One Day Wilderness: Mt. St Helen’s Rim

Climbing to the rim of Loowit is one of the most rewarding and startling experiences that a northwestern outdoor enthusiast can do, it is a rite of passage. Amazing views south to the Sisters and east to Mt. Adams on the climb up lava fields covered in snow. While on the Rim, you are captivated by Mt. Rainier, Spirit Lake and a view into the smoldering Crater on the edge of this cataclysmic scene. This non technical climb is best done in winter on the Wormflow Route in my opinion, when the Climbing Permits are free and the crowds are mostly nonexistent. Simply start at Marble Mountain Sno-Park past Cougar and follow the blue diamonds to treeline and then the wooden poles that lead you higher up, it is fairly cut and dry. However, this climb is not for the faint of  heart, make sure you check the weather, bring traction devices like crampons, snowshoes or microspikes, trekking poles and start as early as humanly possible. It is 12 miles round trip with 5700 ft. of elevation gain, but worth every step from a memory perspective.

Spirit Lake and Rainier covered in a fresh coat of snow

A smoldering lava dome above the Breach

Mt. Adams at last light!

A wave of fog rolls into the Gorge as Wy’East stands his ground