Starting the tour at the Marblemount snowpark at 2,700 feet make your way north up the Swift Creek Ski Trail. Staying on the lookers right side of Swift Creek at around 3,600 feet you will reach the open slopes just below the main winter climbing route of Mount Saint Helens. Following the snow covered gully make your way towards the small ridge on the lookers left and start gaining elevation. If early in the morning you can also just head up the gut of Swift Creek but later in the day this route is unsafe as it is a terrain trap.

Nearing the crater rim the slopes will steepen a bit but still be easily climbable before making it all the way to the top. Once arriving on the high ridge take in the stunning view of the aftermath of the 1980’s eruption. At one point this was a perfect cone but after loosing 1,400 feet of volcanic mass this is what is left. Standing on top remember that THERE IS A HUGE CORNICE UNDER YOU so don’t get to close to the edge. If you chose you can spend an extra hour walking northwest to make it to the true summit but it is not necessary for this descent.

Being that the slopes are Southeast you want to start descending before the early afternoon to get the best snow conditions. Semi firm snow up top is best as this means down low it won’t be slush yet. When descending the best line is to stay within the main gully on the skiers right before reaching tree line and retracing your steps back to the Marblemount Parking area.

To see my trip in the area and more photos check out this link https://www.whereiskylemiller.com/volcanoes-cascade-mountains/mount-saint-helens/