Most St. Helens climbers start from the end of Road 8100.830 at an elevation of 3,700 feet. Early in the season, snow covers the road, making it a longer climb. From there, climbers sweat up through rocks up the side of Monitor Ridge, the steepest part of the climb. It's somewhat easier going atop the ridge, which rises in steps near its bottom and narrows higher up. At about 7,000 feet, Monitor Ridge merges with the open upper reaches of the mountain.
Views extend for miles and miles, to the Columbia River and peaks afar.
The steepest grade is about 35 percent, not excessive by mountaineering standards. People who aren't in particularly great shape can make it if they're determined. Late in the season, the snow melts to expose loose, sandy pumice. It's a much prettier and cleaner climb over snow. The average time on this route is about five hours up and three down.