The site of a catastrophic volcanic eruption in 1980, the Mount St. Helens area has been designated a National Volcanic Monument. The mountain itself, an active volcano, stands at 8,363 feet. Several routes scale the southwest side of the mountain. Additionally, boulders proliferate in this area, and the upper stretch of the lava tube known as Ape Caves features many bouldering climbs.

Mount St. Helens has two main climbing routes. During the winter, beware of cornices along the summit ridge.