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The Worm Flows Climbing Route is the most direct winter route to the summit of Mount St. Helens.


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Map Key

10.5

Miles

17.0

KM

59%

Runnable

8,258' 2,517 m

High

2,675' 815 m

Low

5,600' 1,707 m

Up

5,599' 1,707 m

Down

20%

Avg Grade (11°)

65%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

A Climbing Permit is required per person, per day that you'll be traveling above 4800 ft on the slopes of Mount St. Helens. This trail is for winter use only when snow covered.

Overview

The Worm Flows Climbing Route is the main route to the summit of Mount St. Helens during the winter and early spring. Along the way, you won't find a shortage of steep grades to tackle, but the views from the top and sense of accomplishment you'll glean are worth the effort.

Need to Know

While 40 percent of this route is in the trees, roughly 60 percent is in wide open terrain. As such, be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and protective eyewear to block the reflection of the sun's harmful rays off the snowpack.

Runner Notes

This would be an impossible and incredibly unsafe trail run.

Description

Starting at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park parking lot, follow the Swift Ski Trail #244 north through dense forest to pass several junctions with other ski trails. Along the way, be sure to stay off the cross-country ski tracks as you make your way up moderate grades to reach the trail's end at a junction with the Loowit Trail. From here, follow the signs for the Worm Flows Climbing Route.

Once you are above treeline, the trail will follow some wooden posts along one of the lava flows. Eventually, the trail goes onto the rocks, where sometimes you'll see a very marked trail, but not always.

Depending on snowfall, the posts could very well be covered, so be sure to bring a GPS or the Trail Run Project mobile app to help keep you on course and off the hazardous glaciers.

Upon reaching the caldera rim, head west to reach the highest point on the volcano and a suite of fantastic panoramic views.

History & Background

Mount St. Helens erupted in a violent plume of ash and volcanic mudslides on May 18, 1980. Since that time, mother nature has done much to restore the vibrant ecosystems once present on the mountain, however evidence of the destructive power of this volcano can still be viewed today.

Contacts

Shared By:

Napo GV

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 17 votes

#514

Overall
  4.8 from 17 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#44

in Washington

#514

Overall
71 Views Last Month
10,287 Since Jun 1, 2017
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Photos

Rainier (left) and Adams (right) from the top of the St. Helens Caldera.
Dec 13, 2017 near Morton, WA
Summit of Mt St Helens, Washington
Jul 30, 2017 near Morton, WA
Crater of Mt. St. Helen's with Rainier in the distance
Jan 10, 2021 near Morton, WA
Lava Dome with steam vent in lower right center.
Jul 10, 2020 near Morton, WA
Looking north. On a clear day Mt. Rainier
Aug 8, 2017 near Morton, WA
Summit of Mt St Helens
Jul 30, 2017 near Morton, WA

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Minor Issues 5 days ago
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