Hike into the Crater of Mt St Helens

[sgyoung]

Hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone here has taken one of these guided tours into the crater? Link

Admittedly, the idea of a guided group hike is somewhat unappealing (I go hiking to avoid people) and the fees are lame, but a trip into the crater might be cool enough to override my objections otherwise. If anyone has done this hike or heard anything about it, I'm curious to know about your experience.

Thanks!

[adamschneider]

Sounds like it doesn't exactly take you "into" the crater!

It goes to here:

[kepPNW]

The lack of crowds is partly because for now, the only way to reach the crater view is with a Mount St. Helens Institute guided hike that costs $300.

As early as next year, however, the Forest Service plans to open the route to the public under a fee system similar to that for climbing up the south side of the volcano to the summit.

Kinda pisses me off that this didn't open to everyone this year. I've been anxiously looking forward to it since first reading that article. Seems the USFS is offering MSHI a pretty darn sweet deal here, by dragging their feet. I'd happily pay my $22 to get there.

[retired jerry]

You're not allowed to go into the crater?

[kepPNW]

You're not allowed to go into the crater?

No way, unless you work for USGS. Throughout the Restricted Zone, you're not allowed to go off-trail.

[retired jerry]

bummer

I suppose you could hurt yourself...

Anyone get busted for doing this?

[kepPNW]

bummer

I suppose you could hurt yourself...

Anyone get busted for doing this?

Yeah, maybe. Never heard of them nailing anyone, though.

[adamschneider]

The endpoint of the $300 MSHI hikes is only a little ways inside the restricted zone (which starts at about the 4800' contour). It's not clear whether the proposed permit system would only allow you to get to THAT point, or further in.

[sgyoung]

Sounds like it doesn't exactly take you "into" the crater!

Good point. I didn't mean to oversell the destination. Perhaps closer to the crater than usual hike would be more appropriate. It's a much less catchy thread title though.

Kinda pisses me off that this didn't open to everyone this year. I've been anxiously looking forward to it since first reading that article. Seems the USFS is offering MSHI a pretty darn sweet deal here, by dragging their feet. I'd happily pay my $22 to get there.

Agreed. $22 is easy enough to justify and would avoid the organized group-tour aspect too. $300 is a bit much however.

[adamschneider]

I just noticed something: the article says "The 10-mile slog from Windy Ridge to the crater view gains 1,800 feet..."

Important correction: it's a FIVE-mile slog. About 10 miles round-trip.