My friend and I left the trailhead at a late start at around 8:30am, we continued through the trails until we were out of the tree line and looking over the mountain we were about to tackle. While we have little mountaineering experience (Mt Adams) we were able to go at a good pace making it to the summit of the mountain at 3:00pm(first of the day). But before we made it to the top we were following a trail set before us roughly an hour earlier and soon caught up to the ones making it, and upon catching them we realized that there was no trail but them going by instinct(which turned out to be good). The summit did not disappoint with the view, 360 degree view with clear blue skies. after 15 minutes on the summit we started to make out way down the mountain and we were the firsts to head down. And unfortunately there were no glissade chutes made, which made glissading near impossible.  At quite a brisk pace we were able to make it to the trailhead at 6:15pm in pure darkness. 

If you can hike this trail before the next round of weather hits - do so. I was initially a little worried since it was cold and windy at the trailhead. But up top it was perfect. The trail is in great shape and easy to follow and there are glissade paths a good portion of the way down. Started with snowshoes and a heavy coat but ditched them both after a mile or so. Steady hiking for a couple miles after and then threw on the crampons for the rest of the way. Started at 5ish and hit the summit by noon after stopping to take a lot of photos along the way. Back to the trailhead by five. If you're thinking about doing it. Do it. Do it now.

Amazing week long December weather window lead to change of plans to summit Helens.  No regrets, beautiful climb and many others skiiing and climbing on the mountain.  Avalanche risk minimized by the long spell of cold dry weather (this will of course change next time it snows).  Stayed well away from the significant cornice around the crater.  Super fun time.  Ice axe and crampons highly recommended.  Moderate pace with many breaks.  Started 930am, summitted 3pm, returned to car 7pm.

My hike began at 0630 and didn't end until 1830; partly as a result of having to park 1.3 miles from the trail head (low clearance, 2WD) and in part due to the (seemingly fresh) snow cover. The trail was barely visible most of the route, thanks to a Mt. St. Helens Institute party of 3 who were about an hour ahead of me.

This was a seriously tough trek. The snow was deep, the ice abundant, and the Incline ever growing. However, the views were breathtaking. The weather couldn't have been more perfect (maybe a few more clouds for sun cover)!

My saving grace was my snowshoes. They had spikes included and articulated amply to allow for climbing the 45-60 degree slopes of ice on the top third to quarter of the route. My poles were great getting up, yet they both broke on the way down (cheap pair).

Overall, the experience was once in a lifetime and I loved it, despite hating the descent on such inclines. Being my first Cascade summit and my first snowshoeing experience, I learned some very valuable lessons, garnered a new respect, and discovered how incredible(ly difficult) some "day" hikes can be. 

I'd absolutely recommend doing this hike during a period with longer days and with a group of people (both of which I didn't do).

For the winter, it is almost certain to both start and end in the dark. 

The trek is arduous. The views are splendid.

Parked at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park Friday night around 10pm. slept in the back of my truck until 3am. After morning breakfast and gear check, started out at 3:45am. Flashlight and headlamp through the forest. Follow the signs toward Worm Flows. There was a downed tree with 2 more behind it across the trial. Keep going, you're still on the correct path. Come out of the forest to the treeline. Once you cross over Chocolate Falls and continue up, at least for me, it became a "choose your own adventure." I stayed on the same path most of the way up, but saw a path across the snow to another section of solid rock that seemed to lead to the western side and an easier climb. Sunrise was amazing. I recommend poles to help take the weight off your legs. I cramped up several times (was using a monopod and ice axe to stabilize). Got to the top around 9:20 am. Ate, drank, took pictures, and admired the view. Glissading down was a lot of fun, but tricky. Recommend an ice axe to help stop yourself. FOR ME, the way back down was disorienting. I ended up heading towards the bivouac, then overshot my way towards the falls. I ended up finding a trail far north of Chocolate Falls, and followed it back to the crossing (luckily). Way back to the Sno-Park was straight forward.