We Climbed to the Top of Mount St. Helens - Yes, the One that Exploded in 1980!

[@bryantm.7672]

I just completed this climb 9.9.2022, hardest single day, physically, of my life. I have run 50k ultramarathons for comparison. Your video honestly made this look easy! For that matter, you make all of the hikes you do look easy!! It is a testament to you and your family that you are able to complete them, while doing so enjoyably. I wish to someday have a family such as yours, with both values and shared interests. Thank you for continuing to put out such amazing videos. God bless.

[@AmericasParks]

That was really a great comment, Bryant! Super-blessed to read that, praise God! Sounds like you have a great heart... with that, I trust you'll do really well as a husband and father! All the best to you!

[@ddone1583]

Why it is so hard?

[@07wrxtr1]

I have done it 2x… and I suck at running!! You break it up into 3 climbs Forest Bouldering Pumice / Snow Forest you can do at night… this works in your favor as you want good snow conditions at the top!!

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, Since the eruption in 1980, I have only been to Windy Ridge (overlooking Spirit Lake) and Johnston Ridge Observatory. I remember Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake every summer in the 1960s growing up nearby. I was Shane’s age the first time I hiked in the Ape Cave, and we went to Mt. St. Helens in the winter at a Sno-Park above Spirit Lake every year in the 60s (was where the lower part of crater is now). This is an amazing video you made with the 360° camera of your hike, you make us feel like we are on it. Welcome to the Washington State we know and great views of Spirit Lake, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, as well as Mt. Hood and Jefferson. Nice touch at the end visiting 1980 photos and Coldwater Lake. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS AMAZING CLIMB WITH US, . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Enjoyed reading about your strong affection to this area, Mike. You sure have made some great memories! Always learn something new in your comments. Hope you have a super week!

[@TheDailyGold]

Wow. An outstanding video! This one had it all. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy the fruits of your labor and your accomplishment.

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate the kind words!

[@TheDailyGold]

@@AmericasParks You're welcome! I enjoy your videos and hiking videos on KZbin. This one had it all- education, beauty, entertainment and quality. What a treat for us to watch! Thanks again, and I'm glad you guys had perfect weather.

[@tirthdesai6894]

Got to speak with that guy when I summitted last summer. He said he had summitted early in the morning and spent the whole day up there guiding and educating other hikers. Definitely helped me with the final push to the summit when I was completely exhausted. The volunteers at the Mt. St. Helen's Institute are really dedicated!

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! Super guys and so thankful for his/their dedicated, informative and kind service!

[@Neashadia]

Your kids will certainly never forget this adventure, well done!

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate your kind words of encouragement!

[@cqretsqurl]

Great job! I still remember hearing the mountain explode when I was a child. I summited last (summer and winter) in 2001, in my 30's. I tried again in 2019 to re-live my youth and summit again with 3 failures, never getting past the bolder field. I have a love-hate relationship with this mountain. Great video.

[@jonathantitus2629]

Great, great video. WE loved our trip to Mt. St. Helens even though we only drove up to the observatory and walked around there. Stunning scenery. I think God did some of His best work in the Cascades.

[@AmericasParks]

Right on, Jonathan! It truly is a unique and beautiful area of our great country! God bless, brother!

[@michaelplumpton8873]

God done his best work with the eruption

[@MichaelYoungblood1]

Made It! Summited on 7/16 on a gorgeous day. First, congrats your second summit. What a special memory to share with your son. Second, excellent job on capturing your ascent to the crater. After completing this hike, I can’t even imagine filming it as well. I think you definitely captured the beauty of this adventure but also showed the grueling the nature of it too. I do want to thank you. I planned on doing this hike solo during our family vacation to Washington State. However, after watching this video it inspired me to challenge my two older boys (15 and 13) and have them accompany me. I have done hard hikes with them but nothing to this extreme. I am so happy I did. My oldest was all for it and, honestly, it barely phased him. I was so incredibly impressed. My middle was pretty hesitant because he wasn’t sure he could make it and knew it would be exhausting. He struggled, especially towards the top, but lots of breaks and encouragement and he made it. I still don’t know what my true thoughts are on this “hike”. I am using the term hike loosely. This hike plain and simple kicked my butt both mentally and physically. Not physical exhaustion but rather being bruised and battered. At the beginning of the boulder scramble, I simply wasn’t paying attention and stepped wrong and lodged my foot and ankle between two rocks. It caused me to lose balance and as I was falling I was certain I was going to snap my leg due how I was falling and my foot being immobilized. God was with me because all I suffered was some bruises and scrapes. I wish that was my only injury. I smacked my knee at full force into a boulder on the descent. Then there was the constant stumbling on the descent with the ash and loose rocks getting stuck under my feet. Like I said above, this one was just so mentally draining to me. I haven’t even talked about the endless boulder field and that last 1/4 mile of ash to summit. With all that being said, I am blessed to have been able to complete this and blessed to have completed it with my sons. It was an amazing accomplishment and an amazing site to look down into the crater from the summit. I will cherish this memory for as long as I can remember. Just not sure I will ever want to do it again.

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear of your accomplishment and the lifetime memories you created with your boys!

[@trevorjacobson6249]

Great video! We ran into your group on the climb. Great chatting with you and so awesome to have this recap of that beautiful day!

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Trevor, thanks for the comment! So wonderful to meet you guys on the trail - always nice to have some mutual encouragement. Glad you'll enjoy the memories!

[@nolanmccolly2866]

Love the videos man! You give off such a great vibe it’s awesome!

[@AmericasParks]

Really encouraged by the comment! Enjoy your week!

[@lesliesmith7835]

Thank you Randy, Shane and friends. Mount St. Helens is truly an amazing hike. It was definitely strenuous and quite fun at the same time. The views were breathtaking. I was so proud of your accomplishment... God Speed to all. .. Robin 🙂

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Robin! It was a lot easier 9 years ago, lol!

[@jymnmeier3527]

Congratulations to you all! What a fantastic accomplishment. The views from the top were just stunning. Taking lots of notes, LOL. The outro with you and Shane was so awesome. You could feel the love and pride you two shared on this adventure. So cool. Have a fantastic week dear friend

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words, my friend!

[@Zee7099]

Congrats! Enjoyed this so much. I’m estranged from my son but we were very close like you and your son way back when. Cherish the moments as I can tell that you are.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate your heartfelt words! All the best to you. Hope you and you son will reconcile one of these days.

[@like2befishing197]

Another great video! Thanks for bringing us along…I drove near this area in 1981 and the ash was plowed along the roads like a snow bank!

[@AmericasParks]

Wow, that much have been an incredible sight!

[@JP-dz7zu]

Another great video and adventure with your family and friends. Keep up the good work, Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated, my friend!

[@NickandRachel]

Awesome accomplishment guys! Love the view of all the other snow-capped mountains from the top! I had no clue you could practically snow sled down to the bottom that's awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

Killer hike! The glissading (if you can keep your line in the snow) will take off nearly have the decent. Enjoy your week!

[@paultaylorbikes]

This is soooo positive and much needed for boys this age! Keep them on path of righteousness, God bless!

[@AmericasParks]

Blessed by your words of encouragement, brother! Appreciate your heart!

[@joerussell5241]

Thanks for the memories! My 14-year-old son and I climbed St Helens May 18, 1993 on the 13th anniversary of its eruption. We had snow all the way to the top. I think it may have been easier than the rocks you had to climb over. Great memories! Have you done the trail to Camp Muir on Mt Rainier? We also did that one about a year before St Helens. I think it took more effort on my part, but another great hike for me to remember. So glad you do these hikes with your children, they grow up too fast.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Joe, enjoyed reading your remarks! Happy to hear how the video brought back some fond memories. My son was just about to turn 14 in this video too. Haven't done the trail you mentioned, but made a note. Enjoy your week!

[@jameshouse1268]

Your two words “amazing accomplishment “ truly summed up this hike! Congratulations to you both and to your hike mates for reaching and exploring the summit. I loved the beautiful views along the hike, especially in the wooded areas before hitting the tree line and tundra. Thank you for a wonderful edit and for sharing this with us. Take care always!

[@AmericasParks]

Really blessed by your kind words, James. Have a super week!

[@emeluh]

What an honor!! This video is amazing!! Can’t wait to take my son!

[@AmericasParks]

Enjoyed the kind words! Go for it... something you guys will never forget! :)

[@RobertLWard]

You know I love your stuff,but this video is huge. Some amazing video! The 360 shots are just epic.what a hike! Just did devil's postpile and rainbow falls in the round trip with pretty much no sleep the night before and it was tough.glad we slugged it out. The elevation gain in the his one looked crazy! What a fun way to get back down. Hoping more to come from this trip.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that, Robert! Need to catch-up on your uploads. We just got back from KY - wonderful time with Julie and Shane.

[@Blotchee]

For anyone watching this with plans to do this hike keep the posts to your right on the way up. You can see at 7:03 the nice trail they could’ve been hiking on instead of scrambling on the boulders. It’s not rock free but makes the process a lot easier especially going down.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks... wish I knew that on the day of our hike!

[@07wrxtr1]

Do another in early May 2025…. Much easier to slide from the summit!!

[@ritaorgel9100]

Wow that was a ruff hike but thankful all were blessed 🙏💜👍

[@AmericasParks]

Such a memorable day, Rita!

[@ritaorgel9100]

It was pretty amazing loved the bag sled lol

[@MRBeachgirl5]

I love love love your videos. You're simply providing an educational experience for your audience and having a wonderful time with your family. Very positive attitude!

[@AmericasParks]

Those words really mean a lot to me! Much appreciated!

[@normiewoo787]

Another excellent video. I had no idea that the views from the top of Mt. St. Helens were like that. I hope that you continue to pursue challenging hikes like this one because not only does it provide for great subject matter, it also gives me hope that someday I can do the same.

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear the videos inspire you to reach new goals! Thanks for the great comment!

[@douglasdearden]

From the base of Mount Adams, just to the east of St. Helens, I enjoyed watching you video. Next time you get out west try climbing Mt. Adams (12,280). You will enjoy it and your son is just the right age!

[@AmericasParks]

Really cool story, Doug! That area is fantastic. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

This is absolutely an amazing video of a amazing place

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

@@AmericasParks appreciate your videos. God Bless.

[@ervinslens]

This place is magnificent! Watching this just makes me feel good! Fantastic upload bud.👌👌

[@AmericasParks]

Loved the heartfelt comment! Have a super week!

[@BackcountryRenegade]

so awesome to be able to do these things with your son.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for noticing that and sharing the encouragement!

[@annewilliams2985]

Amazing video and it was extra special to see Shane and his friend accomplish a hike like this.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Anne! They actually did better than the adults!

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Amazing! Well done, Dad, Shane and the other family! This is definitely on my list of trails to conquer! Have you ever hiked up Mt. Whitney? God willing, that's next on my list.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Chris, heard that's a monster hike, but haven't tackled that one yet. All the best if you get the opportuinity!

[@walkthewoods]

Love this video! I’ve watched many times prepping for my 2nd attempt in a few days! Hope my experience is this magical!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words and do indeed hope you had a safe and successful hike!

[@srosenow98]

This video made me tear up a bit. Wonderful videography in this! I am planning on doing this hike next year. I just had a mild heart attack and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I hope to conquer it as well as MSH. This was a bit of an inspiration to me seeing this. -Lifelong Mount St. Helens enthusiast and historian.

[@AmericasParks]

God bless you, Steve! Hope you make a full recovery and can safely summit MSH next year! Thanks for your kind words!

[@lennylibenzon509]

Awesome video, thank you!!!!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that, Lenny!

[@papajon62]

I was a junior in high school when Mt St Helens erupted; it was nation wide news back in the day. Changed the landscape so dramatically and also quite a few deaths. That certainly is hallowed ground and a place to be humble.

[@AmericasParks]

We’ll said, Aamon. I was a freshman in 1980. Prior to 911, that might have been the biggest news story, tragedy.

[@lisalarsen1052]

Wow! Beautiful footage! I lived just south of Tacoma when Mt St Helens blew, and it is just incredible to think you climbed to the top edge. Those boys did amazing too!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Lisa... you live in such a beautiful and unique section of our country. We really has a great time in WA!!

[@markreynolds9570]

Very cool. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Mark! All the best to you!

[@mariagedwards8721]

Beautiful video and thank you so much to share all your adventures. Love all your videos!!

[@AmericasParks]

That's was really kind of you, Maria! Hope you have a great week!

[@mariagedwards8721]

Thank you!! 😉

[@biancasadventures8463]

A big congratulations to you guys for making it to the summit of Mt St Helens - such beautiful views

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks... wasn't sure if I'd complete this one!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Stunning views from the top!!! Can't imagine falling into the crater!! But that slide- yes please! FUN!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much! Hope the family is doing well!

[@donnaganey6430]

Beautiful hike! Just found your videos and love them! I am surprised at the amount of re-growth the mountain and area. Thank you!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the very kind and encouraging words, Donna! It's been a great journey!

[@markherrick3747]

Making memories, awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that, Mark!

[@alanmooney3120]

I LOVE this! I have been fascinated by Mt St Helens since she blew in 1980. I have visited a few times over the years . I live in California. I've hiked Yosemite and the local areas probably 50 times, but St Helens is my #1 bucket list. Maybe next summer :)

[@AmericasParks]

Really cool, Alan! We've been out there three times - absolutely love this area. Hope you'll be able to see it for yourself!

[@jerc8441]

Beautiful! Mt St. Helens will always be a game changer for the “slow forming” naturalists.

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! Thanks for the edifying comment, my friend!

[@G.Photogirl]

Wow, gorgeous views! You can see where so much of the mountain has been blown away from that eruption in the 80's. Amazing mountain. Thanks for sharing! 👏🏼

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@MarkH163]

Wow, great way to come down with the plastic bag sliding! You guys did a great job, what a workout!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Mark! Have a great week!

[@Jo-bt1rc]

Hello everyone. I would also like to climb the summit of Mt. St. Helens in 2024. May I ask which route you chose and where you parked your vehicles? I would appreciate more information and would appreciate it. Best regards,

[@AmericasParks]

This is from my trip notes: The Monitor Ridge Climbing Route is the primary route used by climbers during the summer to reach Mount St Helens Summit. It is a non-technical scramble, gaining 4,500 feet in 5 miles. Most climbers complete the round trip in 7 to 12 hours. The climbing route used in the summer months begins at Climber's Bivouac south of the volcano. At 3,700 feet elevation, Climber's Bivouac has the highest vehicle access on Mount St. Helens. Start on Ptarmigan Trail #216A which climbs 1,100 feet in 2 1/4 miles to timberline at 4,800 feet elevation. Above timberline, the route generally follows Monitor Ridge, climbing steeply through lava flows and loose pumice and ash. From timberline the route is marked with large wooden posts to about 7,000 feet elevation. The upper 1,300 feet of the route is unmarked and covered with loose, rock, pumice and ash.

[@oscarwolfT800]

Great video. Excellent experience hiking Mount St. Helen Volcano. Congratulations. 👍🏻

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate that, Oscar!

[@glennaddison952]

Your most impressive video yet! Best part is the time you’re investing in you son’s life.

[@AmericasParks]

Blessed my heart, thanks!

[@cooperstravels5725]

Another great video. Thanks Randy!!! Keep them coming!!!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much, Bob! Glad you hear you enjoy the videos!

[@54CFC]

Thanks for sharing Randy!🥰

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you found the video useful!

[@Chillaxing113]

Wow! Congratulations! Well done! 👏👏

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Alice!

[@alieshasalisbury1453]

You guys got so lucky with perfect weather! What amazing views!!

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, we were really blessed that day... two days later at Rainer was a different story! lol!

[@elcoreelcore]

Wow, what a hike! Congratulations to you all, incredible

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate that, Dawn!

[@DestinationEarth]

So cool that you met people working on the mountain. That stuff is so interesting to learn about. I can just feel how though this trail would be. You all did an amazing job! Woah! Sliding down the mountain? What a treat and a cool way down!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Josh! Appreciate your genuine and thoughtful words. Hope you're week is off to a great start!

[@irispavesi4956]

Just watched your climb! Absolutely amazing. Loved it! Your son did so well!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Iris! Shane did better than dad, lol!

[@IvorsTravels]

Amazing views especially into the crater. I remember seeing the eruption in 1980 on TV at the time. One of my early road trips eventually took me to the visitor centre at Observatory Ridge. I remember the lava dome still steaming years after the event. Your climb to the summit was epic. The route taken looked so strenuous but amazing. An incredible adventure. Thanks for sharing

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much! Probably only second to 9-11, that eruption stands out as my most memorable national disaster. Glad to hear you've been out there!

[@masonat76]

Nice job! Definitely one of the toughest hikes I've done. Good call on staying off of the cornice and thanks for including that information. Glissading is a good time!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind and wise words, Mason! Glad to hear you had a nice experience on this one!

[@martinjdesmond]

Great hiking and glissading video. Our daughter, 7-year grandson, and myself recently tried to hike up Desolation Peak in North Cascades NP. The elevation gain was 4,300 feet in six miles. We only got up four miles and 3,000 feet elevation before our energy ran out. I am impressed that you were able to hike over 4,500 feet elevation. That is quite the hike.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Martin! You hike was still a great accomplishment and I'm sure filled with wonderful memories!

[@potatothorn]

what a tough climb on all those rocks!! fantastic views and awesome glassade down.. i can see why you say it was the toughest... thanks for showing us around this amazing piece of recent history well done everyone!! /nice freezing lake ..we got treated to a relatively warm lake in yosemite last week, had a great backpacking trip.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks! Climbing over those never-ending boulders was a killer! Happy to hear you got in a great trip to Yosemite!

[@TroutWest]

Love the channel man. We're national park junkies too... This video is awesome man.

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated! Happy to hear of your love for the Parks. Have a blessed 2023 with some great trips!

[@birdman5223]

Majestic content MrRandy. Perfect🎶

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Mark!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

What a great video! I've been to Pinatubo - would love to climb this.

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much!

[@sandroffdsantos]

Great video of your family vacations.

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated, Sandro!

[@tomandlorih]

Great video giving me an overview of what it's like to the summit. Heading for the summit this weekend. Hope I've trained enough.

[@AmericasParks]

Wonderful to hear! Hope you have a safe and memorable hike. Start early and you should be fine finishing, if necessary, with a slow pace.

[@alexispedrick6911]

Hiked Helens 2 days ago 6/2/2023 still packed with snow and lots of snow fields to cross, had to start at Marblemount so about 5800k elevation gain & 12-mile roundtrip.. it was BRUTAL but so worth it. The glissading routes were gnarly, incredibly steep at certain points. Congrats to you all & way to go kiddos!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the update and great work, Alexis! The Marblemount Route is no joke!!!

[@stepsgaming]

I am going to Portland, OR for Portland Retro Gaming Expo and will be flying in on Sept 25 and leaving on the 29th. I have Wednesday after 2pm when I arrive till end of day Thursday to do what I'd like. I am considering going to Mt Helens to check it out Weds evening. My goal is not to do any significant hiking, but maybe some light hiking and seeing some amazing stuff. If I had a few hours at Mt. St Helens and most of a day at Mt. Rainer.... what would you consider doing.

[@AmericasParks]

Sorry for the very tardy reply and inability to assist you. I haven't been spending much time on my YT channel lately. Sure do hope you had a great trip to Washington! Beautiful state!

[@corrindickerson7368]

I love the dad pep talk in the beginning

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Corrin! A little bit of the old football coach in me!

[@athircanada]

Stunning Views !! ☀️I liked it a lot and watched all of them !! Thank you for sharing this, this is really good awesome watching 🎉May you always be Lucky and everything will be great 🌸 I was glad and really loved watching it , there was never a time my attention was out of it. keep in touch 🌻 May God bless you with great success 🌸thank you for sharing 😊 SUPER LIKE 🌼 STAY CONNECTED 🌼 🇨🇦🌹

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate your very kind words! All the best to you!

[@patrickvis7373]

Nice job! Congratulations!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Patrick! Enjoy your week!

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Until you see it Adams Rainier and Hood on a clear day your outdoor life is incomplete. The roaf between Adams and Hood FS road eventually ends up at Rainier. Good run from Hood River OR.

[@markakira8988]

I predict Shane will take his kid's up Mt. St. Helens about ~30 years from now and reminisce about his time going up with dad.

[@AmericasParks]

Love that, Mark! Let's hope your prediction holds true!

[@stevefitting6596]

Shane will never forget that hike and either will you!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that reminder, Steve!

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Great video! Fun!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks!

[@peterkanipe9281]

Missed seeing you at the visitor center by four days! Wonderful video, your best in a long time. I’m assuming a lot, so please forgive if I’m dead wrong, but I have a feeling that with your experience last year, your advancing age (which I have heard you comment about before), and this being a major accomplishment with your son who is at the beginning of growing into a man, this experience had to be one of God’s biggest blessings. I’m just beginning these experiences with my twin 10 year old sons. I’ll try to not take this time for granted. We head for Alaska next weekend, hoping to visit Klondike Gold Rush NHP in Skagway, hike some of the famous Chilkoot Trail and do some whale watching. Take care.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Peter, yes, did the majority of my hikes with my three daughters. It's nice to be with Shane (much younger than them), but the energy and stamina just isn't there it they used to be. :) Hopefully, we'll still have some memorable big hikes together. Keep investing yourself in your family - the time goes by so fast. Sorry we missed you and have a wonderful time in Alaska!

[@hikingelevated]

Awesome video!! This one is on my list now very soon to do. Not too far from my state of Utah.

[@AmericasParks]

Good call! This is such an epic hike for some many reasons (beauty, variety, history, challenge, etc.). Have a great week!

[@PNWSportsCards]

Awesome!!!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for watching, Grant!

[@PNWSportsCards]

@@AmericasParks I have watched your videos for years now and always been a fan of yours. I use to live near that area and go hiking a bunch near ape canyon... a lot of legend, myth and folklore surrounds that area its very interesting. Keep exploring!!! 👍

[@AmericasParks]

@@PNWSportsCards I'm really encouraged that you have enjoyed the videos, Grant! It certainly has been a memorable adventure over the years. Nice to hear you are getting out and hiking as well!

[@carolynedwards1045]

How fun!

[@AmericasParks]

Such great memories, Carolyn! Have a great week!

[@vs123]

Very beautiful place

[@AmericasParks]

Sure is! Thanks!

[@vs123]

@@AmericasParks I like view beautiful

[@Fiddlerontheground]

Hi America’s Parks! How did this hike compare to the Hunt on Katahdin? Just curious as that was the hardest thing I’ve ever done!

[@AmericasParks]

Great question... Those two trails are probably among my most challenging. Yet I'd have to say MSH was more difficult. Stepping over the boulders and going up the lava ash at the end was brutal.

[@patrickmurphy4204]

Already had St Helens hike planned but I never realized they would let you ice luge down. Booking a flight immediately! LOL

[@AmericasParks]

Way to go, Patrick! :) Yeah, perfectly legal and an easy/fun way to knock off some elevation!

[@tiberiud1955]

How this hike compare to the hike from paradise to camp Muir on Mount rainier ?

[@AmericasParks]

The Camp Muir hike is a little longer with some more elevation change. Yet this hike has the added challenge of bouldering and hiking up lave ash. Overall, I'd say they are relatively comparable.

[@SoutheastFish]

Man the kids aren't even phased Sliding down the side was the best part...your adrenaline must've been pumping 😂

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! I was the slowest in the group. Kids needed to wait up for us adults. :)

[@drpreatorius]

I enjoy your videos! Some weight training and conditioning could be a good idea for mature adults. Ascending these mountains can be very difficult. Sometimes it involves more than a long hike. It is a good idea to start training in the cooler months to prepare for those challenging hikes in the spring and summer months.

[@AmericasParks]

Wise words, my friend! This hike was one of my most challenging!

[@Escape-the-Chaos]

I'm envious of your family. I wish I had a family like this 😞

[@AmericasParks]

Bless your hear, my friend! Definitely wasn't a good family growing up for me. Made the conscience decision to learn from my parents mistakes. Have a great 2023!

[@Escape-the-Chaos]

@@AmericasParks yeah I think the same for me, I would raise a family better than I have been raised. It's great to see such a close family. But at the same time it makes me sad that I don't have that 😔

[@nicktravelchannel]

Great hike!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the comment!

[@robertross2596]

Those young lads were troopers! As for the adults, heart pumping on the way up & knee busting on the way down...I was in Pittsburgh last weekend for my cousin's surprise 70th birthday party. I stopped at Moraine State Park on the way there & it too was beautiful and no elevation change! Question: at my age I would not attempt the hike to the top but are the views at forests end good? Thanks, as always.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Robert, thanks for the comment. The eastern forests have some beautiful vistas, but in my opinion, I’ll take the sights out west.

[@tiberiud1955]

I want to do it ! Awesome

[@AmericasParks]

Highly recommended! Three times for me, but getting much more challenging with age! :)

[@sharonsnider2186]

Do you think you can explore Jamestown or Williamsburg? Anything Virginia parks? Enjoy watching you.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Sharron! We just returned from KY, but I need to hit more places in beautiful Virginia!

[@michellejacobcik9946]

It is hard to believe that something so beautiful has had destructive history.

[@AmericasParks]

Good point! It's also amazing how something so violent to the earth is being naturally regenerated back to it's original form over time.

[@jerryphillips7330]

Visited Mt St Helens two years after the volcano. What destruction we saw. We were able to enter from the east side on a two track fire road all the way to Spirit Lake. We passed burned out cars where a family had been camping. The hill side was beginning to be replanted with pine trees but the sun was so intense on every tree they had to put a 3 o'clock shade placecard on each tree, so it did not die. We returned in 2005 and were amazed at the growth of those little trees we saw in the early 80's. The fire road was now a paved road that still leads to Spirit Lake. Even though the Visitor Center is on the west side, I feel the east side gave me a better perspective of the destruction. Highly recommend everyone to go and see it.

[@AmericasParks]

Hello Jerry! Thanks for sharing that personal experience. Interesting facts and such incredible memories for you!

[@shawnlindsay]

Were you happy with your trail runners? Or would you do it again with boots?

[@AmericasParks]

Really set that brooks trail-runners are the go-to shoe for me. The support of a hiking boot might have been beneficial for the rock section, but for the rest of the hike, the lighter and more comfortable gym shoes were the way to go.

[@jimgreen5788]

Randy, I'd bet wearing shorts during the glissading part was a bit of a cold rush. As always, this was fun to watch. I've not done this one, but my closest approximation would probably be backpacking in to Phantom Ranch from the North Rim of Grand Canyon back in '92. I don't remember the time in, but on the way out the next day, it took 10 hrs. and 40 min., and I slugged down 2 gallons of water during that time. Oh, before signing off, I heard the seismograph guy pronounce the chute riding the same as you. But, I've heard it pronounced the French way--gliss-SOD--in some situations. I guess it's comparable to loss ANN-juh-luss or loce ON-hah-lace.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, I heard the guy, assumed he was the professional and went with his pronunciation! Interesting alternative - never heard of that one. Enjoy your week, Jim!

[@jesshughes776]

OH MAN. I ONCE SUITED EAST RIDGE, BASE TO SUMMIT. ALL 205 FEET OF IT. IN 1 WEEKEND! WHAT AN ADVENTURE. I FINISHED IN SOMEONE BACK YARD AND HAD TO TREK AROUND TO ANOTHER PLACE.

[@AmericasParks]

You are an amazing man! :)

[@ruggedland]

Nice climb. Mt Hood next?

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks! Comparable hike - would really like to tackle that one. It's on the list if I get back to WA.

[@MtHoodMikeZ]

Best to do this in the spring. Ski, splitboard, or snowshoe up. Ski or snowboard down. So Much Better…

[@jasonmountain4643]

This was harder than Grand Canyon or Half Dome? I like to hike St Helens in March. On snow right away and no permit lottery.

[@AmericasParks]

It’s comparable, similar elevation change. But scrambling over those boulders and going up that lava ash imho made this one more challenging. If you go In the winter, be sure to have the right equipment. Should be an epic adventure!

[@jasonmountain4643]

@@AmericasParks we do. I have all the right stuff. It’s amazing on a blue bird winter day. God’s painting.

[@AmericasParks]

@@jasonmountain4643 Amen, Jason!!!

[@07wrxtr1]

You should do South Sister - it’s a walkup… a cool lake is at the top!

[@Inkling777]

I climbed it before it went bang. More snow, less exposed rocks, very pretty. I left a penny in the crater that must have been blown to who knows where.

[@Rode387]

I did this to just last year it was fun

[@AmericasParks]

Congratulations on your great accomplishment!

[@kaylasmith1515]

Shane and Caleb were such troopers! Sliding down on the trash bags was so funny.

[@AmericasParks]

They did better than the dads!