Four of us climbed Mount Saint Helens Monday 7/14/08. Beautiful day, but I am glad it was not any warmer. It is just a guess, but the temperature for most of the hike seemed like the upper 80's to low 90's.
The climbers were Andy Anderson, Bend; Daniel Sheahan, Spokane; Barb Rumer, Bend; and Bob Sandberg, Bend. Barb and Bob were members of the Cascades Mountaineers.
We slept in our tents or cars at the Marble Creek TH Sunday night. We were up at 4:30 and left at 5:30 AM. Returned at 4:00 PM. It was so warm at the summit that we lingered for 1.5 to 2 hours. There were several steam vents that were active in and around the dome inside the crater. We were all awestruck to see first hand how much of the mountain was blown away. Truly incredible. No matter how many pictures you have seen of the devastation, nothing can do justice until you have seen it yourself. Mother Nature is without a doubt still the most powerful force on our Earth.
Our hike started at the Marble Creek TH. because the Climbers Bivouac, which is the most common way to ascend the mountain, was closed due to heavy snow conditions. Marble is 2600 ft., which is about 1000 feet lower than the Climbers Bivouac. The summit is 8365 ft. Climbers Bivouac is expected to open in about 2 weeks. When you get to the crater rim it looks like quite a hike around to the real summit, but it is not bad. There is only one drop in elevation worth noting, even though it looks like there will be two.
Good group. Mature hikers. Good natured and a lot of fun. Give it a try.
Permits can be purchased at the Lone Pine RV Resort in Cougar, WA. Permits are limited to 100 climbers per day. The charge is $22.50 each and must be ordered on line or by mail. It is easier to get permits during the work week. There is a good restaurant there. Just a block away is a mini mart and gas station that had plenty of beer, but a little short of groceries. You may want to stock up ahead of time at Woodland, WA or before.