OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE | WASHINGTON
How to climb Washington's Mount Saint Helens
THE BEST WAY
From LAX, nonstop service to Portland, Oregon International Airport (PDX<) is available on United and Alaska<; direct service (stop, no change of plane) is available on Southwest; and connecting service (change of planes) is offered on United and Southwest. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $238.
From the Portland airport, take Interstate 205 north for about 12 miles to Interstate 5 and continue north 13 miles. Take Washington Highway 503 east about 35 miles, past the town of Cougar, to U.S. Forest Service Road 83. Keep left and look for signs to the Climbers' Bivouac.
GETTING A PERMIT
Climbing permits (between Nov. 1 and March 31) are available at the Lone Fir Resort (see below) in Cougar, Wash. Between April 1 and May 14, there is no limit to the permits, but a $22 fee is charged. During hiking season, May 15 to Oct. 31, there is a limit of 100 permits and a fee of $22 each. All permits are sold online in advance at www.mshinstitute.org. Take your online confirmation to the Lone Fir Resort to pick up your permit.
GUIDES
The nonprofit Mt. St. Helens Institute offers several guided hikes, known as field seminars. The $150-a-person fee includes the cost of a permit and the guided climb. For details, go to www.mshinstitute.org.
WHERE TO STAY
Lone Fir Resort, 16806 Lewis River Road, Cougar; (360) 238-5210, www.lonefirresort.com. Doubles from $55.
Monfort's Bed and Breakfast, 132 Cougar Loop Road, Cougar; (360) 238-5229. Doubles from $60.
WHERE TO EAT
The Deck (part of Lone Fir Resort, above). Comfort food, especially broasted chicken, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. Entrees $7 to $13.
The Cougar Bar & Grill, 16849 Lewis River Road, Cougar; (360) 238-5252, Entrees $8 to $17.
TO LEARN MORE
Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters, 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Road, Amboy, WA 98601; (360) 449-7800, www.fs.fed.us/gpnf /mshnvm/index.shtml.
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