This post sponsored by our publishing partner Cripple Creek Backcountry.
Honoring Ma the PNW way: ski Mt. St. Helens, party frocks required.
In 1987, seven years after the big eruption, Lou and I skied Mount St. Helens. I was 28. Our tracks left white stripes on the ash covered snow. Who would have known that 32 years later I’d have the pleasure of skiing it again, this time with my 28 year old son, on bright white snow, everyone dressed female to honor the X chromosome. The circle of life never ceases to amaze.
Skiing Mt. St. Helens for Mother’s Day is a popular Pacific Northwest tradition, so much so that permits get snapped up minutes after they are posted. Permits to ascent the volcano are required year round now, info here.
Marble Mountain Sno-Park is the starting point for the Worm Flows Climbing Route. Named for the rivers of rocky lava near the trail, the 10.8-mile Worm Flows route ascends 5,700 feet to the summit of Mount St. Helens. Overnight parking was allowed. We left at 4:30 a.m. and hiked 2.5 miles up a well maintained trail to snowline.
View of majestic Mt. Hood.
500 permits are issued for the Mother’s Day climb.
Peeking over the edge, crazy to look down into the heart of a mountain.
Almost there, the climb seemed quite a bit longer than I remembered — aging is a curious thing.
The snow didn’t corn up due to warm weather so it was slushy but thankfully solid.
Before the eruption, Mt. St. Helens was nicknamed the Mt. Fuji of America. Even with a blown topper, the volcano should be on your bucket list.
Mt. Adams over his shoulder and Mom in his eye. Thanks Louie, Yulia and friends for the wonderful Mother’s Day!
WildSnow Girl, Lisa Dawson, is the luckiest girl in the world. Also known as Mrs. WildSnow.com, she tests whatever gear she wants. She gives the WildSnow family of websites the feminine voice.