Climbing permits for Mount St. Helens go on sale
MOUNT ST. HELENS - If you're thinking of climbing Mount St. Helens this year, now is the time to get your permit for the 2013 season.
Anyone who wants to go above the volcano's 4,800-foot elevation is required to have one.
The permits can be purchased online starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 1. They cost $22 for the peak season (April 1 through Oct. 31).
Permits are limited to 100 per day for most of the season (from May 15 through Oct. 31) to keep the impact on the mountain to a minimum and protect the natural resources.
What to Expect if You've Never Climbed Mount St. Helens
Bought my permits, finally talked my son into going with me, only so he can snowboard down.
it's such a beautiful place...but it scares the h3ll outta me
I wonder where that money goes that they are charging the climbers? Does it go to the Search and Rescue teams that go out when a climber gets in trouble or into some state pocket? I don't mind seeing them charge a fee but that fee should be banked to support those who do the work if someone gets in trouble not some fat cat's favorite project.
 @LongBeachBum good point another forum someone made the point: Â
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PRIVATE non-profit Mount St. Helens Institute rakes in $5 per $22 permit for their personal coffers. $15 goes to the Forest Services, $2 goes to MSHI to maintain the online database/mailing of the permits, and $5 goes to them to use any way they like. Â
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MSHI has ZERO liability or responsibility for trail safety/upkeep/maintenance/road care/plowing/etc. Last fall there was a Katu story about how proud MSHI was that they sold out the entire year's worth of Permits. That's 165 days X 100 permits a day X $5/permit = $82,500Â
I've climbing St Helens many times and each is a unique experience depending on the time of year. Don't pick a date too late in the year and end up on dusty hike. Here's a few virtual years of different years and time of year that might get you interested. http://www.fullscreen360.com/mt-st-helens-summit-2011
 @Dan Taylor I've only been up in the summer, but I can see how it's hard to stay off the snow cornice with that view pulling on you!