Mt St Helens Fumaroles
Mount St. Helens fumaroles reach 190 degrees at 6,906 feet elevation on the crater rim, emerging 159.1 degrees above ambient in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. These intensely hot geothermal features require a 5.6-kilometer hike from Climber's Bivouac Road, occupying the volcano's post-1980 eruption crater.
The fumaroles sit within the horseshoe-shaped crater created by the May 18, 1980 eruption that removed the volcano's north face. Annual precipitation totals 103 inches with 278.3 inches of snow. The landscape remains raw and actively evolving, with pumice fields, growing lava dome, and minimal vegetation. Views extend into the crater and across the blast zone.
The 1980 eruption fundamentally transformed Mount St. Helens, removing 1,300 feet of elevation and creating the current crater. Ongoing geothermal activity reflects magma movement beneath the volcano, monitored continuously by the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory. Climbing routes were reestablished in the 1980s as the mountain stabilized under Forest Service management.
Reaching the fumaroles requires a climbing permit from April through October, obtained through recreation.gov lottery. The hike gains significant elevation through pumice and boulder fields. Lower Falls Campground, 25 kilometers away, provides base camping. Monitor volcanic activity bulletins and weather forecasts. Bring sun protection, as the pumice slopes reflect intense radiation.
Is Mt St Helens Fumaroles worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
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Overview Lower Falls Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors enjoy several waterfalls in the area and access to the Lewis River Trail. The campground is open from mid-May through October.Recreation Near the campground are several trailheads that provide visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. There are hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse trails, and motorcycle trails within 10 miles of the campground. The Lewis River contains rainbow, cutth...