The Worm Flow Route on Mount Saint Helens is one a great place for a non technical ski tour. With a starting elevation of 2,700 feet and the Crater Rim above 8,300 it offers 5,500 vert of fall line skiing. With permits needed between May 15th and October 31st it is limited to only 100 people per day. Though you can find great turns in mid winter this place is best for Spring Skiing. Being a south facing slope with a relatively low elevation there is no wonder why it is usually the first volcano people climb withing the Cascade Range. With a solid 2 day weather window and no wind we decided to head up the Worm Flow Route before the annual permit season started.
It was a long 3 hours as we drove South from the big cities towards Mount Saint Helens. By now the ski resorts had all closed and we were still in the prime of winter conditions. With a thick snowpack in the high country we wanted to make the most out of it. Soon enough we arrived at the Marble Mountain Snowpark and pitched our tents. By now it was dark and we quickly made dinner before heading to our sleeping bags. Being that it was our first time climbing the Worm Flow Route we set our alarms for a predawn approach and were soon asleep.
Climbing Mount Saint Helens via the Worm Flow Route
We woke up to the brutal sound of the alarm going off. It was 5 a.m. and still pitch black as we quickly put our gear together. Soon enough we were making our way up the Swift Creek trail via headlamps. Making our way through the dark forest we anticipated a straight forward climb. Before long the it was light enough to see the Worms Flow Route above us. Being early in the morning we climbed with our boards on our packs making a quick ascent. Once we made our way past the last of the trees the early morning sun started lighting up the top of our route.
It was a quick transition as the sun made its way over the eastern horizon. By now the silhouette of Mount Adams stood out to the east. From here on out we would be in the sun for the rest of the day. Knowing there was no wind our plan was to descend the Worm Flow Route around noon.
Climbing the Worm Flow Route in the Early Morning Sun
Within minutes the shadows were quickly going away as we made our way up the Swift Creek Route. We had only climbed a little over 2,000 feet so far but we knew we would be able to ride back to Marble Mountain Snowpark. Looking towards the base of the Worm Flow Route we had a ramp that seemed to go on forever. Though the route would be mellow we had to make sure we descended the right valley. Though a mistake wouldn’t be fatal it would make add numerous miles to our exit.
Soon our group was up at a mellow rock ridge and taking in the view to the east. Mount Adams stood out but it the west face was still in the shadows. It seemed that the clouds were building up but were either far above or below. As long as the wind didn’t come in it would be a great day.
The Last Push to the Crater Rim of Mount Saint Helens
After a quick break for food we were pushing up the last 1,000 feet of the Worm Flow Route. To the south we could see clouds now filling in the valley below but our route was still good. Before long we would soon be at the Crater Rim and looking into the devastation zone of Mount Saint Helens.
The higher we climbed it seemed the higher the clouds got. Being above 7,000 feet it now seemed as if the cloud layer was at around 5,000. Though the layer didn’t seem to be climbing all the way to the top we would soon be snowboarding through it. There was a slight bit of nervousness as we had to make sure to make our way down Swift Creek. Climbing up the Worm Flows Route we had spotted numerous small canyons and it would be easy to get lost in the clouds.
Arriving on the Crater Rim
Before long we were taking our final steps up to the Crater Rim. Finally we could rest for a little bit but we had to be careful. It was painfully obvious that there were massive cornices into the Crater and it was hard to see where the edge was. Sitting near the top we looked for a spot with bare rocks before walking over to the edge. With our group together it was time to check out the reason Mount Saint Helens in known around the world.
Walking over to the edge we were happy to be standing on rocks. Over a thousand feet below us was a steep drop off into the crater. There was a constant smoke billowing out of the sulfur vents as the mountain let us know it was still active. Looking to the north the Spirit Lake area was now buried in a sea of clouds but we were happy to be able to see the tops of the peaks to the north.
Being that it was our first time on the summit of Mount Saint Helens we walked around to snap a few shots. This place had changed so much after the 1980 eruption and all that was left was this massive scar. It seemed that there were lines to ski into the crater but they were littered in rocks and probably firm. Descending into the crater is both dangerous and illegal so we would just have to dream.
Heading for the True Summit of Mount Saint Helens
After a bit of chatting we decided to push to the main summit. Although we would have been able to ski the Worm Flow Route from where we were we decided to get the extra vert. Making our way across the Crater Rim we made sure to stay clear of the edge.
Before long we were taking our final steps to the summit of Mount Saint Helens. Arriving on top we rested for a bit taking in the view. Soon enough we transitioned and were preparing for a 5,500 vert ski run. By now it was noon and we though the Worm Flow Route would be perfect corn snow. It was time to get moving and make our way back to the Marble Mountain Snowpark.
Snowboarding Down the Worm Flow Route
With a quick traverse we were back on our ascent route. By now there were numerous people climbing the Worm Flow Route as we found perfect snow. With a few inches of corn on top of a firm base we made turns down with Mount Adams in the background.
What had took us numerous hours to climb was descended in less then 20 minutes. Working with the terrain we would bank the corners and the snow was getting better the lower we went. After the upper traverse it was straightforward from top to bottom.
Our fear had become a reality as we made our way into the clouds. Knowing we had to go down we made turns with less then 10 feet visibility. Soon enough we found ourselves at a small rock ridge blocking our progress. Taking off my board I walked down the slopes and was ready for the last thousand feet. As I strapped in I noticed Scott’s skis flying through the air. It wasn’t long before it was time to make our final descent on the low angled slopes.
Before long we were making our way through dense trees and back towards the Marble Mountain Snowpark. By now the clouds had blown off for a bit and we could see the Worm Flow Route. It was still only two in the afternoon as we made our way back to the car. It had been a great day on Mount Saint Helens and a great start to the spring volcano season.
Leaving the Marble Mountain Snowpark
Driving back home we were already making plans for our next trip. We still had 2 more months to find good turns and numerous places to go. We were happy to get into Mount Saint Helens in early May and a few days before the permit season. It had been a great overnight trip and the Worm Flow Route was a great descent.