Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail
Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail

Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail

Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail

Distance: 10.4mi
Elevation: 5,725ft
Time: 7.5-11h

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The view from Mount Saint Helens is a stunning sight, and it should be on the hiking list of every campable adventurer. The Worm Flows approach is challenging, but it requires no technical climbing skills and is the most direct winter route. This approach is just over 10.0mi long and requires 5725ft of vertical gain. You’ll not need mountaineering skills, but skis with skins or snowshoes with cleats are recommended. We also recommend you have some avalanche training before hiking this route. The summer approach is different.

Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail Map

Getting there

The trailhead for the Worm Flows Trail approach to Mount Saint Helens is in the Marble Creek Sno Park.

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About

Backcountry Campground

No

When to do

Year-round

Pets allowed

No

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Out and back


Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail
Elevation Graph


Mount Saint Helens Summit via Worm Flows Trail Description

Mount Saint Helens is a simply gorgeous trek and should be on the bucket list of any hiker fit enough to do it. Keep in mind, this hike is more accessible than you might think! The Worm Flows approach is a winter route. It doesn’t require mountaineering skills, but it does require a solid physical effort, preparation for the conditions, and the right gear (cleated snowshoes or skis with climbing skins are a good idea). All that being done, you can enjoy the amazing views from this active volcano.

This is a winter approach, so check out the Mount Saint Helens via Monitor Ridge route for summer climbs. You’ll want to do your best to plan for a day with minimal wind and clear weather in the forecast. The summit is almost always windy, but it can get brutal. Goggles aren’t a bad idea if you want to actually be able to enjoy your views in the gusts.

This route begins at the Marble Mountain Sno Park. Cross Swift Creek above Chocolate Falls. You’ll traverse across ridges and slopes as you leave the treeline. There are wooden route markers up until about 4800ft. There are also occasionally cairns.

Pick your way through the lava flows and the rock to the false summit. Depending on the snow level, you’ll likely be traversing a snowfield as you approach the summit. Make your way up the crater rim, where amazing views of Mount Rainier appear.

Make your way west around the rim to the summit. Enjoy the views for as long as you can, then retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Insider Hints

  • You’ll need a climber’s permit to complete this hike.

  • Stay off the cornices on the crater rim!

  • Avalanche safety training is highly recommended before doing this hike.

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