Mount St. Helens Climbing Permit
A climbing permit is required year-round above 4,800 ft. April 1–October 31 permits are sold online first-come on Recreation.gov, released one month at a time at 7:00 a.m. Pacific on the first of the preceding month. November 1–March 31 permits are free and self-issued at the trailhead. Daily quota is 350 (Apr 1–May 14) then 110 (May 15–Oct 31).
Permit dates, fees, and rules change every year. Always confirm on the official agency or booking site before you apply.
What it covers
Advance reservation administered by Gifford Pinchot National Forest for the 2027 season.
Linked PeakAtlas3D summits: Mt. St. Helens.
Who needs it
A climbing permit is required year-round above 4,800 ft. April 1–October 31 permits are sold online first-come on Recreation.gov, released one month at a time at 7:00 a.m. Pacific on the first of the preceding month. November 1–March 31 permits are free and self-issued at the trailhead. Daily quota is 350 (Apr 1–May 14) then 110 (May 15–Oct 31).
Windows
- April quota permits released: Mar 1, 2027 – Apr 30, 2027
How to apply
Use the official booking link below. PeakAtlas3D does not sell permits. Read the source page for group size, ID, and payment rules before you start an application.
Fees (as stated by the source): $20 per climber per day in the quota season plus a $6 non-refundable Recreation.gov reservation fee.
Source
Official source · Verified 2026-10-26