Mount St. Helens - Monitor Ridge — Monday, May. 30, 2016

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens

Gorgeous day to hike. Started at Climber's Bivouac at 7:30. The snow is so melted that you can actually make it all the way to the top without crampons. Though bringing them is always a good idea. We went on the rocks almost the entire way. I just saw that a previous trip report suggests gardening gloves. Wish I had read that earlier! Such a good idea. The snow was very slushy in the afternoon, and we were pretty early coming back (1:30 return to TH), so I can only imagine how much worse it gets. Glissaded down for much of it, but in parts, rocks were starting to show. Sometimes the glissading paths kindof take you away from the official route, but you are always in sight of it. Trail is in great shape and well-marked. Have fun!