Mount St. Helens: Worm Flows Route (Winter Route)
Author: Backpacker Magazine Date: 13 Oct 2009 4:23:37 PM Activity: Hiking State: Washington (WA) Distance: 17.09 km (Change units) Total Gain: 1760 m Total Loss: 23 m Net Change: 1737 m Difficulty: 8 / 10
Named for the rivers of rocky lava that surround the trail, the 10.8-mile Worm Flows route ascends nearly 5,700 feet to the summit of Mount St. Helens. Although challenging, this standard winter and spring route provides a non-technical climb for experienced hikers craving sweet summit views and a chance to practice basic mountaineering skills.
Start at the Marble Mountain Sno Park and follow the cross-country ski trails through forests of Douglas fir (bleached stumps and fallen logs still clutter the forest floor). Roughly 2 miles in, leave the forest and pass views of Chocolate Falls, a 40-foot waterfall along Swift Creek. From here, the trail crosses an increasingly barren landscape of mudflows and rock, where large posts and occasional cairns mark the way. Navigate through the jumbled lava flows, then push beyond cloud level toward St. Helens' false summit. (On clear days, scan the horizon for Mount Adams and Mount Hood.)
The route crests the crater's crescent-shaped rim at mile 5, which reveals dramatic views of Spirit Lake and Mount Rainier. (Make sure to look down into the caldera—the lava dome burps clouds of steam and sulfur into the air.) Take in the scene, then continue west along the rim to the true summit, a mound of rocks at 8,365 feet. Savor more sweet views before turning around for the return trip back to the trailhead.
Caution: The ash and loose gravel that covers the trail is slick. Depending on the conditions, consider using crampons along the snowy stretches.
Permits for the quota season (April – October) go on sale, 7 a.m. Pacific Time
April 1 - May 14
Daily limit of 500 climbers
May 15 - October 31
Daily limit of 100 climbers
November 1 - March 31
No limit on number of climbers. Permits are free of charge and self-issued at the trailhead
Climbing permits are required year round on Mount St. Helens. A Climbing Permit allows an individual or group (max size limit of 12) to be in or upon the area defined as the Mount St. Helens Closure Area #2 (PDF) during the 24 hour period designated by the permit.
To reduce crowding and protect natural features, the number of climbers per day on Mount St. Helens is subject to a quota from April 1 to October 31.
A permit may be printed up to 14 days before your reservation date. Once your permit has been printed, you cannot make changes.
Outside the quota season permits are free of charge and self-issued at the trailhead.
How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?Climbing permits are required year round on Mount St. Helens. In an effort to reduce crowding and protect natural features, from April 1 to October 31 the number of climbers per day is subject to a quota.
April 1 to May 14 – 500 climbers per day
May 15 to October 31 - 100 climbers per day
Group size is limited to 12 individuals.
From November 1 to March 31 there is no limit on the number of climbers per day. During this time, permits are free of charge and self-issued at the trailheads.
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发表于 2019-3-10 12:06:37
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发表于 2019-3-10 19:53:28
