Mount Saint Helens Climb in the Snow | National Volcanic Monument

[@travelfiftystates314]

Awesome video! That sure looked like a wild hike! I'm sorry you 2 did not make it to the top, but in terms of the weather and trail conditions, it was definitely the right call.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, William! Appreciate the affirmation!

[@andyvawser4943]

It's when things don't go as planned that makes for even greater memories. Glad you played it safe and gave yourself another reason to go back again someday.

[@AmericasParks]

Wise words, brother!

[@jameshouse1268]

This video has important life-lessons for both of you and for all who watch. I am again struck by the way you both handle disappointment with such grace and wisdom. Nature adventures have no room for flippant or galant decisions! Continue to stay safe!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the wise words and affirmation, James!

[@SwiftyTravels]

That is CRAZY WEATHER- I cant believe that in June!! Wow- what a memory!

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, one we'll never forget! :) Have a great week!

[@SweetTone76]

The mountains in Washington State are no joke. The weather turns on a dime. Smart move to turn around. Thanks for taking us on another great adventure.

[@AmericasParks]

So true! Appreciate the affirmation and thanks for the kind words!

[@joyceholland662]

It’s always so much fun to go with you and your family members on another America’s Parks adventure!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks Joyce... and always a pleasure to have you along!

[@concertsandvinyl]

I know how much you and Natalie were looking forward to this hike. While I do think you should go back with her and finish the deal, I think this will be the time most remembered.

[@AmericasParks]

Very well-said! These often do make for the best memories... but we are hoping for another shot at it!

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Mount Saint Helens looks an awesome climb but man talk about differing conditions! That snow looked a real tough call but just goes to show, we are always learning and even the best can get it wrong on occasions. It's never quitting when you are making the sensible call and you have to keep your young lady safe, so well done to you both! Mount Saint Helens will be there for you both next time, cheers Alan

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the words of encouragement and affirmation! Tough to turn around, but still don't regret it.

[@lesliesmith7835]

Hi Randy and Natalie, that looks like such an Awesome hike. The views from the top on a clear day must be Spectacular. I love how you always make safety a priority Randy. I can remember when Mount Saint Helen erupted 41 years ago. I was living in Southern Alberta, Canada and we had an inch of ash covering everything.. Thank you both for sharing your experience with us.... God Bless you both !!! .... Robin

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Robin, I was in high school in 1980... still remember the eruption like it was yesterday. Glad we made it up in 2013, hope to get a do-over with Natalie on this one.

[@OurNationalAdventure]

You guys are true Rock Stars!! Incredible making yourself up to the summit- crazy how drastic the weather was comparing it from your sunshine and shorts weather years ago. What an intense climb and incredible memory for you both.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement! Far from what we were expecting! :)

[@biancasadventures8463]

What a truly awesome video you guys made. I know that you would be disappointed that you didn’t make it to the summit but you definitely made the right call - the weather definitely wasn’t favourable. I’m glad that you guys are safe. You did great on your hike

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Bianca! Yeah, no summit, but still a fun day with many good memories!

[@NickandRachel]

What an Epic Journey! Those kinds of Days are the ones you remember for the rest of your life. Awesome memories. Even though the weather was bad it looked like a great time. Thanks for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Nick! Have a great week!

[@normiewoo787]

Checklists are essential for a hike this challenging. Dr. Atul Gawande would be proud.

[@normiewoo787]

...though maybe the checklist itself could use some updating.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, we really blew it on this one! lol! Need to do a better job at checking the trail conditions!

[@parksandtravel2692]

I absolutely love all the content in this channel. I learn a lot about travel videography as well as get to know a lot about America's special places! Keep it up!

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate the kind words of encouragement. All the best to you!

[@edwarddapra7674]

Great move turning around. With those conditions without an ice axe and crampons would have been too risky. Great adventure.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the affirmation! Tough call, but it was clear this was getting more unsafe and improbable with time.

[@urara-ys4kl]

I like this video. Decision is quite reasonable. It is also a nice hiking I think!!

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much! Hope you are having a great week!

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

How magnificent...challenging...dangerous...and, yet, so beautiful! I've always wanted to do this climb. This motivates me even more. Well done!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Chris! Hope to get another shot at it with Natalie. Bummer when you have the time and energy, but need to turn back. Have a great week!

[@franrautiola2619]

Good job on the hike in those conditions, never a bad choice to turn around, mountain will still be there for a later climb in better weather.. Certainly a lot of extra work filming with all the camera setups

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Fran!

[@jetmanwalking]

Wow! Great Job! Great video! What an adventure! Tough decisions are usually the best ones. Thanks for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind feedback!

[@papergenius94127]

So glad you and your daughter got back safety . Save this hike for another day. It is okay to not to finish your goal. Joyce

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Joyce... appreciate the affirmation! Thought I might regret it, but still believe we made the right call. More preparation next time!

[@rebecca1191]

Wow! That weather looks crazy 😲 especially for this time of year. Definitely the right choice to turn back.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Rebecca! So unexpected, but a great lesson and cherished memories. Take care!

[@tacticoolalan368]

This is a hike that is near the top of my list. I like doing snow hikes but I don’t plan on doing that at Mt. St. Helens. I commend you for taking the safer route. I am sure it was the safety for your daughter and yourself but showing others that it is okay to turn around. It’s gut wrenching to turn around from my experience. Just means I tell myself that I will have to come back.

[@AmericasParks]

Well-said, Alan! Thank you!

[@alrichardson7027]

Hello America's Park's😊😊😊, Great hike up Mt St. Helens but probably better safe than sorry. Have you thought of exploring the Columbia River Gorge and checking out the several beautiful waterfalls? You aren't that far from there. Great video👍👍👍👍!

[@AmericasParks]

Yes... hope to get back and give this hike another shot and then head south to the Columbia River and then into Oregon one of these days. Have a great week, Al!

[@jymnmeier3527]

Glad you were able to experience as much as you were able to considering the weather :) There is always that balance between reaching the desired destination and being safe. Mount Saint Helen's is a beautiful area. We were there in May to pay tribute to my Aunt who had passed away. Our hearts told us to get up to a high mountain top to be as close to Heaven as possible, to say our goodbyes

[@AmericasParks]

Touching story, Jymn! Such a beautiful place to appreciate the greatness of life!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

I will have to add this hike to the top of Mount Saint Helens on my list. With much better weather of course LOL. I've been there but I've never climb to the top of it. It's good you guys turned around. It's amazing you got as far as you did honestly. Thanks for sharing another National Park adventure with all of us.

[@AmericasParks]

You'd love this one, Eric... and I know you's be better prepared than us! Hope you week is going well!

[@simplefit93]

wonderful video! thanks for sharing. curious what your intinary was for this trip. trying to make a WA trip in the summer and would like to see Olympic National park, mount rainier, and hike Mt St Helens Blessings

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Daniel! Send me an email asking for the itinerary and I'll forward you what I have. [e-mail]

[@NationalParkWild]

That looks like an awesome climb! I got to climb Tanalian Mountain in Lake Clark National Park yesterday and it was amazing.

[@AmericasParks]

Nice accomplishment! Great to hear you're up in Alaska!

[@XelephantZ]

What a fantastic hike. My girlfriend and I were at the Johnston Ridge Observatory on June 23rd and had a fantastic, clear view of the crater. We couldn’t believe that there was snow on the top due to the time of year. Glad you made it safely!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks and hope you had a nice visit! We heard a heat wave rolled in the week after we left!

[@ldyoung7938]

Great video and most unusual! My younger son and I have been to the north side observation point several times and once to the northeast side where you can look down and see Spirit Lake where the logs are still floating in the water after all these years, what a tremendous place! Thanks for the video!

[@AmericasParks]

That really makes me want to go back! Nice to hear about your father-son memories!

[@andrewcotant4167]

I can relate as I made a similar call on the Harding Icefield Trail at Kenai Fjords NP last month. It was tough, but still a great time.

[@AmericasParks]

Wow, that must have been an incredible adventure for you up in Alaska! Take care!

[@WilburBeauregard]

I got snowed out with snow, rain, and fog on May 28, 2021. We hiked near the observatory only. We go back out on Sept 19. Traveling from NC.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Paul, some bizarre weather up there. Hope to get back - this time more prepared. September should be a good time to visit - all the best for a successful and safe hike!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Wise decision! Not being able to find or see the trail would be frightening. We were at Crater Lake several years ago and it started snowing - quite the surprise! Glad you made it down safely.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Heather! It was really a tough call to turn around when you still have the time and energy. Still believe we made the right call.

[@alieshasalisbury1453]

I’m sorry you didn’t make it, I know that’s really disappointing, especially considering you traveled from across the country. And all that effort for no views. But I’m glad you still tried! And this was a great video! I had a permit for July 5th last year and got snowed out, in July! Crazy! Mt St Helens has such a short window for good weather. There could easily still be snow in July, but by mid August it could easily be so smoky from all the wildfires that you can’t see a thing. You just never know and it’s always a gamble.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a kind and thoughtful comment! Nice to hear of your experience and perspectives regarding this epic hike! Hoping for a do-over!

[@MarkH163]

Wow, you certainly gave it a go! It was a beautiful adventure you two went through!

[@AmericasParks]

Looking forward to a do-over! lol! Tough when you have the time and energy to continue!

[@brookeshaffer4377]

You both are certainly troopers👍Great video.One of my favorite places to go😁Thanks for this marvelous share🌟

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the encouragement, Brooke! Natalie hopes to get back for another try!

[@mikekuhl2658]

You did not make it to the top, but you will have some great memories. It is a reminder that Mother Nature is always in charge, lol.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Mike, sometimes these "failed" adventures do indeed make for the best memories... the inability to continue is often a story in itself! Thanks for the comment!

[@jesshughes776]

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. TRY SIGNAL MNT. RAINBOW TRAIL. NOT A BIG HIKE, BUT IT'S BEUTIFUL AND ABOUT HALFWAY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN IT RUNS INTO AN OLD ABANDONED DAM. WONDERFUL PLACE.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words and suggestion, Jess! Made a note!

[@Binoculars840]

The beauty of waterproof boots is that they are also lightweight and provide great support. Depending on the manufacturer, you can almost tailor make the shoe to your foot.

[@AmericasParks]

Great words, Lori! Thanks for the advice!

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, Did you camp at Cougar? we did so every year growing up. a very enjoyable video - even if the hike was in the clouds! It’s good to know your limits, and play it safe. We lose so many hikers in the Cascades every year that don’t turn around when they should. I always enjoy Natalie and her good spirits. THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ALONG ABOVE THE SNOW LINE. . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Mike! Yes, camped in Cougar and then drove to Mount Rainier later that evening. Bummer to turn, but still a great day. I did hear that most search and rescues are not injuries, but lost hikers. Didn't want to add to the statistic!

[@annewilliams2985]

The scenery with the snow was so beautiful that i hope it made up a little bit for not making it to the top on this trip.

[@AmericasParks]

Encouraging words, Anne! Yes, the hike was still totally worth it! :)

[@megabyte7047]

Yaktraxs take up little room and can be added to your regular gear, so you’ll always have them. Great video though.

[@AmericasParks]

Totally agree! Actually do have a pair, just didn't even consider them due to the hot experience we had in 2013. Hard lesson learned! :)

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Man that is tough, wise to bail. You should get a GPS app for climbing in low visibility! I got MapOut for $6 and wow is it user friendly. . . I've had a few snow battles this spring myself but, not actively snowing. . . looked like you guys did great all considered!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Karl! Yes, indeed tough to bail when you have the time and energy still on your side!

[@jimgreen5788]

Randy, I've never seen poles used as markers. They must be the snow/fog version of cairns, right?

[@AmericasParks]

Exactly! More permanent and taller/more visible (especially when the snow starts to pile up). Take care!

[@louisbink]

A 10 hour round-trip hike for my boys and I to the summit in early August - even on a blue-bird day at the base - the changes in micro-climates. weather and temps based on elevation gain was humbling.

[@AmericasParks]

Congrats on your summit - something you guys will always remember. Couldn't believe the difference in weather conditions between our two visits, both around the same time of the year.

[@nharuamit6097]

Good job to climb moutain sharing sis ♥️♥️

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you!

[@MsArtemis01]

I really need to invest in some hiking poles. But, I would have turned around as well. The snow and little visibility is no joke on a hike. The one hiker probably camped out or something and predicted the weather. Or, got up extremely early to do the hike.

[@AmericasParks]

All so true! Thanks for joining us!

[@R72vegas]

The hike looks really hard 😳 Natalie is a rockstar for staying with you the whole time ❄️❄️🤟🏼🇵🇭

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Randy, yes, she was amazing the entire trip!

[@R72vegas]

@@AmericasParks I’m always bless to see you spending time with your daughter’s.

[@juliesmith444]

Glad I got to watch it through your eyes- way too cold for me. I can’t believe that’s June weather. Haha

[@AmericasParks]

So surprised by this one! Not you kind of weather! :)

[@Binoculars840]

Waterproof hiking boots!

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, we totally blew it on this one. Lesson learned to not assume the conditions will be the same as a previous visit. Just uploaded our "do-over" and successful Mt. St. Helens hike if interested.

[@Binoculars840]

Yes I did see it thanks!

[@RandyL86]

Do you carry bear spray during your hikes where black and/or grizzly bears are known to live?

[@AmericasParks]

Try to when necessary - but, to be honest, really need to be more consistent.

[@tmber01]

I know that feeling of being so close and certain you can make it all the way to the top but not really confident of a safe descent. It's like getting taken out by a solid kick to the solar plexus but living to fight another day. Well done.

[@AmericasParks]

Great words, Mark! Do hope to get back with Natalie and give it another shot!

[@jasonmountain4643]

My own backyard. I always prefer hiking it in March. Get to be on snow the whole way, and no reserve permits.

[@AmericasParks]

Such a beautiful area, Jason! Bummed we were so unprepared. Hope to get another shot at this one. Thanks for the advice!

[@darlenestout7548]

Wise decision be safe 🙏

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you, Darlene!

[@Gigaamped]

Randy, you threw me for a loop multiple times in this video! As far as the not having micro spikes (excuse 😜 lol) as long as the steepness has you hiking as opposed to climbing, simply keeping 3 points of contact utilizing your trekking poles _ensures_ safe travel. And really quick tip about the visibility “reason”, anyone can do this, preload a topographic view of the trail in whatever your favorite free navigation app (something like google maps) and if it doesn’t have the dashed line on there then supplement it with a screenshot of it annotated on a map. Bonus tip is your phones GPS works perfectly even when its out of service. Best of luck and research of current conditions on your next adventure!

[@AmericasParks]

Excellent and much appreciated advice! Unfortunately only I had the poles and the gym shoes with that incline in the snow just couldn't get the necessary traction. Just started using the app - later in the trip for the first time. That would have been so helpful and a potential game-changer since we had the time even if our pace was slow. Have a super week!

[@Gigaamped]

@@AmericasParks Appreciate it, gym shoes are definitely way less traction-y than trail runners. Great to hear! I just gotta tell ya, I'm only 26 but I've done crazy hikes in almost every national park in the great American West and it would make my life to hear my kid be the one pushing me harder into exploration of the outdoors. But I realize that's just me because I've put so much of my identity into climbing mountains-nonetheless, blessings to you and your family! P.S. if you ever decide to do Mount Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route for a video, I'm always down to guide as a friend because I know that route like the back of my hand and it would make a great video similar to your Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP video

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

'As you can see behind me....you can't see behind me.'

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks... enjoyed reliving that moment! :)

[@DestinationEarth]

Never a bad idea turning around when you reach a point like that. Looks like the adventure more than made up for the lack of views.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Josh! Hope you are having a great week!

[@talkinghorse55]

Good decision. As they say, going up is optional; going down is mandatory (unless it’s the Grand Canyon, then reverse it).

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks and right on, Edwin!

[@twstf8905]

Pretty girl!!! 😍 (It's actually kinda distracting lol she's absolutely beautiful!!) 😇

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, I'm sure she'll be encouraged to hear that. Have a super week!

[@angieba6600]

👍😍

[@AmericasParks]

Really thankful you enjoy watching the videos!