Mount St. Helens, the most active volcano in the continental US, is a stratovolcano built of a multitude of various structural layers composed of lava flows, pyroclastic rock debris, and ash, with a variable cover of snow and ice. On this climb, guided by a research volcanologist, we will examine volcanic rocks and deposits of various types, experience the upper flank of a volcano sculpted by modern depositional and erosional processes, and have a close-up view into the crater, which exposes the inner core of the volcano. The trip includes an evening campfire discussion on the geology and recent history of Mount St. Helens and a bivouac style camp out on the night before the climb. Participants are required to be in excellent physical condition because of the rigorous physical demands of the climb. This climb is about 4,500 vertical feet in 5 miles, one way climb to crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation.
Participants are responsible for providing their own equipment, food, and water.
Technical mountain-climbing experience is not necessary, but good hiking boots and the ability to ascend and descend a long, steep slope is essential. This distinctive pahoehoe flow is similar in composition, size and physical character to tube-fed lava flows that are currently active at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. By exploring nearby hiking trails and the Ape Cave lava-tube, you will learn about geologic features and basic rock types comparing the similarities and differences in eruptive processes at Mount St. Helens to those in Hawaii. Depart from the parking lot of the Trail of Two Forests Interpretive Trail. The group will be led on an approx.