11.3 hr
Overview
Before May 18th, 1980, when the beautiful cone of St. Helens was 1,300 feet more prominent than it is today, those seeking the mountain’s highest point would camp out beneath two buttes on its south side. The camp became Butte Camp , strictly speaking Lower Butte Camp, and the pair of buttes became Butte Camp Dome. While the winter ascent, using June Lake and the Worm Flows, and the summer plod, via Monitor Ridge , are well-known, a third, and yes officially sanctioned though not highly publicized way to the crater rim is up the old ascent ridge west of Monitor. There is no boot path here but the route is technically not much more difficult than Monitor Ridge although there are many loose lava boulders and no one to help you if you manage to injure yourself. Earlier in the season, there is more snow to use; later in the summer and fall, snow can be used only at the highest section of the route and you will spend more time on loose lava boulders and ash. This route can de done as an overnight camp at lush, well-watered Butte Camp or as a day hike.
Trail Stats
21.2 km
1617 m
2550 m
—
—
Photos
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.