Butte Camp
We typically do the Butte Camp route as a three-day overnight trip. It's a leisurely trip with a higher degree of solitude than the more heavily used Monitor Ridge Route. It also provides you the opportunity to learn about snow camping techniques during usually milder Spring conditions. It is my favorite way to climb St. Helens
We can do it anytime snow is on the route and guides and permits are available. (After April 1, Monday through Thursday departures only under the terms of our Special Use Permit.) Go to Sign-up Form, call (877) 965-5100, or e-mail to make your reservation. A 50% deposit is required. For cancellations two weeks or less prior to the scheduled climb, we will retain $25.00 of the deposit to cover the non-refundable permit charge if the spot is not filled.
Price: 1 person: $700 each, 2 persons: $600 each, 3-4 persons: $550 each, 5-10 persons: $500 each. Includes guide, door-to-door transportation, climbing equipment, snowshoes, trekking poles, tents, climb permits, and food.
We will typically leave Portland about 6 AM and drive to Cougar, WA, where we pick up our permits.
Winter/Early Spring Climbs:
We drive to Cougar Sno-Park at 2,250'/686m and snowshoe or ski to just below Timberline at 4,800'/1,463m.
Late Spring Climbs
We drive to Redrock Pass at 3,116'/950m. We cross over a lava field, meadows and mixed forest, hiking 4 miles/6.7km to our camp site just below the Loowit Trail at 4,800'/1,463m.
We'll set-up camp and practice our ice axe and glissading techniques. Your guide(s) will prepare dinner while you relax and enjoy the mountain experience. Following dinner we'll have a pre-climb briefing and get our summit packs ready. We get up at 6 AM, have breakfast and head directly for the summit. In about four hours we should reach the summit rim at 8,365'/2,250m.
The view from the rim is fantastic as we look down 2,000'/610m into the crater with the lava dome steaming below. Mt. Rainier is framed in the gap to the North. Prior to approaching the edge of the rim, we will determine if we need to set-up anchors for a secure belay.
We have lunch at the rim as we take in the wonderful views in all directions. After about an hour (depending on conditions) we begin our descent. This i the glissade on Mt. St. Helens. It's a straight shot down, and if snow conditions are good we can glissade almost into camp. After a snack break, we'll pack-up camp and hike out to Redrock Pass/Cougar Sno-Park. We can change clothes and have a refreshing cool drink. We then take a last look at the mountain and return to Portland, knowing we've had an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives.
SCHEDULED CLIMB:
Lake Oswego Parks And Recreation:
Price - $453 (Lake Oswego Resident)/$521( Non-Resident)
DATES:
Classroom: 6:30-9:00 PM, March 17, 2010. Climb: Saturday, March 20, - Monday, March 22, 2010.
CLASSROOM LOCATION:
Lake Oswego Parks And Recreation West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Register for class #TBD, or call 503 675-2549.
We can also conduct custom classes - Call (877) 965-5100 or e-mail to make arrangements.
It is a joy to be out in the snow and be warm and comfortable. While it’s typically not bitter cold in our snowshoe area, you will enjoy the experience much more if you have the appropriate clothing. It hurts our heart to see cold, wet people on the mountain who are putting their well-being at risk and having a miserable time. Ironically, you are more likely to get cold if you first get too warm and end-up with dank, sweaty clothing. Layering is important, as is having wool or synthetic fiber clothing such as fleece and polypropylene (which dries quickly) rather than cotton (which doesn’t).
When you are moving, you need less insulation because you are generating more heat. When you stop, put on more layers to keep from getting chilled and uncomfortable. Here’s what you should have with you: Clothing
- Warm climbing boots
- Wool or polypropylene socks with liners
- Polypropylene or equivalent thermal underwear tops and bottoms
- Warm sweater, fleece jacket, or wool shirt
- Warm pants (No Jeans!)
- Gore-Tex (or other water/wind-resistant material) Parka and Pants
- Gloves/Mittens with windproof shells
- Warm hat
- Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots
Ten Essentials
- Whistle
- Map of area
- Compass
- Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulb or another light)
- Extra food and Clothing (wool socks, dry gloves, more warm things)
- Sunscreen and lip protection
- Pocket knife
- Lighter or matches in waterproof container
- Firestarter
- First aid kit (Let us know if you require drugs or medicines that will make you drowsy or dizzy.)
OTHER
- Two and 1/2 Quarts of Fluids
- Toilet Paper
- Small insulation pad for sitting on
- Handkerchief
- Dark Sunglasses with side shields or Ski Goggles
- Camera and film/memory card
- Duffel bag for your gear in the sled
Camping Gear
- Warm sleeping bag
- Two sleeping Pads - one inflatable (i.e. Thermorest)and one closed cell
- Eating utensils - Nonmetal bowl, cup, and spoon
- Tent booties
- Crazy Creek Style chair and a book (Optional)