trip. I think ill be able to remember how amazing it was here in a few days when I recuperate. :tup: To all who want to do this, DO it. Push yourself to the limit. Its rewarding and its beautiful to be above the cloud line.
 
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on June 01, 2013, 12:18:41 PM
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Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on June 01, 2013, 12:20:21 PM
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Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on June 01, 2013, 12:21:16 PM
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Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens Friday Morning
Post by: Smossy on June 01, 2013, 12:22:01 PM
And this is the price I payed :chuckle:

Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Austrian Hunter on June 01, 2013, 12:52:26 PM
 :tup: Nice pics!!! Besides that last one  :chuckle: Ouch!!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Rob on June 01, 2013, 12:54:15 PM
Oh...  Ouch....
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Axle on June 01, 2013, 01:23:34 PM
Last time I went up that mountain I was riding a snowmobile. Lots of fun it was!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Becky on June 01, 2013, 02:14:06 PM
Last time I went up that mountain I was riding a snowmobile. Lots of fun it was!

That would be my style of mountain climbing lol..
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: mtman on June 01, 2013, 03:16:24 PM
Looks like a small price to pay. Thats one thing you can cross off your list, One I hope too. Good job
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Smossy on June 01, 2013, 04:00:03 PM
Looks like a small price to pay. That's one thing you can cross off your list, One I hope too. Good job
You can do it. Its worth it, I must add glissading down is the funnest part! I have some awesome video I shot of the whole way down. Ill post it up in a few days.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Alan K on June 01, 2013, 05:15:46 PM
Looks like a blast! Some great pictures there!
Title: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: jackelope on June 01, 2013, 05:24:07 PM
Congrats man. The sunburn will go away. The memories and satisfaction will last forever.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Smossy on June 01, 2013, 05:31:33 PM
Congrats man. The sunburn will go away. The memories and satisfaction will last forever.
You got that right man! It was Insane, I almost called it quits a few times. I had a great partner though who wouldnt let me leave without reaching the top :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Smossy on June 01, 2013, 09:05:42 PM
So apparently the burns to my face are 2nd degree, Its beginning to blister up pretty severely and my nose/lips are completely swollen. Very painful, but I still think it was worth it.

If anyone ever decides to summit, I don't care how hot you get, wear some type of hat, and wear lots of sunscreen below your eye-line. Your going to sweat a lot so anything above your eye-line is going to pick up sunscreen and run into your eyes and it sucks.

:nono: I had initially put some on but that's why I stopped re-applying and payed dearly for it - Happy trails everyone and be safe out there.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics Added)
Post by: Smossy on June 02, 2013, 01:38:09 PM
Video of the trip. :tup:


Climbing to St. Helen's Summit 2013 - Gopro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMsys2b7NXg#ws)
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on June 02, 2013, 01:40:25 PM
Sounds like we need to invite you into our elk camp.  I now know you can cook and we are always looking for a designated pack mule.  How good are you at building and maintaining latrines  :chuckle:
Sounds like fun, Id gladly take building latrines to feed off your experience and expertise any day :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on June 02, 2013, 01:55:19 PM
Congratulations Smossy  :tup:.  :whoo:

Any lessons learned you want to share with us? Why no ice ax?

That has been a bucket list item for me for a long time.
Lessons learned, Never doubt your own physical abilities, Never climb without sunscreen! lol
Biggest thing... One step at a time, that replayed in my head over and over and over.

We were planning on picking up an ice axe and crampons when we got up there because my buddy said he was 100% sure they rented them where we were staying... He was wrong, so we weren't able to get anything. :dunno: Ice axe wasn't necessary though. I did just fine without it. Now crampons on the other hand, could have came in handy big time.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on June 02, 2013, 01:56:40 PM
Love that Hike Hate the Boulder field though I went in sept last year no snow I am sure its a lot easier with snow !
Wasn't much easier, Boulder field is a boulder field lol. I'm sure it would be different in the dead of winter, but it was all rocks until we got to the actual base.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: biggfish on June 02, 2013, 09:16:06 PM
Hey smossy it has been bugging me you look so familiar in your old profile pic but with new ones you posted I now recognize you we went to school together a while back I had a class or two with your girl too
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on June 02, 2013, 09:51:00 PM
Hey smossy it has been bugging me you look so familiar in your old profile pic but with new ones you posted I now recognize you we went to school together a while back I had a class or two with your girl too
Oh yeah? Send me a pm, let me know who you are.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on January 12, 2014, 12:54:36 PM
OK Ladies and Gents, Another summit planned for April/May . If anyone wants to see what they're made of, lets maybe meet up? Going to Bring my lady along so she can have an experience of a lifetime.   :hello:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 12, 2014, 05:22:54 PM
Cool vid and pics, Smossy. Thanks.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on January 12, 2014, 05:26:33 PM
Cool vid and pics, Smossy. Thanks.
No problem, If and when we do it again this year Ill have more footage. Hopefully going to take a different route.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: timberghost72 on January 12, 2014, 05:59:25 PM
That looks like a ton of fun. A bit painful too  :chuckle: St. Helens, Adams, and Glacier Peak are all on my bucket list. Some day....
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on January 12, 2014, 07:31:55 PM
OK Ladies and Gents, Another summit planned for April/May . If anyone wants to see what they're made of, lets maybe meet up? Going to Bring my lady along so she can have an experience of a lifetime.   :hello:

bring crampons, snow shoes and an ice axe.  We went lmid april last year and there was still heavy snow (see photo).

We are headed back in two weeks for another winter attempt.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on January 12, 2014, 07:39:49 PM
OK Ladies and Gents, Another summit planned for April/May . If anyone wants to see what they're made of, lets maybe meet up? Going to Bring my lady along so she can have an experience of a lifetime.   :hello:

bring crampons, snow shoes and an ice axe.  We went lmid april last year and there was still heavy snow (see photo).

We are headed back in two weeks for another winter attempt.
No need for crampons, snow shoes, or an ice axe :tup:
My summit was on May 30th and It was an awesome trip. Go back and review my photos. Looks like we went up the same day from the photos haha.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on January 12, 2014, 08:54:30 PM
My trip was on April 15th.  We were in snow at the parking lot and the snow blown ice on some if the hills was treacherous even with crampons.  Be careful, she can eat lunch if you turn your back.  Spring is a volatile time of year.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics &amp; Video Added)
Post by: jackelope on January 12, 2014, 08:57:03 PM
No way would I be up there without crampons and an ice axe that time of year. Better to have them and not need them than...you know the rest.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on January 12, 2014, 09:11:00 PM
You can rent them cheap at REI.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on January 12, 2014, 09:18:39 PM
No way would I be up there without crampons and an ice axe that time of year. Better to have them and not need them than...you know the rest.
I heed your warnings but the simple fact was we just didn't need them that time. Nothing was steep enough besides the last 700 feet that ever had me concerned about needing an ice axe. The people with crampons had more problems then we did. Some low profile snow shoes may have helped though. Not enough surface area at some times and I would sink to my waist.

My trip was on April 15th.  We were in snow at the parking lot and the snow blown ice on some if the hills was treacherous even with crampons.  Be careful, she can eat lunch if you turn your back.  Spring is a volatile time of year.
Not sure how much 5 weeks makes a difference as far as snow depth and conditions goes really. Our time of the year there were lots of people with less then us, Even a few couples flying past us in blue jeans, t shirts, no packs, and tennis shoes. :dunno: crazzzy..


I thought I liked to live on the edge alittle :chuckle:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Bmcox86 on January 12, 2014, 09:22:31 PM
If you do it in May I might join join y'all, I've been wanting to do this since I got here and this may be my last full year here
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on January 12, 2014, 09:24:33 PM
If you do it in May I might join join y'all, I've been wanting to do this since I got here and this may be my last full year here
Its very exhausting. Keep that in mind. I tried to give up like 4 times but my partner wouldnt let me. Im thankful he didnt let me. It was an eye opening experience. Changed my life alittle.
14 hour total hike, 10 hours up, 4 down.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on January 12, 2014, 10:13:11 PM
More power to you and if you go late May you probably won't need any extra gear.  However if you shoot for April like your post said, then it is likely you would wish you had it.

Like I said, we went April 15th last year and the snow drifts were 2-3 feet tall in the parking lot.  Wind polished ice on the slopes and we had to cut our own steps in many places.  Spring weather can change on a dime. 

Keep an eye on this site for Weather
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Saint-Helens/forecasts/2549 (http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Saint-Helens/forecasts/2549)

here are our photos from April.  One good storm and this is what June can look like on Helens.

You should shoot for Adams in the Summer.  Great hike.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on January 12, 2014, 10:18:31 PM
More power to you and if you go late May you probably won't need any extra gear.  However if you shoot for April like your post said, then it is likely you would wish you had it.

Like I said, we went April 15th last year and the snow drifts were 2-3 feet tall in the parking lot.  Wind polished ice on the slopes and we had to cut our own steps in many places.  Spring weather can change on a dime. 

Keep an eye on this site for Weather
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Saint-Helens/forecasts/2549 (http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Saint-Helens/forecasts/2549)

here are our photos from April.  One good storm and this is what June can look like on Helens.

You should shoot for Adams in the Summer.  Great hike.
I can tell, that's the same route we took. It looks much colder when you went so Ill take your word for it. We usually keep a close eye on the weather a month or so before we go so we have time to prep. Im super outa shape right now so It may even be harder then last time. This route being the harder of the two main routes (from what I hear) I dont remember the names really but It would come back to me as I went. Im sure we will be prepared regardless though. I don't have a death wish.


I do plan on doing Adam's some day. There's something about Mountaineering that's just incredible.
All I remember was....
"Who the heck does this for fun" Then getting to the top and being like "It all makes sense now" :chuckle:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on January 12, 2014, 10:21:24 PM
Oh yeah, guy in our party lost his eyesight the day after that trip for nearly two weeks because he did not bring sunglasses.  Said it felt like he had sand in his eyes for two weeks.  Basically he sunburned his retina.  He advised us this was not something we should strive towards trying out anytime soon.

Bring those glasses back up there with you (and put on sunblock more than a couple times too)!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on January 12, 2014, 10:24:23 PM
Oh yeah, guy in our party lost his eyesight the day after that trip for nearly two weeks because he did not bring sunglasses.  Said it felt like he had sand in his eyes for two weeks.  Basically he sunburned his retina.  He advised us this was not something we should strive towards trying out anytime soon.

Bring those glasses back up there with you (and put on sunblock more than a couple times too)!

Yeah I know now lol, If you remember we had a few conversations a page or two back before I went last time...

This was the result of not using sunscreen other than one initial application before the hike.

(http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=126165.0;attach=259290;image)
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on January 12, 2014, 10:36:59 PM
That picture is just plain nasty...  Whenever I think I don't need a new coat of sunblock I think back on that photo!

I didn't get it either till I went up Mt St Helens.  Now I am hooked.  Did Adams last year and Helens twice.  Did the approach to Baker two times and poked around on the glacier.  Now that was a rush! Whole new ball game.

My buddies and I joined the Mountaineers and are taking the Basic climbing class.  Starts on the 21st and we cannot wait.  Our goal is to do Baker and Rainer this year followed by Glacier Peak next year.    We want to get up Helens two times in the winter in prep.  We might shoot for Adams again late summer if Baker and Rainer go well.  The way the snow is this year though, who knows what the glaciers will be like.

Make Adams a priority.  Do it as a two day trip.  one day to Lunch Counter, stay the night, then summit the next day and head all the way down.

My buddies and I try to do an after work hike every week to get ready for climbing season.  Between April and August last year we were able to get in one every week except for 2-3 where work got in the way.  Amazing the difference it made, and we got to know our local peaks really well.

If you want a good "test" for Mt St Helens, go up Mailbox a few times.  if you can do that, Helens won't kick your butt too bad..
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mailbox-peak (http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mailbox-peak)
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: timberghost72 on January 13, 2014, 08:54:12 PM
That picture is just plain nasty...  Whenever I think I don't need a new coat of sunblock I think back on that photo!

I didn't get it either till I went up Mt St Helens.  Now I am hooked.  Did Adams last year and Helens twice.  Did the approach to Baker two times and poked around on the glacier.  Now that was a rush! Whole new ball game.

My buddies and I joined the Mountaineers and are taking the Basic climbing class.  Starts on the 21st and we cannot wait.  Our goal is to do Baker and Rainer this year followed by Glacier Peak next year.    We want to get up Helens two times in the winter in prep.  We might shoot for Adams again late summer if Baker and Rainer go well.  The way the snow is this year though, who knows what the glaciers will be like.

Make Adams a priority.  Do it as a two day trip.  one day to Lunch Counter, stay the night, then summit the next day and head all the way down.

My buddies and I try to do an after work hike every week to get ready for climbing season.  Between April and August last year we were able to get in one every week except for 2-3 where work got in the way.  Amazing the difference it made, and we got to know our local peaks really well.

If you want a good "test" for Mt St Helens, go up Mailbox a few times.  if you can do that, Helens won't kick your butt too bad..
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mailbox-peak (http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mailbox-peak)

Hey Rob,
 
How do you like the Mountaineers? I do alot of hiking and some backpacking and have joined up as a guest a couple months ago in order to learn some mountaineering skills, and to also find others to go out with, but have yet to go on an outing. I have heard/read some negative comments about them but also great things too. Just curious on the club and personal experiences.

Tony

sorry for the   :jacked:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on January 13, 2014, 09:49:30 PM
I'll let you know. I just joined and class starts on the 21st.  We plan to go into this with open unbiased minds, learn how to do everthing they teach without second guessing their methods, and then when class is over keep or reject what they teach us based on how it seems to apply to what we want to do.

I am sure that in climbing, as in hunting, fishing, diving, stamp collecting, or whatever, there are big egos and strong opinions on what is "right".  I like to listen to each POV and adopt the things that seem to work for me.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: timberghost72 on January 13, 2014, 10:05:18 PM
Cool, Thanks. I need to get my butt into a few classes and some outings soon. I'll share my experiences as well. Your approach to it sounds solid.  :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 03, 2014, 12:51:52 PM
A case for Crampons and an ice axe in hand when on steep snowfields...

http://www.summitpost.org/coleman-headwall-and-aftermath/885528 (http://www.summitpost.org/coleman-headwall-and-aftermath/885528)

Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Cylvertip on February 03, 2014, 01:17:10 PM
St Helens?  Info is from Baker???  Good heads up though on better safe than sorry.


 :sry: :sry: :sry: OOOPS  - MY BAD! I missed the first 4 pages of the thread when I put this post in. :bash: :bash:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 03, 2014, 02:04:59 PM
St Helens has snow just like Baker!

The point of the cross post was to illustrate how a snow field fall and slide can have significant consequences and how the proper gear and training to arrest a fall, or prevent it in the first place can save a helo evac
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Becky on February 03, 2014, 02:12:10 PM
St Helens has snow just like Baker!

The point of the cross post was to illustrate how a snow field fall and slide can have significant consequences and how the proper gear to arrest a fall, or prevent it in the first place can save a helo evac

Snow yes, but not a wall like that.. and not as treacherous... and I'm not sure sledding down a mountain (like they do to go down Helen's) is the same as hiking down it (as they do on Baker) :dunno:. Lots go up Helen's in warmer season and there's no snow at all on compared to Baker's year round snow. There is a big difference in the mountains, and Baker is more dangerous. If you're going up Helen's in the early and mid winter then I'd agree with you to be prepared with everything possible but going up later then no.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 03, 2014, 02:39:18 PM
I have been on both, and you are right, they are totally different mountains.   lots more snow and glacier on Baker.

But on a trip in April - June on Helens you will see large snow fields. In the right, (or wrong! conditions), you will be potentially faced with very slick slopes that if you slip while walking down, you will loose 100-1,000 feet of altitude in one bite.  The slip is no big deal.  Its the landing that is an issue!  if the slope tails out then you coast to a nice slow stop.  If it terminates with a rock field, a cliff, or in the case of the cross post, a tree (which btw means they were not even on the snow fields/glaciers when it happened), then it could be disasterous.

I was up at Muir two weekends ago on a Rainer summit scounting trip for later this year and on the way down we saw a guy struggling on the panorama point section of the climb.  This is a steep section of about 400 feet of gain.  He slipped and shot down the snow like a rocket - probably only lost 200 feet of altitude and looked like he was doing 20mph down the hill.  He did pretty good till the last 20 yards when he snowballed and had a yardsale.  Was scratched up pretty bad, but no major injuries.  Had he hit something probably would have broken something.  He is lucky he did not snap his wrists with his trekking poles that were still on his wrists.  Crampons would have prevented the fall, and an ice axe would have arrested it once it happened.

Mt St Helens is an easy hike overall and the south ascent is not technical at all.  But it is also not Mt Si.  She can eat your lunch if you don't keep an eye on her!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: jackelope on February 03, 2014, 05:14:26 PM
There's no such thing as being too prepared on a mountain, especially a big mountain in April in the Cascades. At the cost of renting an ice axe and crampons...about $40 for 3 days if I remember correctly, you'd be silly not to take them. It's not like they take up a bunch of space or weight. The crampons will more than likely be strapped onto the outside of your pack not taking up any space anyway. It's 10x better to have and not need than to need and not have. You've got fairly experienced people telling you to take them. They're not making this stuff up for grins. I'd listen.
Just my .02
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 03, 2014, 11:24:32 PM
I'll loan a pair of crampons and an ice axe to you if that helps!  Only have one of each so you'd still need to get a second pair.

the crampons I have will go on any pair of boots with a protruding heel (not molded).   my ice axe is on the long side as I am over 6 foot, but it would work.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on February 04, 2014, 06:55:16 PM
I'll loan a pair of crampons and an ice axe to you if that helps!  Only have one of each so you'd still need to get a second pair.

the crampons I have will go on any pair of boots with a protruding heel (not molded).   my ice axe is on the long side as I am over 6 foot, but it would work.
Thanks for the offer rob, Well get it all figured out as time dwindles down. :tup: I might pick up my own set of stuff by then.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 05, 2014, 08:47:59 AM
Let me know, might be able to find a second pair as well.

You two should really go for Adams this year.  Hike to Lunch Counter and stay the night, then summit the next day.   Mt St Helens is just the gateway drug.

Check out the glacade shoot down pikers to Lunchcounter!  2 hrs up, 15 min down
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 05, 2014, 08:56:30 AM
(and take the crampons off before you go down a glacade run!!)
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 05, 2014, 09:05:25 AM
And sorry if I am a dog with a bone on this.  Just don't want to see anyone get hurt!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: jackelope on February 05, 2014, 12:06:33 PM
(and take the crampons off before you go down a glacade run!!)

Rob-
The glissade looks deep in your pics. What time of year were you up there in those pics?
I'm going again this year. Hope for mid-July.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 05, 2014, 01:42:46 PM
We went end of July (7/26).  Chutes were huge and a little intimidating, but not as bad once you got into them.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: jackelope on February 05, 2014, 01:46:49 PM
Huh...same time of year we went, but a year later. We were there 7/21/12. Maybe a colder year with a bigger snow pack. The snow looks a little skinny too.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 05, 2014, 03:25:07 PM
That was my only trip there so I don't have anything to compare it to.  here is our summit shot so you can see how much (or little?) snow pack is on the shelter relative to your trip.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: jackelope on February 05, 2014, 04:45:53 PM
The shelter was not visible when we were there.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on February 05, 2014, 05:52:29 PM
(and take the crampons off before you go down a glacade run!!)

Rob-
The glissade looks deep in your pics. What time of year were you up there in those pics?
I'm going again this year. Hope for mid-July.

Let me know when/if you decide to do this, I may want to tag along if thats ok. Its something I want to do :tup: whats the elevation gain and miles up?
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: jackelope on February 05, 2014, 06:02:32 PM
(and take the crampons off before you go down a glacade run!!)

Rob-
The glissade looks deep in your pics. What time of year were you up there in those pics?
I'm going again this year. Hope for mid-July.

Let me know when/if you decide to do this, I may want to tag along if thats ok. Its something I want to do :tup: whats the elevation gain and miles up?

It's +/- 7k' in elevation gain and I don't know how many miles. It's mostly all in snow. The trailhead is about 5k, the Lunch Counter, as Rob mentioned is 9500 or so, and the summit is 12,200' ?? I think? I stop at the Lunch Counter and spend the night. I'll let you know. Crampons and ice axe are sort of a must, especially if you want to glissade. A volcano permit is also a must. You probably already know about those.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 06, 2014, 02:57:23 PM
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-adams-south-climb (http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-adams-south-climb)

12 miles RT, 6700 feet of gain, summit at 12,276 feet (second highest peak in WA)

Lunch Counter is a huge flat spot that you can stay the night on. 

from the parking lot you walk some dirt trails for a couple miles, then do a mile or so on steep snow fields to Lunch Counter.  Then from there you can summit or stay the night.  There are "tent nests" built into rocks for tent sites (see photo).

In the AM you make a run up pikers peak, decend a little and then make the final summit bid. 
(second photo shows the route from pikers to the summit)

Last photo is a view of Adams from Mt St Helens where you can see pikers and the lunch counter.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: jackelope on February 06, 2014, 04:53:32 PM
Here's a few more.
1st one is from the lunch counter looking towards Mt. Saint Helens. My tent in one of the tent nests. That one stunk bad like stale pee. I suspect they all do.
2nd is the steep snow field on the way up to the Lunch Counter.
3rd is the trail between Piker's Peak in the background. My buddy is standing on the summit when he took my pic on the last part of the ascent to the summit.
4th is us on the summit with Rainier in the background.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on February 07, 2014, 08:41:58 AM
you are right, you had a lot more snow than us.  compare this to the third one you posted above.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on November 16, 2015, 09:03:12 PM
This is quite an old post, But Im actually kinda looking into doing another summit here next year "2016"
Wondering if anyone on here is interesting in doing it with me "us" if my buddy goes. Be cool if there was someone that has already done it that wouldn't mind taking lead.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on February 15, 2018, 07:38:25 PM
Just picked up a DJI Mavic Air, Going to be doing this summit again. Ill keep yall posted when I do. Going to be so much cooler with some aerial videography.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics &amp; Video Added)
Post by: jackelope on February 15, 2018, 07:43:59 PM
Good for you. Keep us posted!
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on February 15, 2018, 07:55:00 PM
Good for you. Keep us posted!
Yeah, I looked into drones to try and help "push" me out and motivate me to get back outdoors and try to follow my photography passion again. Been in the dark so long and I figured this would be a step in the right direction. I miss making my weekly videos.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: lokidog on February 15, 2018, 08:08:04 PM
 :tup: :tup:

I did a 1000 foot glissade on Mt. Shasta many years ago, that was a blast!  Three hours up, ten minutes dow....
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Smossy on February 15, 2018, 08:11:31 PM
:tup: :tup:

I did a 1000 foot glissade on Mt. Shasta many years ago, that was a blast!  Three hours up, ten minutes dow....

Lol basically how st helens was. 10 hours up, 4 down. Probobly traveld about 3 miles down on my butt. :chuckle: such a blast.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: lokidog on February 15, 2018, 08:17:06 PM
:tup: :tup:

I did a 1000 foot glissade on Mt. Shasta many years ago, that was a blast!  Three hours up, ten minutes dow....

Lol basically how st helens was. 10 hours up, 4 down. Probobly traveld about 3 miles down on my butt. :chuckle: such a blast.

That's awesome, we only had a small section of the ascent that we could do it coming back down.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: bigjohn98591 on February 28, 2018, 06:17:23 AM
Just now saw this thread. I'm summiting St Helens in July for my 45th B-day. There will be close to 20 of us in our group. we plant to hit the trail at midnight so that we can be at the summit for sunrise. I'm so pumped fro this, started doing some training hikes. We did the Covel creek/Angel falls loop couple of weeks ago. Can't remember next months hike, but it will be followed by ape caves/ upper n lower Lewis river falls, MT Si, And Mail Box Peak and what ever else we can find to do in between.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Knocker of rocks on February 28, 2018, 06:58:23 AM
Remember, 20 is a big group, and rather unwieldy.  Come midnight, several will still probably want to sleep and you'll likely end up with two or three separate groups.  I prefer more modest groups where it is far easier to enforce safety protocols whatever the degree they are needed.

In any case, much of this will be self-selected prior to July
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: bigjohn98591 on February 28, 2018, 06:11:54 PM
Remember, 20 is a big group, and rather unwieldy.  Come midnight, several will still probably want to sleep and you'll likely end up with two or three separate groups.  I prefer more modest groups where it is far easier to enforce safety protocols whatever the degree they are needed.

In any case, much of this will be self-selected prior to July

I agree with the group Size being large, I'm kinda nervous about the size. I know 95% of the group and we all click well together, it's the 5% that I don't know that bothers me. If we wind up with a few scattered groups that wouldn't hurt my feelers to much. Either way I plant to enjoy my self and have thought about starting the training to do Adams and maybe spend my 50th on Rainier.
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on March 01, 2018, 01:35:07 AM
Have fun Big John! Summited from the Bivouac in 2014 - Last few feet were a bit of a grind but well worth the view!  :tup:
Title: Re: Summiting St. Helens - Mission Accomplished (Pics & Video Added)
Post by: Rob on March 01, 2018, 04:48:24 PM
I took a 14 year old up in early August a couple years go.  We woke up at midnight and were boots on trail around 12:30.  We hit the summit about 10 min after first light and were treated to a great sunrise 20 min later.  Our party of 5 or 6 had the whole summit to ourselves.

We kept a solid pace up the hill with only a couple 5 min breaks.  Sure was nice to be walking down in the heat while everyone else was walking up cooking!

Not sure if this helps with timing for you.  Some of the navigation can be a little tricky at night.  Follow the posts as the trails are braided.  As long as you have posts in view and are moving in an upward direction you should be fine.

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